Penalties and Real-Life Examples
In Arizona, felonies are categorized into six classes—Class 1 being the most serious, and Class 6 the least. A Class 2 felony is among the most severe charges and can result in decades of imprisonment, heavy fines, and long-term consequences that affect employment, housing, and civil rights.
Whether you’re facing charges or trying to understand the legal landscape, it’s critical to know what a Class 2 felony means under Arizona law.
What Is a Class 2 Felony?
A Class 2 felony in Arizona is a criminal offense that carries significant prison time and can follow you for life if convicted. These charges typically involve serious violence, large-scale drug crimes, or high-level white-collar fraud.
These offenses are governed by Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS) Title 13, and sentencing can be enhanced if aggravating factors are present or if the defendant has prior convictions.
Examples of Class 2 Felony Crimes in Arizona
Some real-world crimes that can be charged as Class 2 felonies in Arizona include:
- Armed Robbery – Using a weapon to commit a theft or threatening someone with a weapon during a robbery.
- Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon – Assault that involves serious physical harm and the use of a dangerous weapon.
- Sexual Assault (Rape) – Non-consensual sexual intercourse.
- Large-Scale Drug Trafficking – Possession for sale or transportation of narcotics above the threshold amount (e.g., heroin, methamphetamine).
- Burglary in the First Degree (with a Weapon) – Entering a structure unlawfully with the intent to commit a felony or theft while armed.
Penalties for a Class 2 Felony in Arizona
Arizona’s sentencing laws are complex and vary depending on several factors, such as prior criminal history and whether the offense is classified as a “dangerous offense.”
➤ First-Time Offender (Non-Dangerous)
- Presumptive sentence: 5 years
- Minimum: 3 years
- Maximum: 12.5 years
➤ Dangerous Offense
If the felony involved a deadly weapon or caused serious physical injury, it is considered “dangerous.” In these cases, probation is not allowed, and sentencing is stricter:
- Minimum: 7 years
- Maximum: 21 years
➤ Repeat Offenders
Repeat felony offenders can face significantly longer sentences. For example, a person with two or more prior felony convictions could face up to 35 years or more in prison for a Class 2 felony.
Collateral Consequences of a Class 2 Felony Conviction
A conviction for a Class 2 felony doesn’t end with a prison sentence. Individuals may also face:
- Loss of gun rights
- Restricted job opportunities
- Ineligibility for certain professional licenses
- Difficulty securing housing
- Loss of voting rights (until rights are restored)
Many Class 2 felonies are also “strike” offenses under Arizona’s repeat offender statutes, meaning future convictions can carry even more severe penalties.
Defending a Class 2 Felony Charge
Given the high stakes, it’s essential to work with an experienced Arizona criminal defense attorney if you’re facing a Class 2 felony. A skilled lawyer can:
- Investigate procedural errors or constitutional violations
- Challenge evidence such as surveillance, DNA, or witness credibility
- Negotiate reduced charges or seek diversion if available
- Advocate for sentencing alternatives such as probation or rehabilitation
Rideout Law Group: Trusted Defense for Serious Felony Charges
At Rideout Law Group, our attorneys have handled thousands of felony cases across Arizona, including Class 2 charges. With offices in Scottsdale and Lake Havasu, we defend clients in Maricopa and Mohave Counties with experience, strategy, and compassion.
If you or a loved one has been charged with a Class 2 felony, contact us today for a free consultation. We’ll review your case and help you understand your rights, options, and next steps.
📞 Call us at (928) 854-8181 or (480) 584-3328
📍 Offices in Lake Havasu City and Scottsdale
✉️ Contact us online for a free consultation