Serious Offenses in Arizona
In Arizona, being charged with a “serious offense” can have harsh consequences. According to A.R.S. 13-706, a serious offense is:
- First degree murder
- Second degree murder
- Manslaughter
- Aggravated assault resulting in serious injury or involving the discharge or threatening use of a deadly weapon or deadly instrument
- Sexual assault
- Any dangerous crime against children
- Arson of a structure that is occupied
- Armed robbery
- Burglary in the first degree
- Kidnapping
- Sexual conduct with a minor under fifteen years old
- Child sex trafficking
Most serious offenses are felonies, which have the most severe criminal charges. First time offenders can find themselves incarcerated for up to 12.5 years, with ranges ultimately depending on the class of felony and the specific charges.
Anyone convicted of a serious offense will be sentenced to life in prison if the following apply:
- The offender is at least 18 years old and was tried as an adult
- The offense is not a drug offense, first degree murder, or a dangerous crime against children
- The offender has been convicted of two or more serious offenses
If life in prison applies, the offender will not be eligible for sentence suspension, probation, parole, or release from confinement until they have served at least 25 years or the sentence is commuted.
Those convicted of serious offenses will be ineligible to restore their gun rights until ten years have passed since their date of absolute discharge from prison.
RIDEOUT LAW GROUP
With offices in Lake Havasu City and Scottsdale, our firm serves the entire state of Arizona, with a particular focus on criminal defense, family law, and juvenile cases.
Our goal is for the best outcome for your criminal case, which can include:
- charges that are reduced or dropped.
- top experts reviewing your case.
- aggressive negotiations with the prosecution for plea bargains.
- fines or probation in lieu of jail time.
At Rideout Law Group, our attorneys are able to expertly examine the evidence in your case to provide a strong strategy for argument that leads to an outcome that is most favorable to you. We have experience in all types of criminal cases for both adults and juveniles, with positive outcomes both in plea negotiations as well as jury trial settings.
Call us today for a free consultation at 480-584-3328.