Felony Defense
Facing a felony charge in Maricopa County? A felony conviction is permanent, and the decisions made in the first few weeks often decide the outcome. Call Nova Law Group at (480) 405-6767 for a free, confidential consultation.
Charged with a felony in Maricopa County?
A felony charge changes the arithmetic of your life. It is not just the possibility of prison. It is the loss of the right to vote and to possess a firearm, the professional license that gets reviewed, the apartment application that gets denied, the job that goes to someone else, and the immigration consequences that can follow a non-citizen for the rest of their life.
Arizona’s sentencing code is unusually rigid. Judges here have far less discretion than in many states, because the legislature wrote the ranges into statute and attached mandatory consequences to specific allegations. That cuts both ways. It means a bad outcome can be locked in early, and it means that fighting the right allegation at the right moment can move a case from mandatory prison to probation-eligible.
Understanding exactly what you are charged with, and which allegations the State has attached to it, is the first real step. Here is how the system works.
How Arizona classifies felonies
Arizona sorts felonies into six classes. Class 1 is reserved for first and second degree murder and is sentenced under its own separate provisions. Classes 2 through 6 cover everything else, with class 2 the most serious and class 6 the least.
Class 6 is a special case worth knowing about: under A.R.S. § 13-604, a court may in some circumstances designate a class 6 felony as a class 1 misdemeanor. That single ruling can preserve firearm rights, voting rights, and a professional license. It is one of the most valuable outcomes available in Arizona criminal defense, and it is worth structuring a case around from day one.
First felony offense, non-dangerous: A.R.S. § 13-702
| Class | Mitigated | Minimum | Presumptive | Maximum | Aggravated |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Class 2 | 3 yrs | 4 | 5 | 10 | 12.5 |
| Class 3 | 2 yrs | 2.5 | 3.5 | 7 | 8.75 |
| Class 4 | 1 yr | 1.5 | 2.5 | 3 | 3.75 |
| Class 5 | .5 yr | .75 | 1.5 | 2 | 2.5 |
| Class 6 | .33 yr | .5 | 1 | 1.5 | 2 |
The presumptive term applies unless the court finds aggravating or mitigating factors under § 13-701. Building the mitigation record: employment, treatment, family circumstances, restitution, the defendant’s actual role, is real work that changes real numbers, and it starts long before sentencing day.
Prior convictions change everything: A.R.S. § 13-703
Arizona’s repetitive offender statute is where sentences escalate sharply. With one historical prior felony conviction, a class 3 felony moves from a 3.5-year presumptive to a 6.5-year presumptive. With two or more, it becomes 11.25 years presumptive, with a maximum of 20 and an aggravated term of 25.
Whether a prior counts as “historical” is a legal question worth fighting. Under A.R.S. § 13-105(22), a class 2 or 3 felony counts if committed within 10 years; a class 4, 5, or 6 counts if committed within 5 years. There is no lookback limit at all for felonies mandating imprisonment, dangerous offenses, criminal enterprise offenses, dangerous crimes against children, or any third-or-subsequent prior. Time spent incarcerated, on escape status, or as an absconder is excluded from the lookback calculation: which means a prior that looks too old on paper sometimes is not, and one that looks current sometimes has aged out.
Dangerous offenses: A.R.S. § 13-704
A “dangerous offense” allegation is the single most consequential thing the State can attach to a felony. It generally means the discharge, use, or threatening exhibition of a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument, or the intentional or knowing infliction of serious physical injury.
| Class | First dangerous offense (min / presumptive / max) |
|---|---|
| Class 2 | 7 / 10.5 / 21 years |
| Class 3 | 5 / 7.5 / 15 years |
| Class 4 | 4 / 6 / 8 years |
| Class 5 | 2 / 3 / 4 years |
| Class 6 | 1.5 / 2.25 / 3 years |
Under § 13-704 there is no probation. No suspended sentence, no pardon, and no release from confinement except as specifically authorized by statute. Prior dangerous convictions push these numbers substantially higher again. If a dangerous allegation is on your case, contesting it is usually the highest-value thing a defense lawyer can do.
Fines, surcharges, and probation length
The felony fine maximum is $150,000 under A.R.S. § 13-801. Arizona then adds a 68% consolidated surcharge under §§ 12-116.01 and 12-116.02, calculated on the base fine after mitigation, plus separate non-mitigable 10% and 1% surcharges. Restitution is separate from all of it and is not capped.
Probation maximums under § 13-902 are 7 years for a class 2 felony, 5 for a class 3, 4 for a class 4, and 3 for a class 5 or 6.
What actually happens in a Maricopa felony case
Initial appearance. Rule 4.1 requires it within 24 hours of arrest or you must be released. Release conditions and probable cause are addressed here. If no complaint is filed within 48 hours of the initial appearance, release is required.
Preliminary hearing or grand jury. Rule 5.1 sets a preliminary hearing no later than 10 days after the initial appearance if you are in custody, 20 days if you are not. In practice many Maricopa felonies go to a grand jury instead, and when an indictment comes back first, the preliminary hearing is vacated. A grand jury sits with at least nine citizens and hears only what the prosecutor presents.
Arraignment. Rule 14.2: within 10 days of the charging document if you are in custody, 30 days if you are not.
Pretrial. An initial pretrial conference generally follows within 45 days of arraignment. This is where disclosure, motions to suppress, and plea negotiation happen. A final trial management conference is set roughly 7 days before trial.
Trial. Rule 8.2: within 150 days of arraignment in custody, 180 days if released, longer for complex cases. Verdicts must be unanimous. Only a small share of Maricopa County cases reach trial, which is precisely why it matters whether the State believes yours might.
A recent change worth knowing: Maricopa County Attorney’s Office policy revised in August 2025 requires every plea offer to carry a specific deadline, and establishes a presumption that any offer following a rejected or expired one will be harsher. Delay now has a price attached to it.
How we defend felony cases
Attack the allegations, not just the charge. Dangerous-offense allegations, historical prior allegations, and aggravating-factor allegations each have their own proof requirements. Knocking one out can change the sentencing floor by years without touching the underlying charge.
Suppression. Unlawful stops, warrantless searches, defective warrants, and statements taken without proper advisement produce evidence that can be excluded. A granted motion to suppress frequently ends a case.
Grand jury challenges. Grand jury proceedings are one-sided by design. Where the presentation was legally deficient or the State failed to present clearly exculpatory evidence, a remand for a new determination of probable cause is available.
The State’s proof. Forensic testing has error rates. Witnesses have motives, prior statements, and memories that shift. Digital evidence has chain-of-custody requirements. Cases that look solid in a police report frequently are not solid in a courtroom.
Designation and mitigation. Where conviction is realistic, the fight moves to class 6 designation under § 13-604, probation eligibility, and the mitigation record. These are not consolation prizes: they are the difference between a felony record and a misdemeanor one, and between prison and staying employed.
Frequently asked questions
Sometimes. Under A.R.S. § 13-604 a court may designate a class 6 felony as a class 1 misdemeanor in appropriate circumstances. This applies only to class 6 offenses and is not automatic, but it is one of the most valuable outcomes available and is worth building a case around.
No. Many first-time, non-dangerous felonies are probation-eligible. Prison becomes mandatory when the offense is designated dangerous under A.R.S. § 13-704, when certain statutes specifically bar probation, or when prior convictions place the case in the repetitive-offender ranges under § 13-703.
Under A.R.S. § 13-105(22), a class 2 or 3 felony committed within 10 years, or a class 4, 5, or 6 committed within 5 years. There is no time limit for felonies mandating imprisonment, dangerous offenses, criminal enterprise offenses, dangerous crimes against children, or any third-or-subsequent prior. Time incarcerated or on absconder status does not count toward the lookback.
Rule 8.2 requires trial within 150 days of arraignment for in-custody defendants and 180 days for those released, with 270 days for complex cases. Many cases resolve sooner, and continuances are common where the defense needs time to investigate. Faster is not always better.
A felony conviction suspends both. Arizona restores civil rights automatically for many first-time felony offenders on completion of probation and payment of restitution, and under A.R.S. § 13-907 firearm rights are restored automatically as well, unless the conviction was for a dangerous or serious offense, in which case restoration requires an application under § 13-910.
Not without an independent review of the evidence. An offer made before disclosure is complete is an offer made before anyone knows what the case is worth. That said, under current Maricopa County Attorney policy, offers carry deadlines and later offers are presumed to be worse, so this is a decision to make deliberately and quickly, with counsel, not to leave sitting.
Hear What Our Clients Say
From our Google reviews, plus Yelp and Avvo. These are clients’ own words, reproduced from our review profiles.
“These guys are the best attorneys in all of Arizona. It is definitely the most professional group of lawyers… I recommend this firm!”
“Sydney was extremely thorough regarding every single detail of my criminal case… it ultimately resulted in a clear and powerful win for my case.”
“They fought tirelessly for my case and helped me achieve a favorable outcome. Exceptional service and results.”
“The firm provided me with the most professional legal representation possible. Mr. Ryan Tait patiently explained… beyond my expectations.”
“The best law firm that I have ever dealt with. The amount of passion & commitment that they dedicated for my case… truly what separated them from other law firms.”
“Oh my goodness, our lawyer Ryan Tait was amazing. He does what he says he’s going to do. A very patient lawyer… He’s a miracle worker.”
“I was being charged with a few felony counts and facing a few years in prison… I made the best choice of my life calling this law firm.”
“…they reached out to one of their attorneys and confirmed my suspicions; I’ve been worried this whole time about criminal charges, they put my fears to rest. HIGHLY recommend them.”
“Helpful and clear direction in a time of uncertainty. Highly recommended.”
“Ryan Tait was amazing and really helpful. I would recommend him.”
“If you’re looking for a law group that truly cares about you and makes a difficult situation less stressful, these are your people… Alexis was my lawyer, and she was truly heaven-sent.”
“Alexis Brooks was my lawyer… She was extremely professional yet down to earth and always made me feel at ease and confident in my case. I would definitely recommend her for anyone that needs an excellent defense attorney.”
“Spectacular representation! Sydney was very compassionate, diligent and professional. I can’t recommend enough.”
“…Ryan and his team are kind, understanding, and very good listeners. Each member of his team was well educated, knowledgable and very professional.”
“We hired Mr. Tait to handle a legal affair for a member of our family. It was a complex criminal case that required over two years of work! Through the entire effort, Mr. Tait kept us informed…”
“My family hired Ryan Tait to fight for my family member… He went over all the pros and cons. He answered all our questions and calls. He knows what he is doing.”
“Ryan is absolutely awesome and professional. He gave me all detailed advice I needed. He is nice and patient. I definitely recommend Ryan and his law firm!”
“Very good at what they do… they were always on top of everything didn’t really have to do much they took care of everything…”
“These guys are great!! They did a great job on my case, super consistent and helpful. Definitely will recommend them to anyone.”
“Excellent lawyers… and their honesty, and they helped me even though I do not live in Arizona.”
Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Lo que dicen nuestros clientes
De nuestras reseñas en Google, además de Yelp y Avvo. Son las palabras de nuestros clientes, tomadas de nuestros perfiles de reseñas y traducidas del inglés.
“Son los mejores abogados de todo Arizona. Sin duda es el grupo de abogados más profesional… ¡Recomiendo esta firma!”
“Sydney fue sumamente minuciosa con cada detalle de mi caso penal… al final, eso resultó en una victoria clara y contundente para mi caso.”
“Lucharon incansablemente por mi caso y me ayudaron a lograr un resultado favorable. Servicio y resultados excepcionales.”
“La firma me brindó la representación legal más profesional posible. El Sr. Ryan Tait me explicó con paciencia… más allá de mis expectativas.”
“La mejor firma de abogados con la que he tratado. La pasión y el compromiso que dedicaron a mi caso… es lo que realmente los distinguió de otras firmas.”
“¡Dios mío, nuestro abogado Ryan Tait fue increíble! Cumple lo que dice que va a hacer. Un abogado muy paciente… Hace milagros.”
“Me acusaban de varios cargos por delitos graves y me enfrentaba a unos años de prisión… Tomé la mejor decisión de mi vida al llamar a esta firma.”
“…se comunicaron con uno de sus abogados y confirmaron mis sospechas; había estado preocupado todo este tiempo por posibles cargos penales, y calmaron mis temores. Los recomiendo MUCHÍSIMO.”
“Orientación útil y clara en un momento de incertidumbre. Muy recomendables.”
“Ryan Tait fue increíble y de gran ayuda. Lo recomendaría.”
“Si busca un despacho que de verdad se preocupe por usted y haga que una situación difícil sea menos estresante, esta es su gente… Alexis fue mi abogada, y fue una verdadera bendición.”
“Alexis Brooks fue mi abogada… Fue sumamente profesional y a la vez sencilla, y siempre me hizo sentir tranquilo y seguro con mi caso. Sin duda la recomendaría a cualquiera que necesite una excelente abogada defensora.”
“¡Representación espectacular! Sydney fue muy compasiva, diligente y profesional. No puedo recomendarla lo suficiente.”
“…Ryan y su equipo son amables, comprensivos y saben escuchar. Cada miembro de su equipo demostró estar bien preparado, con conocimiento y gran profesionalismo.”
“Contratamos al Sr. Tait para encargarse de un asunto legal de un miembro de nuestra familia. Fue un caso penal complejo que requirió más de dos años de trabajo. Durante todo el proceso, el Sr. Tait nos mantuvo informados…”
“Mi familia contrató a Ryan Tait para luchar por un familiar… Nos explicó todos los pros y los contras. Respondió todas nuestras preguntas y llamadas. Sabe lo que hace.”
“Ryan es absolutamente increíble y profesional. Me dio todos los consejos detallados que necesitaba. Es amable y paciente. ¡Sin duda recomiendo a Ryan y a su bufete!”
“Muy buenos en lo que hacen… siempre estuvieron al tanto de todo; casi no tuve que hacer nada, ellos se encargaron de todo…”
“¡Son excelentes! Hicieron un gran trabajo en mi caso, muy constantes y serviciales. Sin duda los recomendaré a cualquiera.”
“Excelentes abogados… y su honestidad y eso que me ayudaron que yo no vivo en Arizona”
Los resultados anteriores no garantizan un resultado similar.
Talk to a Maricopa County criminal defense lawyer
If you have been arrested, charged, or contacted by a detective, the decisions you make in the first few days matter. Nova Law Group defends misdemeanor and felony cases in the Superior Court and in municipal and justice courts across Maricopa County.
Free, confidential consultation: (480) 405-6767
Prefer not to call? Send us your case details and a member of our team will follow up with you.
Maricopa County courts
- Maricopa County Superior CourtFelonies, at the downtown criminal court complex.Central Court Building, 201 W. Jefferson St., and South Court Tower, 175 W. Madison St., Phoenix, AZ 85003Court website Directions
- Justice courtsSome DPS and Sheriff's Office misdemeanors, in courts across the county. Your citation names the court.Find your court
- City courtsMisdemeanors from inside a city, heard in that city's court. See our city pages:PhoenixMesaScottsdaleTempe
Our office: Nova Law Group, PLLC, 4455 E. Camelback Rd., Suite C250, Phoenix, AZ 85018. Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., by appointment. Directions
Hable con un abogado de defensa penal del condado de Maricopa
Si lo arrestaron, lo acusaron o un detective lo contactó, las decisiones que tome en los primeros días importan. Nova Law Group defiende casos de delitos menores y graves en la Corte Superior y en las cortes municipales y de justicia de todo el condado de Maricopa.
Consulta gratuita y confidencial: (480) 405-6767
¿Prefiere no llamar? Envíenos los detalles de su caso y un miembro de nuestro equipo se comunicará con usted.
Cortes del condado de Maricopa
- Corte Superior del Condado de MaricopaDelitos graves, en el complejo penal del centro.Central Court Building, 201 W. Jefferson St., and South Court Tower, 175 W. Madison St., Phoenix, AZ 85003Sitio de la corte Cómo llegar
- Cortes de justiciaAlgunos delitos menores del DPS y de la Oficina del Sheriff, en cortes de todo el condado. Su citación indica la corte.Busque su corte
- Cortes municipalesDelitos menores dentro de una ciudad, en la corte de esa ciudad. Vea nuestras páginas por ciudad:PhoenixMesaScottsdaleTempe
Nuestra oficina: Nova Law Group, PLLC, 4455 E. Camelback Rd., Suite C250, Phoenix, AZ 85018. De lunes a viernes, de 8:00 a.m. a 6:00 p.m., con cita previa. Cómo llegar
RecognitionReconocimientos
Awards and ratingsPremios y calificaciones
Awards and ratings reflect the standards of the organizations that issue them. They do not predict the outcome of any case.Los premios y las calificaciones reflejan los criterios de las organizaciones que los otorgan. No predicen el resultado de ningún caso.