The legal consequences for felony or a criminal conviction in Arizona can be severe, depending on the nature of the offense. In Arizona, criminal offenses are classified into felonies and misdemeanors. Felonies are more serious offenses carrying more severe penalties, including imprisonment, fines, probation, or a combination of these. Misdemeanors are less serious offenses, but they can still result in jail time, fines, or probation.

Incarceration

Prison time is often a consequence of felony convictions. The sentence length will depend on the nature of the crime, the defendant’s criminal history, and other factors. Even misdemeanor convictions can result in jail time, but it’s usually for less than a year.

Fines

Both felony and misdemeanor convictions can also result in fines. The amount will depend on the facts of the offense and the relevant statutes.

Probation

Sometimes a judge might sentence a convicted person to probation instead of, or in addition to, incarceration. Probation is a period of time during which the individual must comply with certain conditions, such as reporting to a probation officer on a regular basis, avoiding to commit more crimes, not associating with specific people, and undergoing drug testing or counseling.

Restitution

A court can order a convicted person to pay restitution to compensate victims for their losses related to the crime, in addition to fines.

Community Service

In some cases, a judge may order a convicted criminal to complete community service.

Loss of Rights

Convicted felons may lose certain civil rights, including the right to vote, hold public office, and carry guns. Depending on the nature of the criminal offense and the laws of the state, some of these rights may be restored after a period of time or through a formal process.

Criminal Record

A criminal conviction on your record can have long-term effects, making it more difficult to secure employment, find affordable housing, or acquire certain permits. It may also have some impact on your immigration status. Furthermore, it may have a negative impact on child custody arrangements and divorce proceedings.

Driver’s License Suspension

Your driver’s license may be suspended for a period of time if you are convicted of certain offenses, such as DUIs or drug offenses.

Other Consequences

There are also collateral consequences, which are additional civil state penalties, disabilities, or disadvantages that are triggered by specific criminal convictions. Consult with a competent attorney who can provide guidance based on the specifics of your criminal case and the current laws.