by Zayed Al-Sayyed

Criminal DefenseMarch 15, 20240 comments

What is a Class 1 Felony in Arizona?

Class 1 felonies are the most serious offenses in Arizona, coming with a minimum of 10 years in prison. First-degree murder is one of the only types of offenses that can come with capital punishment.

If you’ve been accused or involved in a class 1 felony, it’s important that you understand the basics and contact a qualified attorney right away. Law enforcement and prosecution take class 1 felonies very seriously, allocating significant resources to gather evidence and try the case.

What is a Class 1 Felony in Arizona?

A class 1 felony is a specific class of crime in Arizona. Arizona law breaks down felonies into six different classes. Class 1 felonies are the most severe. All classes of felonies will generally come with jail time, with class 6 having a presumptive jail sentence of 1 year.

Types of Class 1 Felonies

There are only two crimes that are categorized as a class 1 felony: first-degree and second-degree murder. First-degree murder usually has a premeditation component, which means the defendant thought out the crime before committing it. Second-degree murder generally lacks the premeditation component.

Arizona also has a felony murder rule. If a person kills another as a result of committing a specific crime listed in the statute, they can be found guilty of first-degree murder, even if there was no premeditation.

Examples listed in the statute include kidnapping, robbery, child molestation, sexual assault, arson, or fleeing from law enforcement.

Punishments for Class 1 Felonies

Punishment for first-degree murder can include life imprisonment and the death penalty. Life imprisonment doesn’t always mean serving an entire life sentence. A life sentence can come with the possibility of release after 25 years of imprisonment if the victim is 15 years or older or 35 years if the victim is under 15. If the ruling states imprisonment for the defendant’s natural life, there is no possibility of an early release.

Second-degree murder sentencing can vary based on the crime. The minimum sentence is 10 years, with a presumptive sentence of 16 years for first-time offenders. The maximum sentence for first-time offenders is 25 years. If you’ve already been convicted of a second-degree murder charge or a class 2 or 3 felony, the sentencing range increases to a minimum of 15 years, a presumptive sentence of 25 years, and a maximum sentence of 29 years.

Statute of Limitations for Class 1 Felonies

Most crimes come with a statute of limitations, which is the timeframe a plaintiff has to bring a case against you. However, class 1 felonies are unique in that they don’t have a statute of limitations. Prosecutors can bring charges at any point, including 30 years after the fact.

Finding a Criminal Defense Attorney for Class 1 Felonies

If you’ve been charged with a class 1 felony in Arizona, you need to contact an attorney right away. The sentencing for class 1 felonies can be severe, with life imprisonment. Reach out to our team at The Law Office of Zayed Al-Sayyed today to schedule your free consultation.