Considered the most severe misdemeanor crime in Arizona, a Class 1 misdemeanor charge can bring with it substantial consequences including significant jail time and hefty fines. Although these charges are not as serious as felonies in Arizona, it’s still essential to understand the intricacies of these criminal charges and the potential ramifications they can have on your life.

At Belén Law Firm, our Phoenix criminal defense attorneys understand the anxiety and confusion that can come with facing criminal charges, especially when those charges pertain to Class 1 misdemeanors in Arizona. In this blog post, we’ll dive deep into Class 1 misdemeanors, covering the types of crimes that fall under this category, the associated penalties, and how an experienced criminal defense attorney can make all the difference in your case.

What is a Class 1 Misdemeanor in AZ?

In Arizona, Class 1 misdemeanors represent the most severe type of misdemeanor violations. While they don’t carry the weight of a felony, being charged with a Class 1 misdemeanor means you’re facing a serious criminal offense with potential consequences that shouldn’t be underestimated.

Crimes Arizona Law Classifies as a Class 1 Misdemeanor Offense

In Arizona, there are a number of offenses that may be categorized as a Class 1 misdemeanor. Some of the more common crimes that fall under this classification include:

It’s essential to remember that laws can evolve over time, and as such, the categorization of certain offenses can change. That is why it is always best to consult with a legal professional like Belén Olmedo Guerra for the most updated information on specific offenses.

Types of Class 1 Misdemeanors in AZ

Petty Offenses vs. Misdemeanors

Many people assume that petty offenses and misdemeanors are the same thing. However, under Arizona criminal law, there’s a clear distinction between these two classifications of crimes. A petty offense is a lesser violation involving minimal penalties and fines. Individuals charged with a petty offense don’t face any jail time and fines do not exceed $300.

Misdemeanors, on the other hand, come with more severe penalties and the potential for jail time. Under ARS 13-601, misdemeanors can be categorized as either a Class 1, Class 2, or Class 3 misdemeanor.

Additionally, while petty offenses typically only take place in a municipal court, misdemeanors may be handled in municipal, justice, or superior courts in Arizona depending on the unique facts surrounding the case.

What are the Penalties for Class 1 Misdemeanors in AZ?

In Arizona, being found guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor carries with it stiff penalties, often more severe than many individuals anticipate. While these offenses do not result in time at a state prison, they can still lead to a jail sentence. Mandatory minimum sentences might not always be imposed, but a judge has the discretion to levy maximum penalties based on the specific circumstances surrounding the crime.

The maximum amount of jail time for a first offense Class 1 misdemeanor is six months and a maximum fine of $2,500 plus surcharges. The judge may also choose to suspend a jail sentence and sentence the defendant to up to three years of probation instead. However, things get a bit more complicated if there’s a prior conviction involved.

A previous conviction can increase the severity of the jail sentence to up to two years, and fines can ramp up to $150,000. While the maximum penalties are well-defined, a judge’s final decision on jail time and fines can be influenced by the nature of the current crime as well as the presence of any prior criminal conviction on the defendant’s record.

Class 1 Misdemeanor Penalties in Arizona

Other Potential Consequences

Beyond the standard penalties like jail time and fines, a Class 1 misdemeanor conviction in Arizona can introduce a cascade of other repercussions that significantly affect an individual’s day-to-day life. One of the most enduring effects of a misdemeanor conviction is the mark it leaves on your criminal record. This can impact employment opportunities, housing applications, and even future interactions with the justice system. For certain offenses like DUI cases, additional penalties such as a suspended license or the mandatory use of an ignition interlock device might be ordered.

The repercussions of a misdemeanor conviction can extend even further beyond these immediate measures. For instance, a judge may require unsupervised probation, mandating regular check-ins and adherence to specific rules. Community service can also be ordered, demanding a considerable time commitment from the convicted individual. Other consequences may include drug and/or alcohol treatment, restitution payments, home detention, and more. These additional penalties, while not always monetary, can be time-consuming and place further constraints on a defendant’s personal freedom.

This is not even to mention the collateral consequences of a conviction. Depending on the circumstances of the case, things like loss of child custody, loss of a professional license, gun ownership restrictions, and more may all come with a Class 1 misdemeanor conviction.

AZ Class 1 Misdemeanor Defense Attorney

Other Arizona Misdemeanor Classes

As previously mentioned, misdemeanors in Arizona can be broken up to 3 classes: Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 misdemeanor crimes. Below, we’ll provide a brief overview of Class 2 and Class 3 misdemeanors in Arizona.

Class 2 Misdemeanors

Class 2 misdemeanors in Arizona are a step below Class 1 in terms of severity, but they still carry notable penalties. Common examples of Class 2 misdemeanors include second-degree criminal trespassing, hit-and-runs, reckless driving, public nuisance crimes.

Individuals convicted of these offenses can face a range of consequences, including jail time, fines, and probation. While the repercussions might not be as harsh as those associated with Class 1 misdemeanors, they shouldn’t be taken lightly.

Class 3 Misdemeanors

Class 3 misdemeanors in Arizona are the least severe category of misdemeanors in the state’s legal system. However, despite their lower classification, they still carry potentially harsh penalties including fines, probation, and jail time.

Examples of these crimes include criminal trespassing in the third degree, loitering, excessive speeding, and providing false information to a police officer.

Class 1 Misdemeanor Charges

Can Misdemeanors Be Expunged in Arizona?

Arizona does not offer expungement, but it does offer a process known as “setting aside” a conviction. When a conviction is set aside in Arizona, the judgment of guilt is vacated and an order is issued dismissing the charges. While this doesn’t completely erase or remove the record like an expungement would in some other states, it does provide some relief.

Misdemeanor offenses can be set aside in Arizona. However, there are eligibility criteria to consider. Not every misdemeanor will be eligible for being set aside, especially if certain obligations, like payment of fines or completion of probation, haven’t yet been met. Some specific crimes, such as those involving the infliction of serious physical injury, the use of a deadly weapon, or sex crimes involving minors, are also not eligible.

How a Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help With Arizona Misdemeanor Charges

Facing misdemeanor charges in Arizona can be a daunting experience, but having an experienced Phoenix criminal defense attorney by your side can significantly alter the trajectory of your case. A seasoned lawyer like those at Belén Law Firm can work to develop an effective legal strategy while considering various aspects of the law, including potential defenses and even nuances like the statute of limitations. By leveraging such knowledge, a criminal defense attorney can potentially have charges reduced or even dismissed, highlighting the importance of good legal representation when navigating the complexities of Arizona’s criminal justice system.

Class 1 Misdemeanor in Arizona

Call the Phoenix Criminal Defense Attorneys at Belén Law Firm Today

While misdemeanors might not seem as serious as felonies, Class 1 misdemeanors are no small matter. If you find yourself facing criminal charges involving Class 1 misdemeanors in Arizona, it’s critical that you have a seasoned professional in your corner.

Choosing a criminal defense attorney from Belén Law Firm isn’t just about hiring a lawyer—it’s about partnering with a dedicated advocate who is deeply committed to upholding your rights and ensuring you receive a fair and just trial. Every individual deserves the chance to defend themselves effectively, and our Phoenix-based law firm brings not only a comprehensive understanding of Arizona criminal law, but also specialized experience in navigating Class 1 misdemeanor offenses.

To learn more about your legal options, reach out to one of our renowned Phoenix criminal defense lawyers at Belén Law Firm today. You can reach us by calling (602) 715-0908 or complete our user-friendly online intake form to schedule a free consultation.