If you’re facing a criminal charge for the first time in Arizona, the whole experience can be overwhelming. In addition to being unfamiliar with the legal landscape, you are also more likely to be worried about the outcomes of your case. In this article, we explain the first-time offender felony charge Act in Arizona and provide ready advice to increase your chances for favorable outcomes.
What to Expect as a First-Time Offender in Arizona
As a first-time offender in Arizona, you may face serious consequences for your charge. Even if you are dealing with only a single criminal charge, the case can be a headache for years to come if mishandled. Some of the most common first-time offender charges include:
- DUI or DWI (Driving Under the Influence)
- Theft or shoplifting
- Drug possession
- White-collar crimes like fraud or embezzlement
- Assault or disorderly conduct
Ideally, you could be facing misdemeanor or felony consequences depending on the charge. This may include jail time, probation, fines, or even a permanent criminal record. However, it does not automatically mean that you have to spend time in jail or on probation. The Arizona Law and courts are lenient to first-time offenders, and offer several legal options.
Do First-Time Felony Offenders Go To Jail
Depending on the seriousness of your case and the presentation of your defense, there is a chance of going to jail even if you are a first-time felony offender. However, the courts and the Arizona law provide options for people without prior records. With the understanding that not all defendants are hardened criminals, the courts can offer more lenient punishments.
In most cases, judges and law enforcement consider alternative solutions if your lawyer can present your case to warrant such an outcome. Some of the alternatives to jail for first-time offenders in Arizona include:
- Diversion Programs: First-time offenders have the option for diversion programs, which allow you to complete counseling, education, or community service in exchange for having the charges dismissed for qualifying offenses like minor drug possession, criminal damage or trespassing, and shoplifting.
- Plea Deals and Deferred Sentencing: Your attorney may negotiate a plea deal in an attempt to reduce the charge or penalty. With this approach, a first-time felony can be negotiated down to a misdemeanor while jail time can be replaced with probation, community service, home detention, or substance abuse counseling.
- Pretrial Intervention and Counseling: In most non-violent offenses, Arizona courts prefer rehabilitation over punishment. A first-time DUI charge could be resolved with alcohol education classes instead of jail. Similarly, a minor drug possession case may result in drug treatment over incarceration, while mental health-related arrests are often diverted to behavioral health courts.
Understand the First Time Offender Felony Charge Act in Arizona
The state of Arizona has a unique way of approaching first-time offenses. While there is no First Time Offender Felony Charge Act in Arizona, the state offers a friendly resolution to such cases. The approach involves a system of felony classification and sentences that provide the options highlighted above for first-time offenders.
Depending on your specific charges, the consequences will be very particular. The courts will consider the consequences of your case and the defense presented by your attorney to determine which option is best suited for you. This is why it is important to find an experienced lawyer, knowledgeable about the state’s provisions, and who has a record of presenting first-time offenders.
Get Proper Legal Support
At Schill Law Group, we are committed to helping our clients get the most favorable outcomes for their cases. If you are a first-time offender in Arizona and you are wondering what’s next or what you should do, give us a call today. Our first-time offense lawyers are ready to help you get immediate case evaluation, develop pre-charge intervention strategies, and come up with defense plans around diversions and protection of your record.
