A misdemeanor offense is a legal transgression that can lead to a maximum of 6 months’ confinement in jail.
Courts with Limited Jurisdiction. Misdemeanors, less severe than felonies, avoid imprisonment but bear significant professional and personal repercussions upon conviction.
Typical misdemeanors encompass:
- Theft (Less than $1,000.00)
- Shoplifting
- Theft of Services
- Assault
- Disorderly Conduct
- Criminal Damage
- Domestic Violence
- False Reporting to a Police Officer
- Driving on a Suspended License
- Driving Under the Influence (DUI, Drunk Driving, DWI)
- Minor Drug Offenses (Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia)
- Driving with an Open Container
- Criminal Speeding
- Racing on a Highway
These infractions are comparatively minor offenses in contrast to felonies and can impact individuals from various backgrounds.
PROFESSIONAL RAMIFICATIONS
A misdemeanor conviction can severely hinder employment prospects.
Most employers inquire about prior convictions, necessitating disclosure by applicants. Certain professions in Arizona mandate a Finger Print Clearance Card (per A.R.S. 41-1758.03), including roles like teaching, nursing, real estate, medicine, military service, and law enforcement training. Licensing boards often demand offense disclosure during applications or renewals.
Some educational institutions require disclosure of past crimes, which might affect admission or eligibility for financial aid.
PUNISHMENT RANGE FOR ARIZONA MISDEMEANORS
Arizona distinguishes three classes of misdemeanors, carrying penalties of up to 6 months’ jail time and a maximum base $2,500 fine. Petty offenses, a type of misdemeanor, entail no jail time and a maximum $300 fine.
POTENTIAL PENALTIES IN ARIZONA
- Class 1: Up to 6 months in jail and a $2,500 fine.
- Class 2: Up to 4 months in jail.
- Class 3: Up to 30 days in jail.
- Petty Offense: No jail time, and up to a $300 fine. (Refer to Arizona Revised Statutes 13-707 and 13-802 for details.)
CLASSIFICATION OF MISDEMEANORS
Class 1 misdemeanors
Cover common offenses like physical assault, domestic violence, possession of marijuana (if cited by an officer), theft, shoplifting, and DUIs.
Class 2 misdemeanors
Include acts like criminal speeding, property damage under $250, and non-physical assault inducing fear of physical harm.
Class 3 misdemeanors
Involve actions like offensive touching, violation of appearance promises, loitering, criminal nuisance, and adultery.
Petty offenses span activities such as scalping, supplying or possessing tobacco by a minor, and illicit wildlife feeding.
ADVANTAGES OF LEGAL REPRESENTATION
A misdemeanor conviction, despite being less severe than a felony, bears lasting consequences. No expungement exists in Arizona, potentially impacting careers and attracting stricter penalties for subsequent similar convictions.
An adept criminal lawyer can assess defenses, negotiate plea deals, and provide representation at trials. They possess insights into local courts and can suggest the best legal recourse.
PERSONAL IMPACT
A misdemeanor conviction entails immediate personal repercussions:
- Mandatory Counseling
- Immigration Rights Impact
- Firearm Possession Revocation under Federal Law for domestic violence offenses
- Probation requirements
For more information on Arizona criminal law or to consult an experienced criminal defense attorney, contact our offices at 928-776-1782, via email, or by completing the free consultation request.