Arizona Lawyer: Consequences Of A Committed Felony
It’s understandable that you have a lot of questions after being charged with a felony in Arizona. You wonder whether things will ever be the same again. If you are convicted, will you lose your job? Will the charge affect your status as an immigrant? As you await your trial, arming yourself with the right information can ease the stress of worrying without knowing all the facts. To remain calm and assist yourself, it is important to stay well-informed throughout the process.
Most people in Arizona realize that committing a felony offense, such as assault or robbery, can result in serious penalties, including time in prison and high fines. But do you know the specific consequences of committing these crimes? If you’re facing felony charges, it’s important to consult with an experienced lawyer in Phoenix Arizona who understands the consequences associated with your specific crime. Here’s what you need to know about Arizona criminal laws and their punishments.
Table of Contents
Defining A Felony
A felony is defined as a serious crime that is punishable by death or imprisonment for more than one year. In the United States, felonies are divided into different classes, with first-degree felonies being the most serious. Second-degree felonies and third-degree felonies are also considered to be very serious crimes in Arizona. First-degree felony convictions can result in lengthy prison sentences and fines, which may vary from state to state. If you have been charged with a felony, it is important to seek legal counsel immediately. For example, a Chandler DUI attorney will help you navigate the complicated legal system and ensure your rights are protected throughout your criminal proceedings.
The Consequences
A felony is the most severe type of crime that a person can commit in the United States. If you are convicted of a felony, you could face up to life in prison or even the death penalty. In addition, felonies carry a number of other consequences, such as the loss of your right to vote, the loss of your right to own a gun, and the loss of your right to serve on a jury. For example, if you are convicted of murder, you will lose all three rights.
A felony conviction also results in a permanent criminal record which may make it difficult for an individual to get jobs and housing; some professions may be barred by law from hiring someone with a felony conviction.
What To Do After Being Charged With A Felony
Before you even go to trial, a felony charge can negatively impact your life in many ways. Getting an Arizona lawyer to help you navigate this difficult time is the smartest choice you can make. In addition to advising you of your legal rights and ensuring you receive the protection you are entitled to under the law, they can help you to fight the criminal and collateral damages that come with the felony charge.
You deserve to be able to fight for what’s important to you, whether you want to stay in the country or maintain custody of your children. An experienced attorney can review the details of your case and argue against collateral damages. A criminal defense Arizona lawyer with experience in these areas can give you peace of mind and allow you to channel your energy into a productive fight.
How Does A Felony Impact Your Parental Rights?
If you are involved in a custody case, being charged with a felony will make it hard for you to gain custody of your child. You may lose visitation rights to your child, depending on the severity of the charge, and you may have a difficult time convincing a judge to grant you custody because of your actions. Criminals who have been convicted of sex-related crimes will generally lose their custodial or visitation rights to their children. A violent crime also usually results in the loss of contact with the children. Depending on the circumstances, the judge might overlook your indiscretion, grant you visitation rights, or allow you to keep custody of your child. The judge has to act in the best interests of the child, and so even if you don’t have a role in the child’s life anymore, you may have a say in some of the issues around parenting, such as the child’s religious upbringing.
How Does A Felony Impact Your Job?
There are employees who work at will, which means they can be fired at any time without providing a reason. You can be fired for being charged with a felony. It may seem unfair, and it may make a hard situation even more difficult. If you are unemployed or looking for a new job after a recent firing, you may find it harder to get an interview after being charged with a felony. Employers often ask about your criminal history and run background checks that flag your criminal record.
If you have been charged with a crime, you may lose your professional license. Many professionals hold fiduciary responsibilities, such as those in the legal field. A criminal charge could undermine how you fulfill such a role.
What Are The Collateral Consequences?
The effects of felony charges are much more extensive than the penalties imposed by the court; these collateral consequences include, for example, impediments to employment, limits on housing, and termination of licenses. Being charged with a felony can adversely affect employment and your immigration status. Oftentimes, our clients come to us with questions about collateral consequences. The way in which these repercussions play out can depend on the individual case. We’re here to help with difficult situations, such as when you are charged with a criminal offense.
Conclusion
A felony is a very serious offense in Arizona, and to cope with the consequences you will definitely need the help of a felony attorney in Phoenix AZ. The consequences of being convicted of a felony can include imprisonment, probation, and/or fines. In addition, a person who is convicted of a felony will lose their right to vote and their right to possess firearms. If you have been charged with a felony, it is important to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney who can help you navigate the criminal justice system and protect your rights.
