Can Felony Charges be Reduced in Arizona? Here’s What you Need to Know
Can Felony Charges Be Reduced in Arizona? Here’s What You Need to Know
If you’ve been charged with a felony in Arizona, you might be wondering: Is there any way to reduce these charges? The short answer is—yes, in many cases, Arizona felony charges can be reduced. But how that works depends on the type of felony, the specific facts of your case, and the legal strategies available.
Understanding Felony Classes in Arizona
Felonies in Arizona are categorized into six different classes, with Class 1 (F1) being the most serious and Class 6 (F6) being the least severe. Here’s a quick snapshot:
- Class 1 Felonies (F1): These include the most serious crimes, like murder.
- Class 6 Felonies (F6): These include less severe offenses, such as simple possession of drug paraphernalia.
If you’re charged with a felony, you’re not stuck with that level forever. The law allows for reductions in felony levels through different mechanisms, and that’s where things get interesting.
How Felony Reductions Work
There are several legal strategies that can reduce the level of a felony. Here are a few key terms:
- Attempt
- Solicitation
- Facilitation
These are known as sub-statutes that can significantly lower the classification of a felony. For example, an F2 (Class 2 felony) could potentially be reduced to an F6 through these legal avenues. Each case is unique, and the success of these strategies depends on the details of your case and the arguments your attorney can make.
What is a Class 6 Undesignated Felony?
One of the more flexible felony categories is the Class 6 Undesignated Felony—often called an “F6U.” Arizona law recently shifted how these are treated.
Previously: An F6U was treated as a felony until the court officially designated it as a misdemeanor.
Now: It’s treated as a misdemeanor by default, except for a few important exceptions:
- If you’re charged with another felony later, the F6U can count as a felony prior.
- While it’s still undesignated, you cannot possess firearms.
The great thing about an undesignated felony is this: once it’s formally designated as a misdemeanor, it’s like a legal time machine—it’s as if it was a misdemeanor from the very beginning. That means:
- Your civil rights are restored
- Gun rights are returned
- You’re no longer dealing with the consequences of a felony conviction
Why Legal Guidance Matters
Navigating felony charges and understanding how to reduce them is no easy task. That’s where we come in. At R&R Law Group, we specialize in helping people like you understand your rights and options. We’ll guide you through every step—whether it’s negotiating reductions, discussing attempt/solicitation/facilitation, or helping you get that F6U designated as a misdemeanor.
Final Thoughts
Felony charges are serious, but they don’t have to define your future. With the right legal team and the right strategy, there’s often a path forward. If you or someone you love is facing felony charges in Arizona, give us a call.
Let us fight for your rights and work toward the best possible outcome for you. Give us a call at (602) 497-3088 to speak with one of our experienced team members. At R&R Law Group, we offer free case evaluations to help you understand your legal rights and options, schedule now.
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. If you have questions about Arizona’s felony laws or are facing charges, we recommend contacting an attorney for guidance. At R&R Law Group, we specialize in criminal defense, and we’re here to help you navigate the complexities of your case.
