Class 4 Felony Crimes in Arizona

Key Takeaways

• Arizona law defines a felony as an offense punishable by state prison.
• Class 4 felonies sit midrange among six felony classes in Arizona.
• Non-dangerous class 4 felony convictions carry 1 to 3.75 years in prison for first-time offenders.
• Dangerous class 4 felonies require mandatory prison time.
• Arizona generally allows seven years to file class 4 felony charges.

If you have been arrested in Arizona, you may be asking, “What is a class 4 felony charge in Arizona?” Our criminal defense team at The Law Offices of John Phebus has a long history of representing Glendale residents facing felony charges, and we can answer all of your questions related to the criminal charges you are facing. We understand how quickly these cases reshape careers, families, and futures. Mid-level by classification, a class 4 felony conviction still carries significant prison exposure, financial penalties, and lasting consequences extending well beyond sentencing. Knowing how Arizona law treats these charges and what options may exist gives defendants a clearer foundation for the decisions ahead.

What Is a Class 4 Felony in Arizona?

Arizona law divides criminal offenses into misdemeanors and felonies. Under ARS § 13-105, a felony constitutes an offense for which a sentence may result in imprisonment in the Arizona department of corrections. Felony convictions carry heavier penalties than misdemeanors, including state prison time and the permanent loss of certain civil rights.

Felonies divide into six classes. Class 1 offenses represent the most serious conduct, while class 6 sits at the lower end of the scale. A class 4 felony sits firmly in the mid-range, where prison exposure becomes a real possibility, and the consequences extend far beyond the courtroom. For Glendale residents, a conviction at this level may mean state prison time, substantial fines, and long-term restrictions affecting voting rights, firearm ownership, and professional licensing.

Examples of Class 4 Felonies

The scope of class 4 felonies under Arizona law is broad, encompassing approximately 100 distinct offenses across multiple areas of criminal conduct. Charges Glendale residents most commonly encounter at this level include:

• Aggravated assault under specific statutory circumstances
• Burglary in the third degree
• Criminal damage involving property valued above $10,000
• Robbery
• Forgery
• Misconduct involving weapons
• Possession of dangerous or narcotic drugs

This range spans property crimes, violent offenses, and drug-related conduct. Each specific charge carries its own evidentiary requirements, and the details of a case shape every aspect of how a defense strategy develops.

Related Reading: What Is the Most Common Felony in Arizona?

Punishments for Class 4 Felonies

Sentencing depends on two primary factors: prior felony history and whether the charge qualifies as a “dangerous” offense. A dangerous designation applies when the crime involved the use, threatened use, or exhibition of a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument.

For non-dangerous class 4 felonies, ARS § 13-702 sets a sentencing range of 1 to 3.75 years in prison for first-time offenders, with a presumptive term of 2.5 years. Defendants with prior felony convictions face steeper ranges, and repeat offense sentencing falls under separate statutory provisions.

First-time defendants may qualify for probation rather than incarceration, though the nature of the offense and the sentencing judge’s assessment determine that outcome. Each additional prior conviction shifts the available range significantly higher.

Dangerous offense designations fall outside the standard sentencing framework. Under Arizona law, a dangerous offense involves the use, threatened use, or exhibition of a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument. When a class 4 felony carries a dangerous designation, the sentencing ranges differ from those established under ARS § 13-702, and probation does not remain available as an option. Defendants facing a dangerous class 4 felony charge face mandatory prison time, with the specific range determined under Arizona’s dangerous offense sentencing statutes.

Beyond incarceration, a class 4 felony conviction in Arizona may result in the loss of voting rights, a permanent prohibition on firearm possession, disqualification from certain professional licenses, and immigration consequences for non-citizens. Each of these outcomes can affect a defendant’s life well beyond the prison sentence itself.

Statute of Limitations for Class 4 Felonies

Under Arizona law, the state has seven years to file class 4 felony charges. Once that window closes, prosecutors generally lose the authority to proceed. This window may sound straightforward, but the timeline depends heavily on the specific facts and circumstances involved in each situation. For Glendale residents who have questions about whether charges remain possible in their case, speaking with a criminal defense attorney provides the clearest answer.

Contact a Criminal Defense Attorney for Help

A class 4 felony charge in Glendale carries real stakes at every level, from sentencing exposure to civil rights and long-term professional consequences. Understanding what is a class 4 felony charge for your specific situation requires more than a general overview. The Law Offices of John Phebus reviews every charge, examines the evidence, and builds a defense tailored to the facts of each case. Call us at (623) 847-7117 today to speak with a criminal defense attorney about your situation.

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