What’s the Difference Between a Misdemeanor and a Felony in Arizona?

By Daniel B. Kaiser

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Criminal Defense

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Last Modified on Feb 25, 2026

When facing criminal charges, many defendants find themselves asking, “What’s the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony in Arizona?” Understanding the nature of your charges, how they are categorized, and their potential penalties is crucial when determining what legal options are available to you. An experienced criminal defense attorney from The Kaiser Law Group can help you better understand how misdemeanors and felonies are handled in Arizona.

The Main Differences Between a Felony and a Misdemeanor in Arizona

Each year, around 250,000 crimes occur in Arizona alone. Whether a crime is a misdemeanor or a felony depends on the severity and type of offense. Felonies are considered more severe crimes and often include violence, whereas misdemeanors often involve less violent offenses. The following are the main differences between felonies and misdemeanors in Arizona:

1. Misdemeanors: In Arizona, a misdemeanor offense is viewed as a less serious criminal charge compared to a felony. Each misdemeanor is categorized by a class, with Class 1 misdemeanors being the most severe and Class 3 misdemeanors being the least severe. Compared to felonies, misdemeanors in Arizona often carry lighter penalties and have fewer restrictions on your rights. Common examples of misdemeanors in Arizona include:
   • Theft of property valued at less than $1,000
   • Criminal damage valued at less than $1,000
   • Assault
   • Disorderly conduct
   • Minor drug offenses
2. Felonies: A felony offense in Arizona is more serious and is punishable by more severe penalties than a misdemeanor. Felonies in Arizona are divided into classes ranging from 1 to 6. Class 1 covers the most severe offenses, such as first or second-degree murder. Class 6 covers lower-level felonies such as some drug possession offenses. Other examples of felony offenses include:
   • Armed robbery
   • Kidnapping
   • Aggravated assault
   • Drug trafficking
   • Fraud
   • Sexual assault

Potential Penalties for Felonies and Misdemeanors in Arizona

One of the biggest differences in penalties between misdemeanors and felonies is that misdemeanors can come with jail time, while felonies can come with prison sentences. For a misdemeanor in Arizona, the jail sentences range between 30 days and 6 months. Misdemeanor sentences are served in local jails, such as the Maricopa County Jails or Pima County Sheriff’s Office Jails. However, most felonies are punishable by at least one year in prison.

Fines are another penalty commonly applied in both misdemeanor and felony cases. While misdemeanor offenses can result in fines of up to $2,500, felonies can have much higher fines. The maximum fine for a felony offense in Arizona is $150,000.

Both a misdemeanor and a felony can leave you with a permanent criminal record. Your criminal conviction will then be visible on background checks and can impact future housing, employment, and educational opportunities. Felony offenders often face a higher social stigma and negative consequences due to their criminal record, emphasizing the importance of hiring a qualified defense attorney to protect their rights and privacy.

Why You Should Hire a Felony Lawyer in Arizona

Working with a Felony lawyer in Flagstaff, AZ, is essential to prevent the negative consequences of a felony conviction. When you hire a felony lawyer from The Kaiser Law Group, they can:

• Defend Your Rights: When you are arrested, law enforcement immediately begins to gather evidence against you. A lawyer can protect your right against self-incrimination and against unreasonable searches and seizures, preventing law enforcement from gaining unnecessary evidence against you. They can also defend your rights throughout administrative hearings, negotiations, and trials.
• Build a Defense Tailored to Your Needs: Each criminal case in Arizona requires a unique approach. A felony attorney who has experience with Arizona’s criminal justice system can build a powerful defense that advocates for your future.
• Negotiate on Your Behalf: Whether or not your case goes to trial, our experienced defense team can negotiate for the most favorable outcome to your situation and work to mitigate consequences.

FAQs About the Difference Between a Misdemeanor and a Felony in Arizona?

Can a Felony Be Reduced to a Misdemeanor in Arizona?

Yes, there are certain cases where a felony can be reduced to a misdemeanor in Arizona. If you hire an Arizona felony attorney, they can determine whether this is possible in your case and adapt their defense strategy to pursue reduced charges. This may involve negotiating a plea deal. A plea deal involves pleading guilty to a lesser offense, such as a Class 1 misdemeanor instead of a Class 6 felony, to receive reduced penalties.

How Long Do Misdemeanors Stay on Your Record in Arizona?

A misdemeanor stays on your criminal record indefinitely. However, you may be eligible to expunge your record, which would remove your conviction from public view and prevent it from being seen by employers, landlords, and other groups that perform background checks. A misdemeanor attorney can help you file a petition for expungement once you complete all court-ordered penalties, demonstrate a history of good behavior, and complete a waiting period.

Do I Need a Lawyer If I Was Charged With a Misdemeanor in Arizona?

Yes, having a lawyer to defend you during a misdemeanor case in Arizona is important. While misdemeanors are considered less serious than felonies, they are subject to complex misdemeanor laws and still require a strong defense strategy to mitigate penalties. An Arizona misdemeanor attorney can pursue dismissed charges, reduced charges, or lighter penalties to avoid the negative consequences of a misdemeanor.

What Is a Wobbler Offense in Arizona?

A wobbler offense in Arizona is an offense that could be classified as a felony or a misdemeanor, depending on the circumstances of the offense and a judge’s discretion. Typically, wobbler offenses are classified as either a Class 6 felony or a Class 1 misdemeanor. Common wobbler offenses in Arizona include possessing drug paraphernalia, driving under the influence (DUI), and forgery.

Learn How The Kaiser Law Group Can Help

The Kaiser Law Group has over 35 years of experience providing strategic defense and relentless advocacy for a variety of criminal cases. Our founding attorney understands how to gather and analyze evidence, build a strong defense, and negotiate for an optimal outcome to your case. Whether you have been charged with a misdemeanor or a felony, we can guide you through each step of your case from the arrest through sentencing.

Contact The Kaiser Law Group to learn how we can build a powerful defense for your case today.