In Arizona, the line between a felony and a misdemeanor comes down to one thing: prison. Understanding that distinction matters when you’re trying to figure out what a charge actually means.
Our team walks through the difference directly in the video below.
Felony vs. Misdemeanor: What the Difference Really Means
A felony can result in prison time in the Arizona Department of Corrections. A misdemeanor can’t. As we put it: “The biggest difference between the two is prison for felonies. No prison for misdemeanors.”
Felonies run from Class 1 through Class 6, with Class 1 covering the most serious offenses, including homicides. Each class carries a different sentencing range. Misdemeanors are classified Class 1 through Class 3 and carry real consequences of their own—but none include prison time. The specific classification shapes what someone is actually facing, which is why it matters to understand early.
If you have questions this video doesn’t cover, we’re ready to talk through your situation. Contact Cates & Reed, PLLC at (480) 864-3807.