Need Answers?

We Can Help! Email Us Today!

Bold labels are required.

Contact Information Name

Email Address

Please enter a valid email address.

Phone

Brief description of your legal issue

Please verify that you have read the disclaimer. I have read the disclaimer. disclaimer.

The use of the Internet or this form for communication with the firm or any individual member of the firm does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Confidential or time-sensitive information should not be sent through this form.

Arizona & Federal Mandatory Sentencing Attorney

Criminal Defense Attorneys Richard Suzuki and Matthew Bartz

Under state (Arizona) and federal laws, certain dangerous crimes carry mandatory sentences. Unless the defendant can demonstrate mitigating circumstances, the judge must sentence the defendant to a certain amount of time in jail and prison.

If you are facing a crime that falls under state or federal mandatory sentencing guidelines, we will fight to dismiss or reduce your charges. Contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer at the Suzuki Law Offices, L.L.C.

Aggressive Criminal Defense in Arizona

Free Initial Consultation

Call 24/7: 602-635-1369 • Hablamos Español

Mandatory sentences fall under four categories:

Second felony offense
Dangerous crimes
Dangerous crimes against children
Sex crimes

Second Felony Offense

If you already have one felony on your record and are now charged with a second or third felony, you will face a mandatory prison sentence. Class 3 felony convictions carry five to 15 years in prison.

"Dangerous Crimes"

In order for a prosecutor to label a crime a dangerous crime, it must involve the use of a deadly weapon or deadly instrument. The weapon can be anything intended to be used as a weapon, including: guns, knives, baseball bats, cars, even closed fists.

Prosecutors often charge kidnapping, robbery, burglary and assault as dangerous crimes. Class 2 dangerous crime convictions carry seven to 21 years in prison.

Sex Crimes/Dangerous Crimes Against Children (DCAC)

Dangerous crimes against children include child molestation and sexual conduct with a minor. If convicted of these crimes, you can face between 10 and 27 years in prison with no possibility of early release.

Other sex crimes also carry mandatory sentences, including sexual assault/rape (with a mandatory minimum of five years in prison).

Federal Sentencing Guidelines

While state sentencing requirements are complex, the federal sentencing guidelines are even more complex. In 1984, the U.S. Congress passed the Federal Sentencing Act, which requires U.S. District Courts to follow certain sentencing guidelines whenever a defendant is found guilty of a federal offense. Federal sentencing guidelines are often demanding, requiring very lengthy prison terms.

In federal court, it is even more important that your criminal defense lawyer has the experience and knowledge necessary to handle your case.

Our criminal defense attorneys are well prepared to defend you. Richard Suzuki is a former Assistant U.S. Attorney with extensive knowledge of the criminal justice process, especially federal court rules and procedures. His experience in federal court and his insights into prosecution tactics provide an invaluable advantage to clients facing serious federal charges — in state or federal court.