Most people facing a violent crime charge in Kearny are focused on the immediate: the arrest, the charges, the possibility of prison. What many do not realize until later is that a conviction reaches far beyond the sentence itself. The consequences extend into employment, housing, civil rights, and opportunities that most people take for granted.
At Suzuki Law Offices, we are your voice in action: honest about the full picture and fighting to protect your future on every front. Our Kearny violent crimes defense lawyers are available 24/7, including weekends, to begin your case.
Attorney RJ Suzuki is a former Assistant United States Attorney and federal prosecutor with 30 years of experience in Arizona criminal defense.
He understands not just the legal consequences of a conviction but the full scope of what it means for a person’s life. Our Kearny criminal defense lawyer team approaches every case with that understanding.
Mandatory Minimum Sentences for Violent Crimes in Arizona
Arizona’s sentencing structure removes much of the judicial discretion that defendants in other states might rely on. For violent offenses classified as dangerous, meaning those involving a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument, mandatory minimum prison terms apply, and probation is not an option.
For a first-offense Class 2 dangerous felony, the sentencing range runs from 7 to 21 years, with a presumptive term of 10.5 years. A Class 3 dangerous felony carries a range of 5 to 15 years. These are state prison sentences, not county jail time. The difference between the minimum and presumptive term is often determined by what happens at the sentencing hearing.
Understanding your mandatory minimum exposure from the earliest stage of your case shapes every strategic decision that follows. Whether to contest charges, how to evaluate a plea offer, and how to prepare for sentencing all depend on a clear-eyed account of the sentencing range you face.
Loss of Gun Rights After a Violent Crime Conviction
A felony conviction in Arizona results in the permanent loss of the right to possess or carry a firearm under both state and federal law. For many clients, this consequence is as significant as the sentence itself.
Federal law prohibits any person convicted of a felony from possessing firearms. Arizona law mirrors this prohibition. Unlike some collateral consequences that can be addressed through expungement or record sealing, firearms rights restoration after a violent felony conviction is uncertain and limited.
The process requires a court petition, and for those convicted of dangerous offenses, restoration may not be available at all. This is one of the clearest examples of why fighting the charge at every stage matters. A conviction that feels manageable in the short term can permanently close doors that are difficult or impossible to reopen.
How a Violent Crime Conviction Affects Professional Licenses
For clients who hold professional licenses or certifications, a violent crime conviction creates consequences that run parallel to the criminal case and can outlast it. Arizona’s licensing boards have broad authority to suspend or revoke licenses following a felony conviction.
The affected professions include healthcare workers, educators, attorneys, real estate agents, financial advisors, contractors, and many others whose licenses are regulated by state boards. In most cases, the licensing board acts on its own authority following a conviction, and the process is separate from any criminal appeal.
Understanding these stakes should be part of every discussion about how to handle a charge. A plea that reduces a sentence but still results in a felony conviction may carry licensing consequences that affect your career more than the sentence itself. Our team advises clients on this full picture before any decision is made.
Collateral Consequences From Criminal Convictions
A violent crime conviction in Arizona affects your ability to participate in daily civic and community life in ways that persist long after any sentence is served. These collateral consequences are rarely discussed at sentencing but matter enormously in the years that follow.
Housing access is one of the most immediate challenges. Many private landlords conduct background checks and are permitted to deny applications based on felony convictions. Subsidized and public housing programs impose additional restrictions that can be difficult to navigate. Finding stable housing after a violent felony conviction is a genuine obstacle.
Voting rights are suspended upon a felony conviction in Arizona. First-time felony offenders may apply for restoration after completing their full sentence, probation, and any restitution obligations, but the process is not guaranteed. Jury service, certain public offices, and other civil rights are also affected.
Appeals After a Criminal Conviction
A conviction at trial is not always the final word. Arizona law provides structured pathways for challenging convictions, and in the right circumstances, those pathways can result in a new trial, a reduced sentence, or a dismissal.
Direct appeals focus on legal errors that occurred during the trial itself: improper admission of evidence, incorrect jury instructions, prosecutorial misconduct, or ineffective assistance of counsel. These arguments are built on the trial record.
Post-conviction relief allows defendants to raise issues beyond the trial record, including newly discovered evidence and constitutional violations that were not apparent at trial.
If you were convicted of a violent crime in Arizona and believe errors affected the outcome, our team will review the record honestly and advise you on whether viable grounds for relief exist.
Why Clients Choose Suzuki Law Offices
Suzuki Law Offices has spent 30 years representing people facing serious criminal charges across Arizona. RJ Suzuki’s background as a former federal prosecutor and our in-house team of former law enforcement investigators give our clients resources and insight that most defense firms cannot offer.
Our Kearny violent crimes defense attorneys communicate honestly, work diligently, and treat every client as a person whose full future is at stake, not just their sentence.
Clients facing violent crime charges in Kearny can count on:
- 24/7 availability, including nights and weekends
- In-house investigation by former law enforcement professionals
- RJ Suzuki’s direct involvement in case strategy and preparation
- Honest assessments of the full consequences of every option
- Representation grounded in integrity, compassion, and 30 years of experience
Contact a Violent Crimes Lawyer in Kearny Today
The consequences of a violent crime conviction in Kearny go far beyond the courtroom. The sooner Suzuki Law Offices is involved in your case, the more we can do to protect your rights, your career, and your future.
Contact us today for a free consultation. Our Kearny violent crimes defense lawyers are available 24/7 and ready to go to work on your behalf. When the stakes are this high, you need Suzuki.
Call or text (602) 682-5270 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form