Arizona

13-702. Sentencing

(L01, ch 51, sec. 1. Emergency)

A. Sentences provided in section 13-701 for a first conviction of a felony, except those felonies involving the discharge, use or threatening exhibition of a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument or the intentional or knowing infliction of serious physical injury upon another or if a specific sentence is otherwise provided, may be increased or reduced by the court within the ranges set by this subsection. Any reduction or increase shall be based on the aggravating and mitigating circumstances contained in subsections C and D of this section and shall be within the following ranges:

Minimum Maximum
1. For a class 2 felony 4 years 10 years
2. For a class 3 felony 2.5 years 7 years
3. For a class 4 felony 1.5 years 3 years
4. For a class 5 felony 9 months 2 years
5. For a class 6 felony 6 months 1.5 years

B. The upper or lower term imposed pursuant to section 13-604, 13-604.01, 13-604.02, 13-702.01 or 13-710 or subsection A of this section may be imposed only if the circumstances alleged to be in aggravation or mitigation of the crime are found to be true by the trial judge upon any evidence or information introduced or submitted to the court before sentencing or any evidence previously heard by the judge at the trial, and factual findings and reasons in support of such findings are set forth on the record at the time of sentencing.

C. For the purpose of determining the sentence pursuant to section 13-710 and subsection A of this section, the court shall consider the following aggravating circumstances:

14. Evidence that the defendant committed the crime out of malice toward a victim because of the victim’s identity in a group listed in section 41-1750, subsection A, paragraph 3 or because of the defendant’s perception of the victim’s identity in a group listed in section 41-1750, subsection A, paragraph 3.

(section 41-1750, subsection A, paragraph 3.
3. Collect information concerning criminal offenses that manifest evidence of prejudice based on race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender or disability.

D. For the purpose of determining the sentence pursuant to section 13-710 and subsection A of this section, the court shall consider the following mitigating circumstances:

1. The age of the defendant.

2. The defendant’s capacity to appreciate the wrongfulness of the defendant’s conduct or to conform his conduct to the requirements of law was significantly impaired, but not so impaired as to constitute a defense to prosecution.

3. The defendant was under unusual or substantial duress, although not such as to constitute a defense to prosecution.

4. The degree of the defendant’s participation in the crime was minor, although not so minor as to constitute a defense to prosecution.

5. Any other factor that the court deems appropriate to the ends of justice.

In determining what sentence to impose, the court shall take into account the amount of aggravating circumstances and whether the amount of mitigating circumstances is sufficiently substantial to call for the lesser term. If the court finds aggravating circumstances and does not find any mitigating circumstances, the court shall impose an aggravated sentence.

E. The court in imposing sentence shall consider the evidence and opinions presented by the victim or the victim’s immediate family at any aggravation or mitigation proceeding or in the presentence report.

F. Nothing in this section affects any provision of law that imposes the death penalty, that expressly provides for imprisonment for life or that authorizes or restricts the granting of probation and suspending the execution of sentence.

G. Notwithstanding any other provision of this title, if a person is convicted of any class 6 felony not involving the intentional or knowing infliction of serious physical injury or the discharge, use or threatening exhibition of a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument and if the court, having regard to the nature and circumstances of the crime and to the history and character of the defendant, is of the opinion that it would be unduly harsh to sentence the defendant for a felony, the court may enter judgment of conviction for a class 1 misdemeanor and make disposition accordingly or may place the defendant on probation in accordance with chapter 9 of this title and refrain from designating the offense as a felony or misdemeanor until the probation is terminated. The offense shall be treated as a felony for all purposes until such time as the court may actually enter an order designating the offense a misdemeanor. This subsection does not apply to any person who stands convicted of a class 6 felony and who has previously been convicted of two or more felonies. If a crime or public offense is punishable in the discretion of the court by a sentence as a class 6 felony or a class 1 misdemeanor, the offense shall be deemed a misdemeanor if the prosecuting attorney:

1. Files an information in superior court designating the offense as a misdemeanor.

2. Files a complaint in justice court or municipal court designating the offense as a misdemeanor within the jurisdiction of the respective court.

3. Files a complaint, with the consent of the defendant, before or during the preliminary hearing amending the complaint to charge a misdemeanor.