In the state of Arizona, we classify criminal offenses as felonies or misdemeanors. Felony offenses range from class 1, the most serious, (premeditated homicide) to class 6, the least serious (simple drug possession, some thefts, trespassing et cetera). If you are a juvenile and you are charged with a class 2 felony, and you are 14 years of age or older, you may be charged as an adult. If you are charged with a class 6 felony, the chances of being tried as an adult are quite slim unless the offense involved a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument or someone was really hurt badly. (A.R.S. § 13-501).

Historically the class of felony could also decide your sentencing range (recommended length of stay) at the Arizona Department of Juvenile Corrections. If you are tried as an adult, you would be subject to mandatory sentencing guidelines. On a Class 2 felony, you would be looking at a much greater potential length of stay in the Department of Corrections or time on probation than you would on a class 6 felony. (A.R.S. §§ 13-701, 702, 702.01 and 702.02).