PHX Reporter

With violent crime on the rise, Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell has announced a change in policy regarding cases that involve the use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, requiring a prison sentence in any plea offer if a firearm is used in the commission of that crime.

According to a release by the Maricopa County Attorney’s office, deviations to these cases will require supervisor approval, but the tough action is necessary.

“The revision to our plea policies recognizes that these crimes will not be tolerated in Maricopa County," Mitchell said. “Those who choose to put the residents of this county at risk by using a firearm in the commission of felony will be held accountable.”

Mitchell announced the changes Sept. 1 with the release of Prosecution Policy 7.3. The policy will require a prison sentence in any plea agree if a firearm is used in the crime, the release stated. If the defendant is a “prohibited possessor upon a prior felony conviction,” the plea must include a stipulation to prison, the release stated.

The new policy officially took effect Sept. 2, the release added.

“Violent crime affects the quality of life of every person living and working in our community,” Mitchell said. “Keeping families and businesses safe is a priority for my office and this begins by holding dangerous offenders accountable.”

Mitchell said violent crimes are being taken more seriously to prevent Maricopa from becoming like other, urban areas.

“The revision to our plea policies recognizes that these crimes will not be tolerated in Maricopa County.” Mitchell said. “I will not let the Valley of the Sun and surrounding communities become another San Francisco or Chicago where law and order has been overlooked by prosecutors, which has caused unnecessary chaos.”

The logic behind the policy is simple, Mitchell told Fox10. Those with felonies on their records tend to return to commit other crimes, she said.

"Under the policy, the bottom line is if you are a felon in possession of a gun, you’re going to prison," she said. "Because we see a correlation between that and other crime."