The Maricopa County Attorney’s office is updating its policy on addressing felonies where firearms were used.
The policy was changed so that a prison sentence would be required in any plea offer if a firearm was used in the commission of a crime.
A press release from the office says any deviations in cases will require supervisor approval.
The change would also require that same prison rule if defendants have a history of previous felony convictions or possessed a firearm even if they were prohibited.
In the same press release the office stated that 16 homicides occurred between Aug. 19 and Aug. 29. Of those homicides, 15 listed gun involvement.
