Why Prison Time Was Inevitable: Josh Kolsrud Explains the April McLaughlin Sentence

The Real Driver Behind the Prison Sentence

Defense attorney Josh Kolsrud explained that while the animal abuse allegations sparked public outrage, the length of April McLaughlin's prison sentence was largely unavoidable because of her financial crimes. He noted that McLaughlin was convicted of multiple felonies committed on different dates, a legal circumstance that requires a judge to impose a prison sentence under Arizona law. According to Kolsrud, animal cruelty charges by themselves generally carry far lighter penalties and would not typically result in years behind bars.

Why the Theft Charge Carried More Weight

Kolsrud emphasized that the most serious conviction in the case was the theft and fraud involving at least $150,000 taken from McLaughlin's elderly mother. He explained that this offense is classified as a Class 2 felony, making it one of the most severe crimes under Arizona’s criminal code—second only to first-degree murder. From a sentencing standpoint, Kolsrud made clear that this financial exploitation, not the animal abuse case, was the primary factor driving the prison term imposed by the court.

The Seven-Year Animal Ownership Ban Explained

Addressing the judge’s decision to bar McLaughlin from owning animals for seven years, Kolsrud said the restriction may sound unusual but is firmly grounded in state law. He explained that Arizona statutes give judges broad authority to prohibit animal ownership in abuse cases for any length of time they deem appropriate, independent of probation terms. In Kolsrud’s view, the sentence reflects statutory requirements and judicial discretion rather than an extraordinary or symbolic punishment.

Key Takeaways from Josh Kolsrud

• The prison sentence was mandatory due to multiple felony convictions on different dates.
• Animal abuse charges alone carry significantly lower sentencing ranges.
• The $150,000 theft from an elderly parent was a Class 2 felony and the main sentencing driver.
• Class 2 felonies rank among the most serious crimes in Arizona law.
• The seven-year ban on owning animals is a common, statute-based restriction in abuse cases