Phoenix Criminal Defense Lawyer

THE CRIMINAL LAW PROCESS

We represent our clients at all stages of the criminal process. At each and every stage the goal is to defend against the accusations and ensure your constitutional rights are upheld.

• First Stage: Police Investigation

Most crimes in Arizona have a statute of limitations for the State to be able to file charges against a suspect. A.R.S. § 13-107 gives the prosecutor 1-year for misdemeanors from the date of the offense, or 7-years for felonies.

The police are seeking to gather evidence against a suspect in order to establish the legal requirement of probable cause that a crime was committed and the accused is the one who committed it.

Hiring a lawyer during the prefile investigation stage will provide peace of mind and protection from police contact. Our prefile services aim to stop the State from ever filing charges or to obtain information about impending charges. During this stage we may send a “no-contact letter” to law enforcement to stop harassment, obtain police reports and valuable body cam or dash cam footage, preserve valuable evidence from witnesses and 3rd parties, and potentially discourage law enforcement from referring a matter for charging.

• Second Stage: Filing of Criminal Charges

If the State believes they have sufficient probable cause to bring charges, they will pursue charges either through an arrest or through a mailed summons. A skilled defense attorney reviews the probable cause determination to see if there is a basis to challenge the evidence used by the State. Unlawfully obtained evidence through an unconstitutional search or seizure can be thrown out ultimately resulting in a dismissal of a case.

Other strategies may involve negotiations with the prosecutor to obtain a favorable outcome resulting in a dismissal, lesser sentence, or reduced jail time.

• Final Stage: Trial

While many lawyers may be reluctant to take a case to trial, taking a case to trial in front of a jury or a judge may be the best way to exert pressure on the State, reveal weaknesses in a case, or prove our client’s innocence.

Having someone who can knows how to present a compelling and persuasive story of innocence, effectively question witnesses, bring good evidence into Court and keep bad evidence out is essential to ultimate success.

TYPES OF CRIMINAL CHARGES WE HANDLE

Alcohol Offenses

• Driving Under the Influence
• Operating Under the Influence
• Disorderly Conduct
• Open Container
• Minor in Consumption
• Minor in Possession
• Fake ID
• Liquor License Violations

Driving and Traffic Offenses

• Hit and Run / Leaving the Scene of an Accident
• Felony Hit and Run / Leaving the Scene of an Accident Causing Serious Injury
• Driving on a Suspended/Revoked License
• Reckless Driving
• Aggressive Driving
• Excessive Speed / Criminal Speed
• Obstruction of a Highway
• Aggravated Assault
• Endangerment

Theft Crimes

• Shoplifting
• Identity Theft
• Embezzlement

Domestic Crimes

• Assault
• Disorderly Conduct
• Criminal Damage
• Violating a Restraining Order
• Violating a Court Order
• Interfering with Judicial Proceedings
• Witness Tampering
• False Statement
• Threatening or Intimidating
• Stalking

Assault Crimes

• Assault
• Aggravated Assault
• Domestic Violence
• Robbery
• Threatening and Intimidating
• Arson
• Kidnapping
• Manslaughter

Police Contact Offenses

• Aggravated Assault on an Officer
• Resisting Arrest
• Failure to Comply with a Lawful Order
• Failure to Identify
• False Statement
• Criminal Damage
• Hindering Prosecution
• Interfering with a Crime Scene
• Trespassing

Drug Crimes

• Drug Possession
• Drug Paraphernalia
• Possession of Narcotic Drugs for Sale
• Possession of Dangerous Drugs for Sale
• Marijuana Violation
• Possession of  Prescription Substance

Sex Crimes

• Prostitution
• Indecent Exposure
• Child Sex Trafficking
• Molestation
• Sexual Assault
• Distribution of Images
• Possession of Sexually Explicit Images