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One mistake could lead to criminal charges being entered against you, as well as serious penalties. Arizona does not take criminal offenses lightly. It is known for having one of the toughest criminal justice systems in the country. Facing a criminal accusation of any kind in Scottsdale, Arizona can be overwhelming. Your rights, freedom and future may be at risk. The best way to protect yourself is by hiring a qualified and experienced Scottsdale criminal defense lawyer.
AZ Defenders has been representing clients using aggressive and effective defense strategies for many years. We can defend your rights in a variety of criminal cases, from petty theft to homicide. We are ready to assist you if you’ve recently been arrested or charged with a crime in Scottsdale. With our considerable experience and legal resources, we will reduce the penalties and repercussions that you face as much as possible.
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Why Choose the AZ Defenders?
What Does a Criminal Defense Attorney Bring to Your Case?
What Cases Do Our Scottsdale Criminal Defense Lawyers Handle?
Classifications of Crimes in Arizona
Arizona’s Criminal Statute of Limitations
Common Defenses to Criminal Charges in Scottsdale
How Much Does a Defense Attorney Cost?
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Hiring a criminal defense attorney in Scottsdale can make the entire legal process easier for you and your family during this difficult time. You can trust your attorney to take actions that are in your best interests, such as investigating the alleged crime, finding out what evidence the prosecutors have against you and creating a strong defense strategy to poke holes in the prosecutor’s case. From the very beginning, your lawyer can negotiate with the other side of the case to reduce the charges against you or even have them dismissed, depending on the circumstances.
You could face a wide range of criminal charges in Scottsdale, and Arizona. At AZ Defenders, our team has extensive experience in many different types of criminal cases, including:
If you’ve been accused of any type of crime in Scottsdale, AZ Defenders will review the facts of your case and let you know how we can help during a free consultation.
Arizona law puts criminal charges into three main categories based on the severity of the crime: a minor offense, misdemeanor or felony. The type of charge is important, as it can determine the severity of the sentence if the defendant is found guilty. A minor offense is the least severe type. It is often referred to as an infraction or petty offense. In most cases, the penalties are light, such as having to pay a fine.
A misdemeanor is the next level. It will stay on your record and carries a maximum punishment of one year or less in jail. In many cases, someone convicted of a misdemeanor in Arizona can avoid jail by paying a fine. A felony is the most severe type. Felonies are broken down into six classes, with class 1 being the most severe. Depending on the class, penalties can include years in jail to life imprisonment, as well as fines, probation, community service and restitution. In addition, having a felony on your record will take away your right to vote and bear arms.
Yes. A statute of limitations is a time limit imposed by law. In Arizona, most crimes have statutes of limitations, meaning time limits by which the government must bring criminal charges. If a prosecutor does not bring criminal charges within the applicable time period, the defendant can have the case dismissed.
In general, the criminal statutes of limitations in Arizona are seven years for class 2 through 6 felonies, one year for misdemeanors and six months for petty offenses. However, there is no time limit on prosecuting murder, manslaughter, negligent homicide, violent sexual assault, class 2 felony sex offenses, misuse of public money and felonies involving falsifying public records.
The ideal defense strategy will depend on the circumstances of the case, such as the evidence against the defendant and the defendant’s prior criminal record. With that being said, common defenses to criminal charges in Scottsdale include:
Your criminal defense lawyer at AZ Defenders will carefully craft a defense strategy based on the unique facts of your case to ensure the best possible outcome. Our lawyers do not urge every client to take a plea deal. We aren’t afraid to go to trial to fight for your rights without compromise.
The answer to this question depends on the law firm, attorney and how much work your case requires. Your criminal defense lawyer will either charge by the hour or a flat fee. Most services start at around $500 to $1,000. You may also have to pay a retainer, or an upfront amount to retain the lawyer’s services. From there, the price will increase based on the amount of time the attorney has to spend on your case, such as whether it goes to trial. To make criminal defense services more affordable, many lawyers offer payment plans.
If you are facing criminal charges of any type in Scottsdale, Arizona, don’t hesitate to contact AZ Defenders to request a free consultation with one of our highly experienced and knowledgeable criminal defense lawyers. We care about our clients and will do whatever it takes to protect your rights and future as your representatives. Call (480) 456-6400 24/7 to learn more during a free case evaluation with an attorney.