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Posted on March 2, 2023 in Criminal Defense
If a loved one gets arrested for an alleged criminal offense in Arizona, it may be up to you to protect the detainee’s rights by hiring a criminal defense attorney. The incarcerated individual may be unable to research a good attorney or take the steps necessary to retain legal services. If this task falls to you, here’s what you need to know.
If you are the person that a loved one contacts with his or her one phone call to explain that he or she has been arrested, advise your loved one not to answer any police questions. A criminal defense lawyer always recommends the use of the right to remain silent after an arrest. Self-incrimination by saying the wrong thing can significantly harm an arrested individual’s case. Explain to your loved one that he or she has the right to refuse to answer questions and to request to have an attorney present during police interviews.
After hanging up with your loved one, immediately begin researching criminal defense lawyers near you. Hiring an attorney is the most effective way to get your loved one released from detainment, as well as protect his or her rights throughout the rest of the criminal justice process ahead. The sooner you hire an attorney, the better, as a lawyer can immediately go to the jail or detention center to begin representing your loved one.
Find the right attorney by looking for one that specifically practices the area of law involved in your loved one’s case (e.g., sex crimes, violent crimes, gun crimes, white-collar crimes, etc.). Look for signs that the law firm is good at what it does, such as positive client testimonials and past case results. Then, arrange a free case review to speak to an attorney directly to ensure that he or she is the right fit.
A lawyer will have the information, resources and court connections to safeguard the detainee from the worst possible penalties associated with his or her charges. A lawyer can preserve your loved one’s rights starting with police interrogations and the booking process. Even speaking to an attorney during a free case consultation can give your family more information about the charge and what’s coming next.
Do not be afraid to ask a potential attorney how much his or her fees will cost. The average price to retain a criminal defense lawyer in Arizona ranges from $1,000 to $15,000, depending on the case. Some lawyers operate on a flat rate while others charge an hourly fee. The cost of an attorney will depend on the law firm, the type of criminal case and how much work it will require. If cost is an issue, most law firms will work with your family to come up with a payment arrangement.
Although a private criminal defense attorney will cost more than using a public defender, it is in the detainee’s best interest to use the latter, if possible. With criminal defense, you get what you pay for. Public defenders are often overworked and limited on time and resources to dedicate to a case. A private defense attorney, on the other hand, will commit his or her full attention to each case, search for all available legal remedies, build a custom defense strategy, help secure the client’s release from jail and pursue a positive case outcome.
As soon as you find out that someone you love has been arrested in Arizona, contact AZ Defenders 24/7 at (480) 456-6400. We are a team of highly experienced and successful criminal defense lawyers who can handle all types of charges, from homicide to petty offenses. We can give you, your family and your incarcerated loved one sound legal advice and high-quality representation during a criminal case. Learn more about how we can help during a free case consultation.