Facing Criminal Charges in Phoenix? Here’s What to Do First
Being charged with a crime in Phoenix, Arizona is a life-altering event. The Maricopa County criminal justice system moves fast, and the consequences of a conviction can include prison time, steep fines, probation, a permanent criminal record, and loss of professional licenses. Your first and most important step after an arrest is to invoke your right to remain silent and contact a qualified Phoenix criminal defense attorney immediately.
Types of Criminal Cases in Phoenix and Maricopa County
- DUI and aggravated DUI – Arizona has some of the strictest DUI laws in the nation. Even a first offense can mean mandatory jail time.
- Drug offenses – Possession, trafficking, and manufacturing charges carry severe penalties under Arizona law.
- Assault and domestic violence – Maricopa County aggressively prosecutes these cases, often even when victims don’t want to press charges.
- Theft, burglary, and robbery – Felony theft thresholds are low in Arizona, and repeat offenses trigger enhanced sentencing.
- Sex crimes – Require specialized defense due to mandatory sex offender registration requirements.
- White collar crimes – Fraud, embezzlement, and identity theft in the Phoenix metro’s large business community.
- Weapons charges – Despite Arizona’s permissive gun laws, illegal weapons charges carry serious consequences.
Arizona Criminal Process: From Arrest to Trial
- Arrest – You are booked and processed, typically at Maricopa County Jail (4th Avenue Jail or Lower Buckeye).
- Initial appearance – Within 24 hours of arrest, you appear before a judge who sets conditions of release or bail.
- Arraignment – You enter a formal plea (typically “not guilty” while your attorney reviews evidence).
- Preliminary hearing / Grand jury – For felonies, the state must establish probable cause.
- Pretrial conference and motions – Your attorney may move to suppress evidence, challenge witnesses, or negotiate a plea.
- Trial – If no plea is reached, your case goes before a judge or jury.
Why Experience in Maricopa County Matters
Maricopa County is the 4th-largest county in the U.S. and one of the most active criminal court jurisdictions in the country. Defense attorneys who regularly practice in Phoenix Superior Court and Justice Courts know the prosecutors, understand judicial tendencies, and can leverage relationships and local knowledge in ways that out-of-area attorneys simply cannot.
Find a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Phoenix on ReachAttorneys
ReachAttorneys.com features verified criminal defense attorneys throughout the Phoenix metro, including:
- Downtown Phoenix / Maricopa County Superior Court area
- Scottsdale, Tempe, and Mesa
- Chandler, Gilbert, and Queen Creek
- Glendale and Peoria
- Surprise and Goodyear
FAQ: Criminal Defense Lawyers in Phoenix
How much does a criminal defense lawyer cost in Phoenix?
Fees vary widely. Misdemeanor defense may start at $1,500–3,000. Felony defense typically ranges from $5,000–25,000+, with serious cases or those going to trial potentially exceeding $50,000. Many attorneys offer payment plans.
Should I use a public defender in Arizona?
Public defenders are qualified attorneys, but they carry extremely heavy caseloads. If you can afford private counsel, the additional time and resources a private attorney devotes to your case can make a significant difference in outcomes.
Can criminal charges be expunged in Arizona?
Arizona passed a new “set aside” law in 2023 that expands eligibility for clearing criminal records. While not a true expungement under federal law, it can significantly improve your situation for employment, housing, and civil rights restoration. A Phoenix criminal defense attorney can advise on eligibility.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney for guidance on your specific situation.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.