Phoenix Criminal Defense Attorney

What are the Stages of the Criminal Process in Arizona?

If you have been arrested for a crime, it is important that you get in touch with a criminal attorney in Phoenix as soon as you can so that you can begin to build a strong defense. Learn more about what to expect in the criminal process below.

The Arrest

If you've been arrested, the first thing you should do is ask for an attorney - it is your right. Law enforcement is required to inform the arrested individual of their Miranda rights while they are being arrested. These rights include the right to remain silent and the right to consult with an attorney.

Booking

Once you are arrested, you will go through a process known as "booking." The arrestee will be taken to a police station or jail where they will have their fingerprints and photograph taken for documentation and legitimate entry into custody. An arrestee will have to wait in a holding cell until they can see a judge at the first hearing. This can be an intimidating time, especially for those who have never been arrested before. Regardless of the charges you might be facing, our firm can assist.

First Appearance and Bail

After your initial booking, you will be brought before a judge (or magistrate). One of the things that will be discussed at this hearing is bail. Depending on the alleged crime committed, you may or may not be able to post bail. If you are able to be released on bail, then you are free to leave custody but must appear at your next hearing. Anyone who fails to show up at this next hearing will likely have an arrest warrant placed on them. The amount of bail will differ depending on the offense. The judge is responsible for deciding the amount, but that amount cannot be "excessive" according to the Eighth Amendment.

Arraignment Hearings & Plea Bargains

An arraignment is the hearing where you will formally be read your charges. As a response to the reading of the charges, the defendant will be asked how they plea. At this point, the defendant can plead guilty, not guilty or no contest. At this point and time, a defendant may also enter into a plea bargain if one is offered and if the defendant's attorney advises it. Depending upon the defendant's response, the criminal process can go one of a few directions. If the defendant pleads guilty, then the case will move to an evidentiary hearing. If a defendant pleads not guilty, then the case will move to a preliminary hearing or trial.

Pretrial Motions & Trial

A pretrial motion is often a pivotal part of the criminal process. In a successful pretrial motion, certain pieces of evidence will be withheld from trial. If enough pertinent evidence is dismissed from a case, then a case may not even move to the trial phase.

The criminal process can be difficult to navigate on one's own. The intricacies of the justice system are best handled by an experienced defense attorney. We take a personal approach to each case, creating customized defense strategies that best fit each client's unique situation. Our ultimate goal is to reduce or dismiss the charges our clients face.

Understanding Your Rights in a Criminal Case

When facing criminal charges, it's crucial to understand your rights and legal options. Our experienced Phoenix criminal defense attorneys at Knowles Law Firm, PLC are dedicated to protecting your rights and providing you with the best defense possible. We will guide you through the stages of the criminal process in Arizona and ensure that you are fully informed and prepared every step of the way.

Key rights to be aware of in a criminal case include:

• The right to remain silent
• The right to legal representation
• The right to a fair trial
• The right to confront witnesses
• The right to present evidence

By understanding and exercising your rights, you can help build a strong defense and achieve the best possible outcome for your case. Contact us today to get started on your defense.

What Is a Plea Deal?

A plea deal, also known as a plea bargain, is an agreement between the defendant and the prosecutor in which the defendant agrees to plead guilty to a lesser charge or to one of multiple charges in exchange for a more lenient sentence or the dismissal of other charges. In many cases, plea deals can be a strategic way to minimize the potential penalties and avoid the uncertainty of a trial.

In the criminal justice system, plea deals are common because they allow both the prosecution and the defense to avoid the time, expense, and unpredictability of a trial. For the defendant, a plea deal can mean reduced charges or a lighter sentence, which can be crucial if the evidence against them is strong. However, it’s essential to understand that by accepting a plea deal, you are waiving your right to a trial and the chance to be found not guilty by a jury.

Plea deals can vary significantly based on the specifics of the case and the negotiations between your attorney and the prosecutor. For example, in a Phoenix criminal case, a plea deal might involve pleading guilty to a misdemeanor rather than facing a felony trial, which could drastically reduce the penalties and long-term consequences.

Before accepting a plea deal, it’s critical to consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney. An attorney can help you understand the terms of the plea deal, assess whether it’s in your best interest, and negotiate with the prosecution to achieve the most favorable outcome possible. Remember, once a plea deal is accepted, it is binding, so ensuring that the agreement is the best possible resolution for your case is essential.

Criminal Cases We Handle

Our Phoenix criminal defense lawyers have a wealth of experience in the areas of criminal defense for felony and misdemeanor charges, including:

• Drug Crimes, including possession, distribution, transportation, and trafficking of a wide range of controlled substances.
• Domestic Violence, including cases involving domestic assault, harassment, stalking, intimidation, and property damage.
• Property Crimes, such as cases involving arson, vandalism, and damage to another person's property.
• Theft Crimes, including robbery, burglary, auto theft, shoplifting, and financial-related crimes such as white collar crimes.
• Probation Violations, such as failing to appear in court, failing to check in with your probation officer, and other violations of your probation terms.
• Expungements to help clear your previous convictions so that you can enjoy a fresh start.
• White Collar Crimes, including forgery, fraud, embezzlement, tax crimes, identity theft, and other financially motivated crimes.
• Sex Crimes, such as child pornography, child molestation, rape, sexual assault, prostitution, and sex failure to register as a sex offender.
• Federal Crimes, including bank fraud, counterfeiting, bankruptcy fraud, and a broad range of other offenses that are prosecuted by the federal government.
• Juvenile Crimes, such as drunk driving, assault, gang-related crimes, drug offenses, weapons charges, and more.
• Violent Crimes, including assault and battery, domestic violence, assault with a weapon, and other offenses that involves serious injuries to another person.
• Assault, including aggravated assault, attempted assault, and assault involving a deadly weapon.
• Vehicle crimes, including DUI, hit and runs, traffic violations, and more.

Get Started on Your Case Today

Our Phoenix criminal defense attorneys have gained decades of experience fighting for individuals charged with all types of crimes – from misdemeanors to felonies to serious federal charges.

Through the use of analytical evaluation, experience, and countless hours creating effective defense strategies, we have produced many positive resolutions for our clients and their families, including case dismissals and reductions in charges or penalties.

Proven DUI Defense in Arizona

Knowles Law Firm, PLC maintains an active and successful practice defending clients charged with driving under the influence. Our Phoenix criminal defense lawyers represent clients during both criminal proceedings and administrative MVD hearings to their futures and their driving privileges. 

You can learn more about the DUI cases we handle on the DUI Defense section of our website.

Our Phoenix criminal defense attorneys are available to represent clients throughout Phoenix, Maricopa County, and the state of Arizona. 

We handle all types of criminal charges, ranging from traffic offenses to cases involving the most serious federal offenses.

Our case results speak for themselves. Call our criminal defense lawyers Phoenix today!

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