Phoenix Misdemeanor Attorney

Facing Misdemeanor Charges in Arizona?

Typically, people assume that because a misdemeanor charge is “less severe” than a felony charge in Arizona, they won’t have to do much to fight it. Don’t make this incorrect assumption, too. If you are convicted of a misdemeanor, it could completely disrupt your life and damage your freedoms and future prospects just like a felony conviction.

To fight a misdemeanor charge with confidence, come to Knowles Law Firm, PLC in Phoenix, Arizona. We are led by a former police officer and prosecutor, so you know that you can trust our insight and experience related to all parts of the criminal justice system, including what happens during an arrest and how the state tries to secure a conviction. Let us put our knowledge to good use by defending your rights now. 

Call (602) 702-5431 and ask for a free consultation about defending against your misdemeanor charge in Phoenix, AZ.

What is a Misdemeanor in Arizona?

ARS 13-601 outlines how Arizona defines misdemeanor offenses and their different levels or classifications as:

• Class 1: Physical assault causing injury; disorderly conduct; possession of marijuana; theft of property under $1,000; driving under the influence; etc.
• Class 2: Non-physical assault; criminal trespass; criminal speeding; criminal damage of property less than $250; etc.
• Class 3: Loitering; criminal nuisance; assault by offensive touching someone; etc.
• Petty: Unlawful feeding of wildlife; unlawful possession of tobacco by a minor; etc.

Class 1 misdemeanor is considered the “most serious” type of misdemeanor offense, and petty is considered the “least serious.” Again, it is important to understand that even a petty misdemeanor conviction can be damaging. Furthermore, certain circumstances allow a misdemeanor offense to escalate to a higher classification rating or possibly even to a felony charge, so it is always worth exploring your defense options upfront.

What are the Penalties for Misdemeanors in Arizona?

Different penalties are possible for a misdemeanor conviction based on the class of the crime, including:

• Up to 6 months in jail and/or up to a $2,500 fine for Class 1
• Up to 4 months in jail and/or up to a $750 fine for Class 2
• Up to 30 days in jail and/or up to a $500 fine for Class 3
• Up to $300 fine (no possible jail time)

Will your day-to-day life be able to keep functioning like normal if you are jailed for 30 or more days after a misdemeanor conviction? Do you have $2,500 (not to mention additional legal and processing costs and possible restitutions) set aside for emergencies? If you answered no to either question, then you should do everything you can to challenge your misdemeanor charge with the help of Knowles Law Firm, PLC.

Do You Need a Lawyer for a Misdemeanor Charge?

You have the right to an attorney provided by the state and the right to represent yourself—but you shouldn’t utilize either right when you could hire a criminal defense attorney from Knowles Law Firm, PLC in Phoenix instead. Public defenders are notoriously overworked and can sometimes only spare an hour or less to prepare a defendant’s case, but we are free to dedicate as much time as is needed to fully prepare your defense. Self-representation is risky if you aren’t fully versed in Arizona’s criminal laws and courtroom processes because just one mistake can damage the legitimacy of your arguments; if you let us act on your behalf, though, all our experience and knowledge effectively becomes yours.

Is There a Statute of Limitations for Misdemeanors in Arizona?

Typically, a prosecutor from the District Attorney’s Office only has one year to file misdemeanor charges against a suspect/defendant under Arizona law. This statute of limitations usually starts on the date that the crime allegedly took place, but it might change depending on when knowledge of the crime was first brought to the attention of law enforcement or criminal investigators. If you are being investigated or have been arrested for a misdemeanor crime that you believe goes beyond the statute of limitations, call (602) 702-5431 right away to tell our attorneys.

Defenses That Might Apply to Your Misdemeanor Case

Each misdemeanor case comes with its own set of facts, circumstances, and nuances. A one-size-fits-all approach to defense won’t work well because it doesn’t consider these unique details. By focusing on the unique elements of each case, though, our defense attorneys can prepare a strategic defense that addresses the specific challenges – and opportunities – in your misdemeanor defense case.

Although we always personalize our client’s defenses, strategies and arguments that commonly apply to misdemeanor defense cases include:

• Mistaken identity: The defense of mistaken identity might be applicable when there is evidence or circumstances suggesting that you were not the person involved in the alleged crime.
• Self-defense: Often used in assault cases, self-defense claims that your actions were a necessary response to an immediate threat.
• Procedural errors: Highlighting mistakes made by law enforcement or the prosecution, such as improper evidence handling, can sometimes lead to reduced charges or case dismissal.
• Lack of intent: We might be able to argue that you did not intend to commit a crime if intent is a key component of the charge.

Contact Our Phoenix Misdemeanor Defense Attorneys Now

Let us explain the legal processes needed to protect you from a misdemeanor charge. Reach out to our Phoenix misdemeanor defense lawyers today, who also often represent clients in Scottsdale and Mesa. Don’t delay – trust our reliable and trial-tested criminal defense representation today. 

For a free case review, call (602) 702-5431 today.