Avondale Criminal Defense Lawyer

Avondale Criminal Defense Attorney

Being arrested for any crime is a terrifying and potentially life-changing experience. Regardless of what charges are filed against you, anyone in this situation is understandably worried about the potential penalties they could face if they are convicted. Whether you need to prove your innocence or prepare a strong defense to hopefully mitigate your penalties in sentencing, it is vital to connect with an Avondale criminal defense lawyer as quickly as you can after arrest.

Criminal charges can be incredibly stressful to handle. Sentencing and penalties can be severe, especially if it is not your first offense. Harsh sentences and penalties may only be the start of the adverse impacts on your life, which can also include loss of employment, child custody issues, limitations on access to public benefits and education, and the loss of your right to drive and vote. It is crucial to contact the Grand Canyon Law Group for legal counsel if you are arrested.

You deserve to have someone in your corner that will fiercely defend your rights. Having the right Avondale criminal defense lawyer could be the difference between a dismissal of a case and a conviction with severe penalties. David Lish and Ryan McPhie at Grand Canyon Law Group are former Deputy County Attorneys turned dedicated defense attorneys, so they know what to expect from the prosecution and how to fight against it. If you are facing criminal charges, reach out today to see what our skilled legal team could do for you.

TYPES OF CASES WE HANDLE

If you are searching for criminal defense representation in Avondale, it is essential that you find an Avondale criminal defense lawyer who has proven experience handling cases like yours. The team at the Grand Canyon Law Group has successfully defended many past clients facing all types of charges at all levels of prosecution.

Criminal offenses include both misdemeanors and felonies. A misdemeanor is a lesser crime than a felony, and may result in jail time, probation, or fines. Felonies, on the other hand, are more serious charges and may involve prison time. It’s vital to understand that just because a misdemeanor is less serious than a felony, it does not mean you would not face serious penalties if you were convicted.

Your Avondale criminal defense lawyer can analyze the charges against you and help you determine your most viable defenses. At the Grand Canyon Law Group, we regularly defend clients in all types of criminal cases, and we are confident in our team’s ability to address the unique factors present in your case. Some of the common types of criminal offenses that we defend include:

• An assault entails making or presenting a threat of harm to another party. Battery would entail physically striking the other party. There are various forms of assault, battery, and assault and battery charges that might be filed against a defendant. Proving self-defense is often the most viable strategy for avoiding conviction in these cases.
• Domestic violence. Any type of violence or abuse within a family and/or household can potentially qualify as domestic violence. This can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony, and a defendant convicted of any type of domestic violence faces not only criminal penalties in sentencing but also civil liability for damages and/or family court proceedings that could result in a restraining order and/or loss of custody rights.
• Drug charges. Possession of illegal drugs is one of the most commonly prosecuted crimes in Avondale, and the penalties a convicted defendant will face in sentencing depend on the type and quantity of drug as well as the presence of any aggravating factors, such as evidence showing they intended to sell and/or traffic the drugs.
• DUI and other criminal motor vehicle offenses. It is illegal for anyone to operate a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and the penalties for DUI in Avondale can be severe. Penalties for DUI and other motor vehicle offenses can escalate based on the defendant’s criminal record and whether they injured or killed anyone with their actions.
• Sex crimes. Prosecutors in Avondale tend to seek convictions in sex crime cases very aggressively. The penalties for a sex offense can include incarceration, heavy fines, restitution to the victim, and mandatory sex offender registration that may interfere with the defendant’s future in various ways.
• The unlawful taking of another party’s property can qualify as a misdemeanor or a felony based on the type of property stolen, the manner in which it was stolen, and its value.
• White collar crimes such as forgery, money laundering, and fraud. While nonviolent in nature, most white collar crimes can qualify as felony offenses based on the amount of money these cases typically entail. These are complex cases that may draw upon various state and federal laws, and it is possible for federal law enforcement agencies to become involved in these cases.

Many crimes involve the possibility of substantial prison time, fines, probation, or all three. A conviction is not only problematic in the short term; it will also end up on an individual’s criminal record. We can assist accused individuals in restoring their rights following probation and even work to have past convictions set aside when possible. An Avondale attorney can ensure that criminal charges are handled the right way to protect your rights and your way of life.

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS DURING AN ARREST

Every American has two very important constitutional rights that come into effect immediately upon arrest for any criminal offense. First is the Fifth Amendment right to remain silent once you are placed under arrest. This amendment protects against self-incrimination, meaning you are not required to act as a witness against yourself, nor are you required to answer any questions from the police during arrest and booking.

Second is the Sixth Amendment, which ensures your right to legal representation when you have been charged with a crime. It is vital that you fully exercise your right to remain silent until you can make your phone calls and contact an Avondale criminal defense lawyer to represent you. They will listen to your side of the story, review your arrest report, and help you begin formulating your defense.

SENTENCING IN AVONDALE

There are several factors that impact sentencing for felony offenses, including the circumstances of the alleged crime and the individual’s previous history. Arizona Revised Statutes § 13-701 defines a list of aggravated and mitigating factors that a court can use to determine the penalties for an alleged crime. Aggravating factors can include the presence of an accomplice, an especially depraved or heinous manner in which the crime was committed, and a crime committed against an older adult.

Felonies are classified under state law as Class 1 through Class 6, with Class 1 being the most serious and holding the highest punishments. First-degree murder is a Class 1 felony and is punishable by up to life in prison. A seasoned Avondale defense attorney could further explain the felony classification system and the potential sentences for different crimes.

It is important to remember that for many criminal offenses in Arizona, the defendant’s past criminal record can influence their sentencing. This means that if you commit a crime after previously having been convicted of another crime, you could automatically face harsher penalties. This is especially true for offenses such as DUI; once you have formed a record of criminal offenses, the record will work against you in all future cases.

DEFENDING CRIMINAL CHARGES IN AVONDALE

Each criminal case is unique. There are many factors that will go into determining the optimal defense strategy for the charges, requiring help from a skilled attorney. Your Avondale criminal defense lawyer can review the charges against you, listen to your side of the story, and determine the most viable defenses you might employ in your forthcoming court proceedings.

In a criminal case, the burden of proof is always on the prosecution. This means that the defendant is presumed innocent unless the prosecutor presents sufficient evidence against them in court. At Grand Canyon Law Group, commonly used defense strategies include:

• Arguing self-defense
• Showing mistaken identity
• Filing a motion to suppress
• Cross-examination
• Presenting reasonable doubt

The burden of proof in a criminal case is “beyond a reasonable doubt,” so challenging this and showing that there is reasonable doubt can be a useful defense. Our lawyers could use this defense strategy, along with others, on behalf of a client facing criminal charges in Avondale. It is important to understand that proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt is much harder for a prosecutor to complete than you may realize.

Successfully defending against conviction may require proving a mistake of fact, meaning the arresting officers got something wrong in conducting your arrest or that the evidence the prosecutor has levied against you is incorrect, incomplete, or misleading. Successful defense could also require proving a mistake of law, meaning the police and/or prosecutor violated due process in some way that compromises the integrity of their case against you.

It is also possible for your defense to focus on violations of your rights committed by either the police and/or prosecution. For example, if the police never read you your Miranda rights during your arrest, it is a serious due process violation. The prosecution must also follow strict rules for obtaining the evidence and witness testimony they intend to use against you in court.

PLEA BARGAINING WITH THE PROSECUTION

Ideally, your Avondale criminal defense lawyer can help you avoid conviction by securing an acquittal or case dismissal. You could also prove your innocence by establishing an alibi that proves you could not have committed the offense or by establishing a mistake of fact, mistake of law, or due process violation that dismantles the prosecution’s case against you. However, you should know what to expect if you broke the law.

Your Avondale criminal defense lawyer can still be an invaluable asset if you know you broke the law and fear the worst possible penalties that could be assigned to you in sentencing. The plea bargaining option may be available to some defendants under certain conditions. In this process, the prosecution offers lighter penalties and/or reduced or dropped charges in exchange for the defendant entering an immediate guilty plea.

This conserves court resources, and it is possible for the prosecution to offer a plea deal if they believe they have more than enough evidence to secure a conviction and wish to avoid a potentially lengthy trial. However, they may also offer a plea deal if they are unconvinced they can win at trial, hoping the defendant simply accepts the plea deal out of desperation, effectively admitting guilt.

Your Avondale criminal defense lawyer can advise you as to whether accepting a plea deal would suit your interests or if you have a better chance of winning at trial. It is vital to secure legal representation you trust to help you make informed decisions if any such variables are present in your case.

HOW YOUR AVONDALE CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAWYER CAN HELP

Do not underestimate the value of having an experienced attorney representing you in your impending criminal case. You could overlook key evidence that could aid in your defense, and you could also make unintentional mistakes that jeopardize your position if you do not have trustworthy legal counsel advising you.

The right attorney can review the police report from your arrest and the police officer’s handling of the arrest and booking processes to ensure that due process was followed and that your rights were upheld at all times. If they notice any missteps, they will help you capitalize on them to the greatest possible effect.

When it comes to formulating your defense, your Avondale criminal defense lawyer may be able to secure exculpatory evidence that you would not have known to secure on your own. They may also consult with various experts who can explain complex technical details of your case, or they may be able to secure witness testimony that contradicts aspects of the prosecution’s case against you.

Remember to fully exercise your rights upon arrest and say nothing until you can speak with a defense attorney. Once you have hired an attorney to represent you, they will advise you as to how to proceed with building your case. Whether you need to prove your innocence to avoid conviction or the optimal outcome would be mitigating your penalties in sentencing, you will need an experienced Avondale criminal defense lawyer to help you accomplish your goal.

SPEAK WITH AN AVONDALE CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY TODAY

If you are facing a criminal charge or investigation, it is critical to seek counsel from a knowledgeable legal professional as soon as possible. The more time a lawyer has to analyze your case, file necessary motions, and gather favorable evidence, the stronger your defense may be at the time of your first hearing.

The attorneys at the Grand Canyon Law Group have years of professional experience in criminal defense, and we are confident in our team’s ability to provide focused, responsive, and results-driven legal counsel in your case. An Avondale criminal defense lawyer could defend your constitutional rights and help you get your life back on track. Call today to speak with a dedicated professional from Grand Canyon Law Group.

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