Criminal Defense Attorney in Scottsdale
Scottsdale-area criminal courts are known for imposing harsh penalties for criminal convictions. If you’ve been charged with or accused of a crime, it’s important to have a Scottsdale criminal defense lawyer represent you in court to protect your freedom as much as possible.
Don’t try to handle a criminal case on your own. Instead, call the experienced Scottsdale criminal defense lawyers at Grand Canyon Law Group to schedule your free consultation and to learn more about how you can work to mitigate any consequences associated with your case.
For a free legal consultation with a Criminal Defense lawyer serving Scottsdale, call 480-400-5555
WHY CHOOSE OUR FIRM?
Our legal team includes former deputy county attorneys who have extensive experience prosecuting felony criminal cases and now use that experience to help criminal defendants. Criminal charges are serious matters, and regardless of whether you are innocent or guilty, you want to know that you have a strong criminal defense team on your side.
Our lawyers at Grand Canyon Law Group have represented people accused of crimes in a wide range of matters, and we work to ease the burden of criminal charges for our clients. In many cases, we’ve secured not guilty verdicts for our clients at trial, and in others we have been able to reduce the criminal penalties or have them dismissed entirely.
Scottsdale Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Me 480-400-5555
THE MOST COMMON CRIMINAL LAW CASES IN SCOTTSDALE
We’re prepared to handle a wide range of criminal law cases. Below we discuss some of the most common criminal charges that we see:
- Assault. This crime involves attacking another individual with the intent to cause harm. Assault charges may also include assault with a deadly weapon or aggravated assault.
- Criminal traffic violations. These crimes range from extreme reckless driving to endangerment to leaving the scene of an accident to driving without a license.
- Domestic violence. DV charges can include a wide range of actions, from throwing objects to striking a member of your immediate family or someone else living in your home.
- DUI. This charge includes driving under the influence of alcohol or a number of different drugs, including prescription drugs.
- Drug crimes. Drug crimes include both possession and distribution
- Theft. Theft can occur from a person or a business.
- White collar crimes. WC crimes include forgery and money laundering.
- Sex trafficking. This crime involves illegally selling sex.
Our firm is prepared to handle a wide range of cases, including many not listed above, and we take both misdemeanor and felony cases. No matter what type of crime you’ve been charged with, we’ll be on your side throughout the legal process.
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WHAT ARE THE POTENTIAL CONSEQUENCES OF A CRIMINAL DEFENSE CONVICTION IN SCOTTSDALE?
When you’re accused of a crime, it’s natural to feel nervous and uncertain about the future. What’s going to happen next? What are the potential consequences if you’re found guilty? If you are convicted of a crime in Scottsdale, AZ, there are several penalties you can expect, including:
- Fines. Many crimes carry fines as part of the penalty. DUI, for example, can result in the need to pay a fine, as well as other fees and expenses associated with the court proceedings. Also, your monthly car insurance payments may increase. In some cases, property, including your vehicle, may be seized as part of a criminal conviction.
- Prison time. Generally, the first penalty that comes to mind is jail time. Not only does imprisonment severely limit your freedom, but it can also seriously affect what you’re able to accomplish in your career and throughout the rest of your life, even decades after you’ve successfully completed all aspects of your sentence.
- Probation. When you’re put on probation, you must regularly check in with your probation officer to show them that you’re following all the conditions included in your probation. For example, you may be restricted from traveling to certain areas or from leaving a certain geographic area.
Furthermore, you may not be permitted to associate with certain individuals, especially those known to be engaged in criminal activities. Any future contact with law enforcement during your probationary period also may constitute a violation of your probation.
- A criminal record. In addition to all the other penalties associated with a criminal conviction, you may also gain a criminal record, which can make it more difficult to secure certain types of employment and negatively affect other areas of your life.
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HOW CAN I DEFEND AGAINST CRIMINAL DEFENSE ACCUSATIONS IN THE SCOTTSDALE AREA?
There are many defenses to criminal accusations. By working with an experienced criminal defense attorney, you can determine which type of defense will be most effective in your case.
- Actual innocence. Claiming innocence is the most common defense for most crimes. In all criminal cases, the prosecution bears the burden of proof, which means that the prosecution must introduce adequate evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant actually committed the charged crime.
In some cases, however, defendants may need to present their own evidence to establish their defense, like proof that they were not at a given location or that they were not otherwise capable of committing the charged crime.
- Insanity. The defense of insanity is much less common than many people realize, and it may bring with it more consequences and penalties than the general public initially believes. If a defendant wants to use the defense of insanity, it’s important to consider the possibility that it can result in prolonged institutionalization or mandated mental health treatment before any freedom is restored.
In some cases, the consequences associated with a not guilty by reason of insanity verdict may actually be more severe and last longer than those that come with a criminal conviction. For these reasons, the defense of insanity is usually reserved for defendants who face the death penalty.
- Self-defense. In the case of some violent crimes, you may be able to claim self-defense. Under this defense, defendants argue that they believed they would have been injured by the other party had they not taken action to defend themselves.
- Mistake of fact. If you use a mistake of fact defense, you must show that you were mistaken about a specific fact, which led to an accidental commission of a crime. For example, if you accidentally drove away with a car that looked exactly like yours, this might be a mistake of fact, rather than a true theft.
It’s important not to confuse a mistake of fact with a mistake of law, also known as ignorance of the law, which is not a valid defense.
- Duress. In some cases, a defendant may have been forced into committing an unlawful act, in which case duress may be a valid defense.
SENTENCING GUIDELINES FOR VARIOUS CONVICTIONS
While there are mandatory sentencing guidelines in Arizona, there are many factors the court will evaluate to determine the sentencing range for a person’s arrest and charges. The guidelines for criminal convictions are in place to keep sentencing consistent.
The court will review the defendant’s previous criminal record as well as any aggravating or mitigating factors. After the court determines the sentencing range, the judge has the discretion to apply penalties under the most lenient or harsh guidelines that fall within that category.
AGGRAVATED ASSAULT CRIMES
Assault is a dangerous crime, and the statute describes it as intentionally or recklessly causing physical harm or fear of inevitable bodily injury to another person. Per the Arizona Revised Statute 13-1204, an aggravated or felony assault charge must involve specific components. The elements of felony assault include:
- The incident involved severe physical injury
- The defendant used any form of a deadly weapon during the assault
- The defendant used restraint tactics
- The assault took place in the person’s residence
- The assault took place against a public servant
- An adult committed the crime against a minor under 15 years old
- There is already an order of protection in place against the defendant
In most cases, an aggravated assault conviction is a class three felony with penalties of up to 15 years in prison, or a class two felony with a potential prison sentence of up to 21 years. An individual facing aggravated assault with a previous felony conviction could face 35 years behind bars.
FELONY THEFT CHARGES
Theft is a non-dangerous crime, and a person will face felony charges in this state for stealing property worth over $1,000. There are five categories of felony charges depending on the monetary value. The lowest offense is a class six, and the most severe is a class two felony. A person facing first-time felony theft charges could serve a sentence from 0.33 to 12.5 years. A defendant with prior felony convictions could serve from 5.75 to 35 years in prison. You can contact our Scottsdale theft lawyer to discuss your case.
BOATING DUI CHARGES
Operating a motorized watercraft under the influence of alcohol or drugs in Arizona is a criminal offense under state law, similar to DUI laws for motor vehicles. The law specifies legal limits for blood alcohol content (BAC) while operating a boat. Intoxication within two hours of operating a watercraft can lead to arrest and conviction for a Class 1 misdemeanor, the most serious type of misdemeanor in Arizona.
This offense carries potential penalties, including up to six months in jail, fines up to $2,500 plus surcharges, and probation of up to three years. Additional consequences may include community service, mandatory counseling, alcohol education programs, and restitution to victims.
While jail time is possible, judges may waive this for first-time offenders in favor of probation or other penalties. Penalties vary based on case specifics, prior criminal history, and judicial discretion.
An attorney can explore the circumstances of your arrest to see if your rights were violated. Faulty breathalyzer equipment could offer another defense strategy that can deliver you justice.
FELONY DRUG CRIMES
Felony drug crime charges often involve multiple offenses. The felony class will depend on the type and amount of drugs involved, and the state will also consider whether the drugs in question are for personal use or the purpose of distribution. Potential sentencing for a felony drug charge ranges from 0.5 to 15 years in prison.
AGGRAVATED DUI SENTENCING
Aggravated driving under the influence or DUI is a felony offense in this state. The severity level will depend on many factors, including prior DUI or felony offenses, whether there was a minor under 15 years old in the car, and whether the driver has a suspended or revoked driver’s license at the time of the arrest. An aggravated DUI conviction could lead to a prison sentence between four months and 3.75 years. Contact our Scottsdale DUI lawyers today.
WHY HIRE A CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAWYER?
Crime rates vary year by year. The Scottsdale Police Department reported a decrease in violent crime, 12%, between 2023 and 2024, and while these numbers fluctuate, the need for a trustworthy criminal defense attorney is always high.
When you hire a criminal defense lawyer, you’re taking a major step toward improving your chances of a successful outcome in your case. A criminal defense attorney plays a significant role in protecting your rights when you’re facing criminal charges. From the moment you’re accused of a crime, they guide you through the legal process, helping you understand each step and what it means.
Their job is to represent your ideal interests, whether you’re dealing with a minor offense or a serious charge. Defense attorneys begin by carefully reviewing all the details of your case. They look at police reports, witness statements, and any available evidence to identify possible weaknesses in the prosecution’s argument. If your rights were violated, such as being searched without a warrant or questioned without legal counsel, the court can dismiss this evidence.
Weighing Your Options
Beyond that, they help you to weigh your options. Sometimes, it makes sense to negotiate a plea deal, while other situations may call for fighting the charges in court. A skilled defense lawyer will know how to build a strong defense strategy tailored to your situation.
They can also handle communication with the court, file important documents on time, and speak on your behalf during hearings. Having someone experienced and calm in your corner can make the process less stressful and more manageable.
A criminal defense attorney gives you the support, knowledge, and legal strategy needed to face criminal charges with confidence. Their goal is always to protect your freedom, your future, and your rights under the law.
How to Prepare for Your Initial Consultation With a Criminal Defense Attorney
Meeting with a criminal defense attorney for the first time is an important step, and a little preparation can go a long way. The more organized and honest you are, the more effective the consultation can be. Start by gathering any documents connected to your case. This includes police reports, court papers, bail information, or anything you’ve received from law enforcement or the court. These details help the attorney understand the situation quickly.
Write down a timeline of events, starting with what led to the charges. Be clear, truthful, and thorough; even small details can matter. It’s also helpful to note the names of any witnesses or people involved in the incident. Don’t worry about perfect wording; just be honest and accurate.
Prepare Questions
Think about what you want to ask during the meeting. Common questions include what the potential outcome may be, how long the process could take, and what defenses might be available. Make a list so you don’t forget anything important. Also, be prepared to talk about your personal background. Your lawyer may ask about your job, family, or past legal history. This helps them to build a fuller picture and provide better advice.
Finally, make sure to ask about the attorney’s experience with similar cases and how their fees work. The goal of the consultation is to decide whether this attorney is a good fit for you and whether they can help protect your rights and guide you forward.
What Happens at Scottsdale City Court?
If you’ve been arrested on criminal charges, you might be wondering what happens next. You can use this brief roadmap of what happens at Scottsdale City Court to get a better understanding of what to expect.
- Arraignment. Your first hearing is called an arraignment. It involves notifying you of the charges being brought against you and your rights. This is when you can enter an initial plea of guilty or not guilty.
- Pre-trial conference. If you plead not guilty, the case is set for a future date. The next step is to attend a pre-trial conference, during which you meet with the City Prosecutor to discuss possible options for plea deals.
- Trial. If you can’t come to an agreement with the City Prosecutor, your case then goes to trial. It could be set for a bench trial or a jury trial, depending on your charges.
Don’t worry if you’re still not sure exactly how to move forward. Your criminal defense lawyer can be there to advocate for you and protect your rights every step of the way.
What to Do if You’ve Been Arrested or Contacted by the Police
Being arrested or contacted by the police can be stressful. People often panic and just try to tell the police what they believe law enforcement wants to hear. Don’t do that. Instead, follow this checklist for what you should do under these challenging circumstances:
- Remain silent. You have the right to remain silent and request legal counsel before answering any of law enforcement’s questions. You should exercise it.
- Avoid consent for searches. Ignore the temptation to appear compliant by consenting to searches without first consulting your lawyer.
- Don’t discuss the case. You shouldn’t just avoid talking about the case with the police. It’s equally important to avoid mentioning it on social media or by text to your family or friends.
- Preserve evidence. Gather any evidence that could support your case and make sure that it is preserved. You may also want to write out a timeline of what happened while the events are still fresh in your mind.
- Show up to court. You should never miss court dates. Missing even one can leave you with an additional misdemeanor warrant.
- Hire a lawyer immediately. The most important step you can take to protect your rights is to hire a lawyer as soon as possible. You should always be completely honest with your lawyer. Remember that what you tell them is protected by the attorney-client privilege and cannot be used against you in court.
Following this crucial advice can help prevent you from accidentally making statements to the police or others that could harm your case. It can also help to ensure that your lawyer has access to all the evidence and information they need to craft an effective defense strategy.
Scottsdale Criminal Defense FAQs
What Is Another Name for a Criminal Defense Attorney?
Another name for a criminal defense attorney is a defense lawyer or defense counsel. These terms are commonly used interchangeably to refer to legal professionals who focus on representing individuals accused of criminal offenses and defending their rights in court.
Attorneys are also referred to counselors because their role encompasses a wide range of advice to defendants. Lawyers are expected to be trusted sources of information and guidance for their clients.
How Do I Find the Right Criminal Defense Attorney?
Finding the right criminal defense attorney for your case requires a bit of time but is worth the effort. One of the most important factors to consider is experience.
Another consideration should be whether the defense attorney has represented clients who faced similar criminal charges to yours. During your consultation, you can ask your lawyer how favorably those cases were resolved.
Are Prosecutors More Powerful Than Judges?
Prosecutors and judges have different but important powers that can influence the outcome of your case. Prosecutors decide which cases are accepted and what the criminal charge is. They are responsible for representing the victim and the state.
The judge’s main role is to ensure fairness and due process during hearings and trials. They may preside over a jury trial or make a judgment during a bench trial.
How Might My Case Resolve?
The vast majority of criminal cases are resolved through a plea bargain agreement. Your criminal defense attorney can negotiate with prosecutors by presenting arguments that are favorable to your side of the story. Most cases are closed once both parties fulfill the terms of the plea bargain agreement.
If your attorney is able to gather strong evidence that supports your innocence, they can work to have your charges dropped. If needed, your lawyer can take the case before a judge or jury so they can decide whether you are guilty of committing a crime.
Who Pays for a Lawyer in Arizona?
Defendants are expected to pay for their own legal counsel unless they are unable to afford an attorney. Criminal defense attorneys generally charge an hourly rate, or they charge a flat fee. When an attorney charges an hourly rate, they typically do so through a retainer. The lump sum payment is billed until the funds are depleted. Once the retainer is used, the defendant usually pays another lump payment.
CONTACT A SCOTTSDALE CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY TODAY
If you’ve been charged with a crime, you will likely face significant legal and financial penalties if convicted. The fines alone that are associated with many crimes can be crippling, particularly if they’re coupled with jail time, which may prevent you from being able to work and earn the income necessary to pay them. Not only that, but if you are convicted of a crime, your freedoms can be severely limited.
These potential consequences make the cost of a lawyer well worth the peace of mind that having competent representation can provide. At our firm, we offer a free initial consultation to learn more about your criminal charges and whether we can take your case. We offer reasonable payment plans and an affordable legal defense that will help you maintain your freedoms and better understand the accusations against you.
If you’re unsure of what to do in your criminal case, don’t wait to get the legal support you need to properly defend yourself. Call us today, or contact us online, to schedule your consultation. We’ll come to your home, meet you at the office, we have several, one in Mesa, Gilbert, and on North 5th Ave in Phoenix, or meet you in another location that works for you to help make your legal defense process as easy as possible.
Call or text 480-400-5555 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
