The conviction of a misdemeanor or felony in Arizona can result in some serious consequences. Potential consequences looming in the background include costly fines, a stint in prison, loss of current and future employment, tarnished reputation, and a permanent criminal record. If you’re found guilty of a crime, it will likely have an adverse impact on your life. It’s critical to seek legal help from an experienced criminal defense attorney for the best outcome when you’re charged with crimes like:
- Burglary
- Assault
- Shoplifting
- Carjacking
- Homicide
- Sexual offense
Crimes in Arizona
In the state of Arizona, misdemeanors are punishable with up to six months in the county jail. Felonies are punishable with 1+ years in state prison, depending on the felony category. A first-degree category one felony can result in life imprisonment or the death penalty. For felony crimes other than category one, aggravating factors may increase the sentence length. Aggravating factors include a crime against an elderly individual or a crime that is especially cruel. Category four felonies can result in more than two years in jail, and an aggravated class four felony can bring more than three years in prison. For example, a conviction of a theft felony worth more than $3,000 is a class four felony. And while a class six felony is the least serious under Arizona law, you could still be looking at one year in jail. An Arizona judge may also order a fine of up to $150,000 for any felony conviction.
How A Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help?
A criminal defense attorney can assist in a variety of ways, including achieving a dismissal of charges, reduced charges, parole instead of jail, reduced sentencing, and appeal. The goal of a criminal defense attorney is to poke holes in the prosecution’s case to create reasonable doubt for a not-guilty verdict. Criminal defense attorneys mount a strong criminal defense strategy by speaking with law enforcement, getting witness statements, locating hidden witnesses, evaluating evidence, such as DNA and ballistic reports, and using expert witnesses. If the evidence against you is strong, a plea bargain may be recommended. Your criminal defense attorney will aggressively negotiate for the best deal with the prosecutor.
A criminal defense attorney is also there to ensure that you are treated fairly throughout the entire criminal justice process and will fight for your rights. Being charged with a criminal offense is a stressful experience. With a criminal defense attorney on your side, you’ll be kept abreast of case developments and know what to expect. It helps the process run smoother and eliminates the guesswork of what’s next.
From arraignment and pre-trial to trial and appeal, you’ve got a legal professional in your corner.
Charged with a crime? Seek advice from an experienced criminal defense lawyer contact Shah Law today.
Even if you’re just a suspect in a crime, get counsel from a criminal defense attorney. Likely, law enforcement will want to call you in for an interview. You may unknowingly say something that is incriminating. Don’t say anything unless your attorney is present, even if the police promise to help you. A criminal defense attorney is on your side; law enforcement is not.
