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Originally Posted On: https://thevalleylawgroup.com/blog/criminal-defense-attorney/

What Is a Defense Attorney?

If you find yourself facing charges of a criminal nature in the state of Arizona, it is essential that you consult with a criminal defense attorney who can review your case and work to ensure your rights are protected through the legal process. However, not everyone is aware of what exactly a criminal defense attorney does and how they work to give their clients the best possible chance at a reduction of charges or even a full dismissal.

Being accused of a criminal charge can be a terrifying and uncertain experience, and the individuals facing these charges are often left with a litany of unanswered questions. The Valley Law Group boasts a talented team of criminal defense attorneys with the experience and skill set necessary to lead you through the complicated legal process that awaits. Not only can we educate you on the charges you’re facing and the legal options that may be available to you, but we can also help you understand our role in your case and how we prioritize protecting you, your rights, your freedoms, and your future.

Common Types of Criminal Charges and Cases Seen in Arizona

As an Arizona criminal defense attorney is responsible for defending their clients who are facing an array of criminal charges, it is often helpful to review the types of charges these attorneys can handle. The reality is that there is a large range of criminal charges one might face in Arizona, and it is essential that you do not try to face these charges alone.

The Valley Law Group’s criminal defense attorneys have experience handling the following types of criminal charges and cases:

• DUI cases, or drinking under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol
• The possession of drugs or drug paraphernalia
• The possession, creation, or distribution of child pornography
• Certain juvenile crimes, such as shoplifting, truancy, assault, burglary, vandalism, curfew violations, cyberbullying, theft, gang-related activities, and underage drinking
• Cruelty to animals
• Assault and aggravated assault
• Robbery and armed robbery
• Disorderly conduct
• Drug manufacturing, distribution, or trafficking
• Child neglect or abuse
• Prostitution or solicitation
• Stalking
• Weapons charges, including the unlawful possession of a firearm, the possession of a weapon during the committing of a crime, using a weapon in a threatening manner, carrying a concealed weapon without a permit, misconduct involving a deadly weapon, and the unlawful discharge of a weapon
• Harassment
• Sex crimes, including rape, sexual assault, indecent exposure, sexual exploitation, and human trafficking

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• Domestic violence crimes, including domestic assault, domestic battery, stalking, false imprisonment, the violation of protective orders, child abandonment, and custodial interference
• Theft
• Property crimes, including criminal trespassing, arson, criminal damage, and vandalism
• Homicide or manslaughter
• White-collar crimes, including credit or debit card fraud, embezzlement, forgery, extortion, insurance fraud, money laundering, bribery, securities fraud, racketeering, wire fraud, telemarketing fraud, and counterfeiting
• Probation violations, including failure to report to a probation officer, failure to complete certain court-ordered programs, committing new crimes while on probation, the possession of drugs or firearms while on probation, violating curfew, failing to comply with travel restrictions, associating with known criminals while on probation, failing to pay fines or restitution, failing to maintain employment and leaving the jurisdiction without permission
• Public order and safety crimes, including disturbing the peace, possessing an open container, and public intoxication
• Judicial interference
• Miscellaneous crimes, including hate crimes, perjury, parole violations, computer crimes, and aiding and abetting

If you are facing any of the above criminal charges, request a consultation with The Valley Law Group so our criminal defense attorneys can begin building your defense. 

Consequences of a Criminal Charge Conviction

In addition to the criminal punishments that come with a conviction of these charges, there are also certain personal long-term consequences you might face if convicted of a criminal charge. This is why having a criminal defense attorney can be so essential. The right attorney will work diligently to ensure that your rights and freedoms are safeguarded and that your personal life suffers as minimal an impact as possible. Without representation, you risk a felony conviction that can wreak havoc on your professional reputation and your private life.

A felony conviction can affect your personal life and future in many ways, including:

• Losing the right to vote
• Losing the right to obtain, own, and bear firearms
• Reductions or elimination of child custody rights
• Negative impacts on the employment opportunities available to you
• Reduced housing opportunities
• Difficulty finding employment
• For some crimes, the loss of your driver’s license

• Negative effects on personal relationships
• Ruining your personal and professional reputation
• Financial debt
• Records that are available to the public
• Records that can be used against you in a future divorce case
• Loss of right to remain in the country or other negative impacts on your immigration status

It is important that you do not underestimate the impact a criminal conviction could have on you, both in the state of Arizona as well as on a federal level. A criminal defense attorney can not only educate you on the penalties you might face but also offer you the best legal options available to you to mitigate the harm to your personal life a criminal conviction might have.

How a Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Protect Your Rights

When you hire a criminal defense lawyer from The Valley Law Group, you have taken the first step towards building the most effective defense case possible. Our experienced attorneys have the skills and resources necessary to protect your rights throughout your criminal trial. Our clients can expect their attorney to protect their rights by taking the following actions:

Investigating the Case

Your defense will be built on a strong foundation of evidence your criminal defense attorney will develop while investigating the nuances and details of your criminal charge case. A criminal defense attorney has the ability to gather this evidence, collect witness testimony, and examine the unique specifics of your arrest and any searches done to your personal property.

Counseling You on Your Options

From the moment you walk into the doors of your criminal defense attorney’s office for your initial consultation, your attorney will begin to advise you on the options available to you in your defense case. They will explain in detail your legal rights, options, and potential defenses you may expect, as well as potential tactics the prosecution may use against you. They can also counsel you on your options regarding how you will plead and the implications of a potential plea deal.

Representing You in Court

Perhaps most importantly, your criminal defense attorney will represent you during your courtroom trial, including all court hearings, sentencing, and jury trials. During court hearings and trials, your attorney will work to present their evidence, examine witnesses, and dismantle the prosecution’s case against you.

Negotiating Any Plea Bargains

Negotiating your charges and possible conviction with the prosecution assigned to your case is a significant component of the duties of a criminal defense attorney. With a vast knowledge of the laws surrounding your unique charges, they can work to reduce the potential sentence or find a way to dismiss the charges in your case altogether.

Challenging the Prosecution’s Evidence

Whether during a courtroom trial, a hearing, or negotiations, your attorney will work to challenge the case brought forth by the prosecution. Using their experience and resources, a criminal defense attorney can discredit evidence against you by filing motions to suppress this evidence or present their own expert testimony that will negate the prosecution’s alleged evidence.

Communicating Effectively with Law Enforcement and Other Officials

Your criminal defense attorney will be able to communicate with the law enforcement personnel who are involved in your case. They can attend all interviews held between you and the involved police and advise you regarding what and what not to say, as well as how to answer questions.

Protecting Your Rights from Violation

At the end of the day, your criminal defense attorney will work to ensure that your rights are safeguarded from any kind of violation during all interactions with law encouragement officials, investigators, the prosecution team, and others involved in your case. These protections are essential throughout the duration of your case.

Why Is a Criminal Defense Lawyer Important?

The services of a criminal defense lawyer are essential when you are facing criminal charges. Though not required by Arizona courts, having an attorney on your side during these difficult times can make all the difference in securing a positive outcome.

Whether you are innocent or law enforcement officials have misinterpreted details of your case, your attorney may be your only hope of protecting your rights. Your attorney can identify loopholes in the law, mistakes in the investigation against you, or weak points in the prosecution’s case. They can negotiate more favorable outcomes and ensure your constitutional rights are protected throughout the process.

A criminal defense attorney can also ensure that you are mentally and emotionally prepared for the proceedings ahead and support you along the way. Facing criminal charges can be a terrifying experience, but a criminal defense attorney can help you understand your charges, grow secure in your defense, and give you a sense of confidence when walking into your proceedings.

If you are facing a criminal case in Arizona, state prosecutors will take your case and your conviction extremely seriously. You need representation that will treat your defense with equal gravitas. This is why having a criminal defense attorney on your side is so important. You do not have to face the criminal justice system alone, and when you hire a criminal defense attorney, you can rest assured that someone has your back in all legal proceedings.

What Is the Role of a Lawyer in a Criminal Case?

The role of a lawyer in a criminal case is very important to understand when you are looking for the right attorney to represent you against criminal charges. It is essential to secure representation from an attorney with a thorough understanding of the laws as they apply to your case.

There are many tasks your criminal defense attorney can complete on your behalf, including:

• Researching the Relevant Case Law – A wise criminal defense attorney not only holds extensive experience regarding many case types but is also well-positioned to educate themselves regarding current laws and relevant case law. This ensures the foundation of a formidable defense.
• Developing a Defense Strategy – After your attorney understands the charges and applicable laws, they can begin to build your defense strategy. This will involve reviewing the evidence available from the prosecution and presenting their own evidence that contradicts it while aiming to reduce the penalties you may face.
• Representing You in Court – Should your case move to court, your criminal defense attorney will, of course, play a critical role in your defense. They will present their evidence and argue your defense while working to move the judge and jury’s decision in your favor.
• Protecting Your Rights – One of the most essential roles of a criminal defense attorney is to protect the rights that you hold under state and federal law. For example, they can ensure you retain your Miranda rights and that you receive the fair trial you are due.
• Negotiating with the Prosecution – While negotiating with the prosecution team, your criminal defense attorney’s role is to reduce the penalties you might face, reduce the charges, or seek a dismissal of them altogether. Such work can help you avoid a full-fledged trial.
• Counseling and Support – In addition to their legal roles and responsibilities, your criminal defense attorney is there to offer you the support and guidance you need to navigate the criminal justice system successfully. Many clients are unfamiliar with the legal proceedings surrounding their criminal charges. Your attorney should understand this and strive to ensure you feel supported and protected every step of the way.

What Are the Benefits of Hiring a Criminal Lawyer?

There can be several benefits to hiring a criminal defense lawyer when facing criminal charges in the state of Arizona.

A criminal defense attorney is uniquely positioned to offer services that will be beneficial to your case. 

• Attorneys can thoroughly investigate the charges brought against you and determine the laws that may or may not apply, therefore establishing the foundation for a solid defense strategy.
• Criminal defense attorneys help you understand the charges being brought against you and the legal options that may be available to you.
• Attorneys can review and dismantle the evidence the prosecution currently has to back up your criminal charge allegations.
• Your attorney will handle a variety of complex legal documents, file motions, and educate you on the complicated legal process that awaits you.
• Attorneys will attend all meetings with the prosecution and navigate hearings on your behalf.
• Your criminal defense attorney may have the ability to argue a felony charge down to a misdemeanor charge or seek dismissal of all charges.
• Attorneys are there to defend you before a judge and/or jury.

Criminal Defense Attorney FAQs:

When it’s time to seek the services of a criminal defense attorney, clients typically have more questions than answers. At The Valley Law Group, our criminal defense attorneys are well-versed in every area of the law regarding these kinds of charges and are ready to answer any question our potential clients might have.

How Much Does a Criminal Defense Attorney Charge in Arizona?

In Arizona, as in most states, it can be difficult to offer a precise range of how much a criminal defense attorney might charge. This is because these cases typically involve numerous factors, which will impact the final cost analysis. These factors can include the overall complexity of the case, the duration of the hearing or trial, the nature of the criminal charges a client is facing, and the skill level, effort, experience, and location of the attorneys themselves.

What Are Some Common Defenses for Criminal Charges?

One of the most important roles of a criminal defense attorney is to ensure that their client has a defense strategy that can stand up against the prosecution and its alleged evidence. When it comes to defending criminal charges in the state of Arizona, many defenses can be employed, depending on the kind of charges a client is facing.

These defenses can include a lack of intent on the client’s part, an alibi, the lack of evidence, intoxication, the fact that no crime was actually committed, entrapment by law enforcement, coercion, fraud, or acting under duress, acting in self-defense or in defense of others, mental incapacity or insanity, civil rights infractions, having the wrong person in custody, and an unlawful search and seizure.

How To Hire a Criminal Defense Attorney?

If you need to hire a criminal defense attorney, there are several elements to prioritize. First, you will want to ensure you are reviewing a selection of criminal defense attorneys, not civil attorneys. It is also important to ensure that your potential attorney has experience representing clients in cases dealing with the kinds of charges you are facing, positive past case outcomes, local experience, and can communicate with you effectively. Browse online reviews in a variety of places, including the lawyer’s website, search engines, social media, and legal listing sites.

Once you have settled on a select handful of attorneys, you can schedule an initial consultation to ensure they are the right person to have in your corner while defending you against criminal charges.

What Should I Do If I Am Charged With a Crime in Arizona?

If you have been charged with a crime in the state of Arizona, the first step you need to take is securing the counsel of an experienced criminal defense lawyer who can work to defend you against the charges you are facing. Now is not the time to try to defend yourself. You need the guidance and support of a qualified professional who is experienced in the type of law your charges entail.

Contact The Valley Law Group for a Free Consultation

If you or someone you love is facing criminal charges in Arizona, you need the legal assistance of a criminal defense attorney. At The Valley Law Group, our team of legal professionals has experience successfully representing clients facing a litany of criminal charges, such as weapons crimes, drug crimes, sex crimes, domestic violence, DUIs, and other criminal cases.

Contact our offices today for a free consultation and learn more about our skilled Valley area criminal defense team.