A person who breaks the law may be charged with a crime. The offense may be classified as a misdemeanor or felony. Common crimes reported in Anthem include:
Property Crimes
When one person interferes with another’s property, they may be charged accordingly. For example, you may be charged with theft after someone accuses you of stealing their property. An Anthem criminal defense attorney can discuss the difference between theft and robbery and help you dispute the property crime charge you currently face.
Sex Crimes
A person may be accused of committing a crime that has a sexual component. This individual may be charged with a sex crime. With sex-related offenses, the penalties associated with them can be significant.
Violent Crimes
If someone threatens to use physical force or commits a violent act against another person, they may be charged with a crime of violence. Offenses classified as violent crimes include aggravated assault and homicide. For serious, violent, or aggravated offenders, they may be punished with lifetime imprisonment.
For those who are dealing with a charge for any of these types of crimes or any others, the legal team at Suzuki Law Offices may be able to help. A criminal defense attorney in Anthem can walk you through the legal process associated with crime charges. To learn more, contact us today.
Legal Process for Crimes
The adult criminal trial process may be lengthy. Fortunately, you may have many opportunities to fight back against a criminal charge. Here are the steps involved in this process:
Investigation
A law enforcement agency may perform an investigation to determine if there are grounds for charging you with a crime. It may collect photos, videos, and other forms of proof to help show you have been engaged in criminal activity. Also, it may request formal statements from witnesses who may believe they saw you commit a criminal act.
Formal Charging
If there is a sufficient amount of proof to use against you, a prosecutor may move forward with a formal charge. They may file a direct complaint or pursue a grand jury indictment. An attorney may be able to find ways to challenge the evidence against you.
Initial Appearance
If you are arrested, you may be “booked” and taken to jail. Within 24 hours of this happening, you are brought before a judge who gives you information about your charge. An attorney can provide legal support during this appearance.
Status Conference
At a status conference, your attorney and the prosecutor can discuss your case and determine if it may be possible to settle it outside the courtroom. Your criminal defense lawyer in Anthem may be able to work with the prosecution to negotiate a plea deal. They may keep you up to date about plea agreement proposals and help you come to terms on a pact that aligns with your best interests.
Preliminary Hearing
If you are dealing with a felony charge, you may have to attend a preliminary hearing. At your hearing, a judge will determine if your case will go to trial. The prosecutor will share evidence they can use to support the case against you, and the judge can determine if there is probable cause that warrants a continuation.
Arraignment
An arraignment hearing will take place within 10 days of when you are charged with a crime. During the hearing, you can enter a plea. You will also receive a date and time for your pretrial conference and trial.
Pretrial Conference
If you plead not guilty, you may attend a pretrial conference in which you discuss your case with a commissioner. The conference may help you narrow the primary issues relating to your charge. It may open the door for further negotiations with a prosecutor.
Discovery
In the discovery phase, you and your criminal defense attorney in Anthem can collect and evaluate proof. You may be unsure about what evidence can be used in a criminal defense case. With help from your Anthem criminal defense lawyer, you may accumulate a wide range of physical and digital evidence that may help you avoid a serious punishment.
Settlement Conference
A trial judge may be assigned to your case and work with you and the prosecution to negotiate a settlement. The judge may suggest a possible resolution. Both you and the prosecution must consent to a settlement conference before one is scheduled.
Trial
Your trial is an opportunity for your attorney to share your side of the story and raise concerns and questions about the prosecutor’s case against you. In spite of your lawyer’s best efforts, the trial process offers no guarantees. After the court hears from you and the prosecution, it will render a decision, and you will find out if you will be convicted.
Sentencing
Probation, a prison sentence, and many other sentencing options are available. Even if you are convicted and sentenced, you can take advantage of the criminal appeals process. Your attorney can discuss this process with you and help you file your appeal.
It may be difficult to move through the criminal legal process, but an attorney can assist you every step of the way. Your lawyer can answer your legal questions and help you address any challenges. On top of that, they will advocate for you and protect your legal rights.
Get Help from an Anthem Criminal Defense Lawyer
Committed to providing exceptional legal service, Suzuki Law Offices is a trusted choice for those involved in criminal defense cases. An Anthem criminal defense attorney is here to serve you. To schedule a free consultation, contact us today.
Call or text 602-682-5270 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form.
