Phoenix Pre-trial & Post-Trial Hearings Lawyer

You can’t judge a Phoenix criminal defense lawyer only by his wins and losses before a jury; although we stand by our record of not-guilty verdicts. Often, the final outcome of your case is determined by what your attorney does (or doesn’t do) in the early stages of your case, and by his or her ability to secure post-conviction relief.

Suzuki Law Offices is there to protect your interests in pre-trial hearings and plea negotiations, at trial, at sentencing, and on appeal. For experienced and comprehensive representation on any criminal charges, contact us today to learn how we can help.

From the moment you hire our firm, we give your case the full attention it deserves. We are working behind the scenes to plan the best defense possible, and we personally accompany you to all court appearances.

The Pre-Trial Advocacy Stage

Initial appearance (arraignment) – Within 24 hours of your arrest, you will appear before a judge to hear the formal charges and enter a (not guilty) plea. At this time, we will argue for release conditions: minimal bond and set free on your own recognizance or release to a third party who has posted bond for you.

Bond Reduction hearing – The Constitution guarantees that bail cannot be excessive. If bail is set unreasonably high or out of proportion to the crime, we will argue for a reduced bond amount or release on your own recognizance (R.O.R.)

Preliminary hearings – The goal is to prevent formal charges. The prosecutor puts forth evidence that a crime was committed and that you committed it.

We can fight many aspects of the government’s case through a variety of methods including:

• Motions to dismiss charges as unfounded based on lack of evidence or new evidence.
• Motion to remand to a grand jury for a reconsideration of probable cause.
• Motions to suppress evidence, statements, confessions or witness / victim identification as illegally obtained, tainted or unfairly prejudicial.
• Motion in limine to preemptively exclude evidence that would be prejudicial.
• Motions to set aside previous convictions that would influence a jury or that would trigger steeper penalties.

Representation Post-Trial

Sentencing hearing – If you have been convicted, we can argue for downward departure from the presumptive jail or prison term, or recommend alternative adjudications (unless incarceration is mandatory) such as probation, addiction treatment, fines, restitution and community service.

Criminal appeals – You automatically have the right to an appeal if you are found guilty of a crime by a judge or jury. Throughout your case, our team notes any decisions by a judge or actions by law enforcement or prosecutors that may be grounds for later appeal: ineffective assistance of your previous lawyer, prosecutor misconduct, Constitutional violations by law enforcement, improperly admitted or excluded evidence or witnesses, pre-trial or in-trial rulings, jury instructions and sentencing errors.

We will explore and explain your possible avenues for appeal:

• Direct appeal to a higher court
• Rule 32 post-conviction relief
• Habeas corpus petitions
• Motion to set aside the conviction or sentence

Probation hearings – If you are accused of violating terms set by a judge, you could be sentenced to serve the original sentence. Likewise, if you have been a model citizen and complied with all terms of probation, you can petition for release.

• Suzuki Law Offices can capably protect or assert your interests in:
• Probation revocation hearings to earn you a second chance and avoid jail
• Early termination of probation motions and hearings

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Former State and Federal Prosecutor Working For You

In addition to years of experience as a defense lawyer participating in pre-trial hearings and other proceedings, our founder, Mr. Suzuki, previously served as a Deputy Maricopa County Attorney and as an Assistant U.S. Attorney. These insights, particularly the familiarity with federal court procedure, set us apart from most defense firms.

Put this knowledge and experience to work for you. We represent clients on all misdemeanor and felony charges in the Phoenix area, surrounding counties and statewide throughout Arizona.