Pima Criminal Defense Lawyer

Just because you have been charged with a crime does not mean you will be punished for it. You have legal rights, and you have the opportunity to contest the charge against you. With a criminal defense lawyer in Pima at your side, you can work with a legal professional who will keep your best interests at the forefront of their mind. 

At Suzuki Law Offices, we understand the ramifications of a criminal conviction. Our Pima criminal defense lawyer is available to evaluate your case. To learn more, contact us today.

Crimes in Pima

There is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all crime. You may be charged with criminal activity, and the penalty you receive may depend on its severity. Common crimes reported in Pima include:

• Drug Crimes: Per Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS) §13-3407, it is against the law for someone to possess, use, administer, acquire, sell, manufacture, or transport dangerous drugs. 
• Sex Crimes: Someone convicted of sex abuse or other sexual offenses in AZ may be punished to the fullest extent of the law. 
• Violent Crimes: Aggravated assault, murder, and other violent crimes continue to be reported in Arizona, but research suggests the number of such offenses declined year over year in 2022. 

You may expect a criminal charge to go away on its own. Regardless, the offense may stick with you for a long time. By partnering with a Pima criminal defense attorney, you can determine what steps to take to defend against this charge.

What It Means to Be Charged with a Crime

When you are charged, you receive a formal citation. You may face a misdemeanor or felony. Being charged with a crime does not automatically mean you will receive a conviction. 

Misdemeanors are less serious than felonies. The sentencing for a misdemeanor conviction depends on the crime. Penalties for this type of crime may include imprisonment for anywhere from 30 days to six months.

If you are charged with a felony, the punishment may be much more severe than that of a misdemeanor. A felony conviction may result in a prison sentence that lasts at least one year. In an extreme case, you may receive a lifetime prison sentence. 

What to Expect if You Are Charged with a Crime

You may be charged with a crime and have no idea what happens next. At this point, it may be beneficial to hire a criminal defense attorney in Glendale. Your lawyer can explain each of these steps that follow an initial charge in detail:

1. Arraignment

You may have to appear in front of a judge as part of an arraignment. The judge will inform you about your trial rights. An attorney may represent you during your arraignment and provide legal support throughout your litigation. 

2. Pretrial Conference

In a pretrial conference, your attorney and the prosecution may meet and explore ways to settle your case. Your lawyer may be able to negotiate a plea deal. If not, you may have to move forward to a trial. 

3. Trial

When your case goes to trial, your Pima criminal defense lawyer and the prosecution present their respective arguments. Your criminal defense attorney in Pima may offer evidence and question witnesses to help show the court you should not be punished. Comparatively, the prosecutor will dispute your attorney’s claims and attempt to prove to the court you should be convicted. 

4. Sentencing

The court will decide if you will be punished and, if so, what penalty you will receive. There may be a thorough review of evidence and witness testimony before the court renders its decision. In the best-case scenario, it may be clear you are in no way responsible for an offense, which may lead the court to rule in your favor.

At Suzuki Law Offices, we provide exceptional legal service. Our team can take a look at your criminal charge and examine legal defense options with you. For more information, get in touch with us. 

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Legal Strategies for Criminal Cases

Your attorney can explain the typical timeline for Phoenix criminal cases and discuss other legal topics with you. They may go through the facts of your case and associated evidence as part of their efforts to develop a successful legal strategy. Your lawyer may consider several legal defense options, such as:

Your Alibi

An individual may accuse you of committing a crime at a date and location where you were not present. Your lawyer may provide video proof and other forms of evidence to verify you were somewhere else when a crime happened. This may make it difficult for the prosecution to prove you were at fault.

Probable Cause 

A police officer must have probable cause, i.e., “reasonable suspicion,” before they arrest someone. The prosecution has the burden of proof for verifying probable cause. Your criminal defense lawyer in Pima may be able to question whether there was a reasonable amount of suspicion that warranted your arrest. 

Self-Defense

According to ARS §13-404, you may be justified in threatening or using physical force to protect yourself in certain situations. If you were in danger, self-defense may be legally permissible. In your criminal case, your attorney may be able to show you were in danger and were defending yourself against a threat. 

Entrapment

There may be an instance where a police officer induces you to commit a crime. In this instance, you may be the victim of criminal entrapment. Your lawyer may be able to prove entrapment occurred by showing how the police coerced you into engaging in criminal activity.  

You and your lawyer can work together to create a legal strategy. Along with this, your attorney can help you present a wealth of physical and digital evidence to support your argument and raise doubts about the prosecution’s body of proof. Your lawyer will also answer any legal questions you have and help you make informed decisions as your litigation progresses. 

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Hire a Pima Criminal Defense Lawyer Today

The team at Suzuki Law Offices can guide you through the legal system and help you address any challenges that come up. A Pima crime defense attorney is meticulous, and we will do everything we can to protect your legal rights. To request a free case consultation, contact us today.

Call or text 602-682-5270 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form