Scottsdale Criminal Defense Lawyer

Being accused of a crime is a scary prospect, one that can happen to anyone, no matter what sort of life they lead. If convicted, you could face severe penalties that can last an entire lifetime. Fortunately, you are entitled to defend yourself, and a Scottsdale criminal defense lawyer can help you.

At Suzuki Law Group, we offer high-quality criminal defense representation in Arizona, with an experienced team of defenders ready to come to your defense when accused of a crime. We can work together to minimize the damage or even have your charges dropped entirely. If you are facing such accusations, let us protect your rights in the courtroom when you contact our office to request a free consultation.

You May Be Accused of Common Criminal Offenses in Scottsdale

According to the most recently available data from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Scottsdale had 415 violent crimes in 2019. Violent crimes tend to be some of the most serious you can be accused of, with a heavy toll if convicted. Murder, rape, and aggravated assault all fall under this category.

There were over 5,000 property crimes, a relatively large number for Arizona. These primarily involve stealing someone else’s property, with the grand bulk of these being theft. While they will carry a more lenient punishment than murder, these are still serious crimes with major consequences.

Regardless of what you have been accused of, you can rely on a criminal defense attorney in Scottsdale to help you defend yourself. Depending on what you stand accused of, there could be a wide range of consequences, ranging from a minor fine to life in prison. This is why it is important to understand the laws surrounding criminal defense and what a private defender with Suzuki Law Group can do for you. 

Understanding the Difference Between Felonies and Misdemeanors

Criminal offenses are primarily sorted into two categories: felonies and misdemeanors. While one may seem preferable to the other, both still carry criminal penalties and are best avoided. We can help you better understand how your accusation is classified and what that means for you.

These categories are not always as cut and dry as they seem. A skilled criminal defense lawyer in Scottsdale can, in some cases, talk the prosecutor into reducing a more severe charge down to a more manageable one. It is important that you feel you can always trust your attorney’s advice when recommending a plea agreement. 

Defining Misdemeanors

Less severe crimes are referred to as misdemeanors, usually ones that do not involve violence or heavy damage. Generally speaking, they will only result in fines or specialized penalties, such as a license suspension. A few common misdemeanors in Scottsdale include:

• Assault under Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS) §13-1203
• Theft under ARS §13-1802
• DUI under ARS §28-1381
• False reports to law enforcement under ARS §13-2907.1
• Driving with a suspended license under ARS §28-3473

While this is preferable to a felony charge, a misdemeanor conviction still results in consequences and affects your record. Because of this, it is crucial to seek a strong defense even if your charges seem less severe. We focus on providing a powerful defense no matter how minor the charges may seem.

Felonies

It is imperative to avoid a felony conviction if at all possible. Felonies are often violent, severe crimes with heavy consequences attached. Some of these include:

• Murder under ARS §13-1105
• Sexual assault under ARS §13-1406
• Robbery under ARS §13-1902

A successful felony conviction can easily ruin your life in more ways than one. In some cases, your dedicated Scottsdale criminal defense attorney may be able to reduce a felony charge to a simple misdemeanor. We will do all we can for you, no matter what, with no judgment and a dedication to your rights. 

Penalties for Criminal Charges May Be Severe

It goes without saying that being convicted of a crime results in some heavy consequences. Penalties exist for both misdemeanors and felonies, though the sentencing is not always the same. For example, the penalty sentence for a first-time DUI will differ significantly from that of a third-time DUI. 

Being found guilty of a crime is scary, especially if you are unsure what punishment might be in store. We can help you better understand the possibilities, even as we work to prevent them. While there are a wide range of consequences, the most common are imprisonment and fines.

Imprisonment May Be Part of Your Sentence

The most worrying possible penalty for a criminal conviction is time in prison. Most felonies result in prison time, ranging from a few years to an entire lifetime. Misdemeanors can put you in the county jail for up to a year, though this is more rare. 

Many people confuse probation with parole, but they are two different things. With parole, you have served a part of your prison sentence and are being released early, with certain restrictions. Probation also imposes restrictions but is more of an alternative to prison, where you are under heavy watch but still get to avoid being locked up. 

Fines Can Overwhelm You

If you are convicted of a crime, whether felony or misdemeanor, you will likely have to pay a fine. Even a misdemeanor can have a fine of over 1,000 dollars, depending on the extent of the crime. While it is possible to pay the fine off at once, oftentimes, your wages will be garnished until the total amount is paid.

Just because you receive a jail sentence does not mean you are not also fined. You must remember that you cannot work while behind bars, and you will likely lose your job, making it more difficult to pay. Your ability to support yourself and your family could be impacted for a very long time afterward.

Collateral Consequences of a Conviction

The consequences of a criminal conviction extend far past when your sentence is served and fines paid. Your criminal record follows you for the rest of your life and is easily found by anyone running a background check. This makes many aspects of life more challenging, including getting a job or a home.

Convicted felons often lose basic rights, such as voting or carrying a gun. In some cases, voting rights can be restored after the sentence is completed. You can speak to your criminal defense attorney about what is lost and whether or not you can regain it.

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Contact a Trial-Proven Criminal Defense Lawyer in Scottsdale for Legal Guidance When You Need It Most

Suzuki Law Group is here to help you navigate these tricky legal situations. Together, we can work on a compelling defense that can potentially save your way of life and reputation, potentially negating your charges altogether. The specific details of your case will determine our approach to your defense. 

When you are accused of a crime, your Scottsdale criminal defense attorney is here to help. All you have to do is reach out for guidance. If you are ready to regain control of your future, contact us now by calling our office or completing our online contact form. 

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