Tempe Criminal Defense Lawyer

The criminal justice system is imperfect. Though it is designed to protect the public and punish perpetrators, far too many innocent people find themselves convicted and behind bars. Even individuals accused of committing minor crimes are facing harsh criminal penalties.

If you hope to avoid the fallout of a guilty verdict, it is crucial that you take your defense seriously. Turn to a strategically aggressive Tempe criminal defense lawyer with Suzuki Law Group. Contact our law office to schedule a confidential consultation today and learn more about potential defense strategies and the severity of the penalties you are facing.

Criminal Activity in Tempe is a Serious Cause for Concern

Tempe has a population of just under 187,500. According to data obtained from Arizona Crime Statistics, there were 11,015 crimes in 2023. The crime rate in Tempe is 5875.51 per 100,000, which indicates a nearly 14% decrease in the number of crimes compared to 2022.

Unfortunately, the number of arrests has increased by 4.29%. There were 8257 arrests in 2023. This is a rate of 4404.37 per 100,000 people. Some of the most notable arrest statistics include:

• 18.2% of arrests were for crimes against property
• 20.6% of arrests were for crimes against society
• 19.7% of arrests were for crimes against a person
• 81.2% of arrests for crimes against a person were simple assault
• 16.3% of arrests for crimes against a person were for aggravated assault

Suzuki Law Group Handles Almost Every Type of Defense Case

With the high number of arrests and criminal charges possible, you need a criminal defense lawyer in Tempe with Suzuki Law Group who can help you protect your future. The penalty of a conviction could be devastating depending on the type of crime you are accused of committing. Fortunately, our firm has decades of experience defending against the following types of offenses:

Sex Crimes

Many of our clients have been accused of committing sex offenses. If convicted, you will likely be ordered to register on the Arizona sex offender registry and follow the requirements as described under Megan’s law. Examples of sex crimes we may be able to defend against include:

• Prostitution and solicitation under Arizona Revised Statutes § 13-3211
• Rape and sexual assault under Arizona Revised Statute 13-1406
• Sexual exploitation of a minor under Arizona Revised Statutes § 13-3553
• Indecent exposure under ARS 13-1402
• Child prostitution under Arizona Revised Statute 13-3212
• Human or sex trafficking under Arizona Revised Statute 13-1307
• Creation, possession, or distribution of child pornography under Arizona Revised Statute 13-3553

Violent Crimes

Violent crimes are often charged at the felony level. This is, in part, because all alleged victims suffer serious bodily injury or death. Examples of violent crimes your criminal defense attorney in Tempe can defend against include:

• Felon in possession of a firearm under ARS § 13-3101(7)(b)
• Assault under Arizona Revised Statute 13-1203
• Hate crimes Arizona Revised Statute 13-2931
• Child abuse under ARS § 13-3623
• Manslaughter under ARS § 13-1103
• Gang crimes under ARS 13-2321
• Burglary under Arizona Revised Statute 13-1506
• Terrorism ARS 13-2308.01
• Domestic violence under ARS 13-3601
• Kidnapping ARS 13-1304

Robbery and Theft

Under Arizona Revised Statute 13-1902, an armed robbery occurs when an offender threatens to use or uses any type of weapon, such as a knife or gun, while committing a robbery. The consequences of a conviction could be severe and include imprisonment for up to 21 years and fines of up to $150,000 if you are charged with this Class 2 felony. Conversely, theft or shoplifting under ARS 13-1802 is considered a seemingly minor offense, generally charged at the misdemeanor level, and punishable by up to two years in prison and fines of up to $150,000 if you are convicted of a Class 5 or 6 felony.

DUI

Driving under the influence (DUI) charges under Arizona Revised Statute §28-1381 are some of the most common types of cases your criminal defense lawyer in Tempe with Suzuki Law Group handles. The extent of the penalties usually faced will depend on whether you have multiple DUI convictions on your record and how high your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) levels were. If you are a habitual offender or had BAC levels that met or exceeded .15%, you can expect a harsher sentence if convicted.

Juvenile Crimes

Children can be charged at both the misdemeanor and felony levels. While the Arizona juvenile justice system is designed to rehabilitate troubled youth, the consequences of a conviction are intended to hold them accountable for their poor decisions. Some of the most common crimes juveniles are accused of committing include:

• Vandalism under ARS 13-1602
• Drug possession
• Underage DUI
• Curfew violations or truancy under ARS 15-803
• Burglary or shoplifting
• Destruction of property under ARS 13-1602
• Sexual assault

How to Protect Your Freedom When Facing Criminal Charges

The best way to protect your child’s future when they have been accused of committing a criminal offense is to work with the prosecutor. The last thing you want is for your child to lose at trial and wind up in a juvenile detention facility. Instead, depending on the circumstances of your case, it may be in your best interests to get your child enrolled in a diversion program.

According to ARS 8-321, diversion programs may be available in instances where youth offenders have been accused of committing non-violent crimes. If your child meets the terms of the program, the prosecutor may agree to dismiss the charges against them. Unfortunately, if your child refuses to follow the program requirements, they may have their case heard by a judge in juvenile court.

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Consult a Leading Tempe Criminal Defense Lawyer for Help Today

Whether you were in the wrong place at the wrong time or simply made a mistake, a single moment could have a devastating impact on the rest of your life. If you have been arrested and charged with any criminal offense, your freedom could be on the line. A conviction could continue to affect you even after you complete your sentence.

Working out a plea agreement to avoid a criminal record could be an alternative to trial, but if your case must go to court, you can rely on your knowledgeable Tempe criminal defense attorney from Suzuki Law Group to advocate for your freedom. We will do everything possible to present a case so powerful the jury will have no other option but to find you not guilty. Fill out our secured contact form or call our office to schedule your confidential consultation today.

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