If you find yourself in legal trouble in Arizona, one of the best ways to protect yourself is by using a criminal defense lawyer. Partnering with a criminal defense attorney can give you access to important people and resources that can help you through this difficult time. Instead of risking your future, retain an attorney to obtain the representation you need for peace of mind. A criminal defense lawyer in Arizona can assist you in many different ways during all stages of your criminal case.
Protect Your Rights
You have important rights you need to protect when facing criminal charges. One of the most important is the right to remain silent. Many suspects accidentally incriminate themselves by failing to utilize their Fifth Amendment right to stay silent. The law only obligates you to give your name to the police, if asked. Beyond that, refrain from saying anything to police officers that could incriminate you. Be polite, but explain that you will not answer any questions until you have an attorney present.
Investigate the Incident
Once you contact a criminal defense attorney in Glendale, the firm can go to work investigating your case in detail. Your lawyer can review body camera footage of your arrest, talk to eyewitnesses and find out what evidence the prosecution has against you during the discovery phase of your criminal case. Your attorney may be able to find evidence he or she can use in your defense, such as proof that the arresting officer breached your civil rights. Having your own investigators can give you an edge during a criminal defense case in Arizona.
Create a Tailored Defense Strategy
Your attorney will gather all the facts of your case. Then, he or she will build a tailored defense strategy using the information available, as well as your criminal history and in-depth knowledge of Arizona’s related laws. A defense lawyer will know all the best arguments to combat the prosecution’s allegations against you.
- Wrong person
- Unlawful search and seizure
- Mistake of fact
- Intoxication
- Insufficient evidence
- Self-defense
- Duress or coercion
- Mental disorder
If a not-guilty defense is not available to you, your lawyer can still vastly improve your outlook for the future by negotiating an attractive plea deal. Using a criminal defense attorney to negotiate a plea can have results such as reducing a misdemeanor charge to an infraction, with much lighter penalties. Whether this is your first encounter with the law in Arizona or you have a previous criminal record, an attorney will know exactly how to create the best defense strategy for you.
Represent You During Hearings
You will not have to worry about going to court or presenting your case to a judge or jury if you hire a criminal defense attorney. Your lawyer will take care of court processes for you, preparing an argument to present in your defense. An attorney can guide you through every step of the trial process, from telling you how to dress to interviewing witnesses on the stand. For lesser offenses, you may not have to appear in court at all; instead, your lawyer can appear on your behalf.
Work to Obtain the Best Possible Results
A criminal conviction in Arizona could substantially change your life. You could lose your job, home and important relationships. You may struggle to find housing or a job upon release. You might have to spend months or even years behind bars, on top of paying thousands of dollars in fines and restitution.
If you are unsure about your future as a suspect in Glendale, hire a defense lawyer to help put your fears to rest. No matter the outcome of your case, you can feel confident that the right attorney will do everything in his or her power to improve your situation. Having a lawyer in your corner can make all the difference.