Based on 357 Google Reviews
Charges Impaired to the slightest degree, being over a .08% and being over a .150%.
Not Guilty of all charges at a jury trial.
Charges Presumptive sentence, 7.5 years in the department of corrections.
County jail time.
Charges Possession with intent to sell; offered 7.5 years in the Arizona Department of Corrections.
Probation.
Charged with extreme DUI, Super Extreme DUI and regular DUI.
Charges dismissed due to right to counsel violation.
Charged with extreme DUI and regular DUI.
Reduced to reckless driving as a result of problems in the case.
Case dismissed at trial on hundreds of cases our firm has worked on.
Found Not Guilty on dozens of cases our firm has worked on.
Being arrested is scary and overwhelming. As Sun City criminal defense lawyers, we recommend that you take the following steps:
It’s natural to feel anxious or agitated when you’re arrested, but try to remain composed. Avoid arguing or resisting arrest, as this can lead to additional charges.
Exercise your rights by remaining silent except for asking for your lawyer. You are not obligated to answer any questions from the police without your attorney present. Even after your attorney arrives, you can plead the fifth and are under no obligation to say anything. Remember any statements you make can be used against you in court.
We can not stress this enough, but please refrain from making any statements without the presence of your Sun City criminal defense lawyer. We will guide you on what to say and ensure your rights are protected.
After your arrest, you will go through the booking process which includes, for example, fingerprinting and getting your photo taken. This is routine procedure and does not imply guilt.
Go over the nitty gritty of the arrest in your head so you don’t forget any crucial information. As soon as you can, write them down or otherwise record them. This will help you provide accurate information to your criminal defense attorney in Sun City and can be very beneficial for your case.
Police detectives will use all the psychological tricks possible—they don’t call it “good cop, bad cop” for nothing. Keeping that in mind, avoid making any deals with either law enforcement or prosecutors until you’ve consulted with your Sun City lawyer. We will negotiate on your behalf, which is usually far more effective and persuasive.
The arraignment is the formal court appearance where you enter your plea: guilty, not guilty, or no contest. It is essential to have an experienced criminal defense attorney by your side during this process.
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There is a reason that the US Constitution affords you with the right to a lawyer after you’ve been arrested. A legal advocate and watchdog in your corner makes all the difference in the world, and, without one, the police and others are far more likely to take advantage of you. Here’s how we, as Sun City criminal defense lawyers, can protect you:
A criminal defense attorney will ensure that you are aware of all your constitutional rights. We will explain the potential consequences of your charges, including possible penalties, the timing, steps, and long-term implications. Our goal is to empower you!
Understanding the local justice system takes away a lot of the stress of an arrest. As your Sun City Criminal Law Specialist, we have in-depth knowledge of Sun City procedures and policies.
We will thoroughly investigate your case, examining all available evidence and documentation. We will collect witness statements, police reports, and other relevant information to carefully curate the strongest possible defense for you.
In many cases, a plea bargain is your right option. We will negotiate with the prosecution to secure the best possible deal for you based on the strengths and weaknesses of your case.
As your Sun City defense lawyer, we will vigorously advocate for your rights in court if your case goes to trial. We will challenge evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and present a compelling defense strategy to the judge and jury.
Even if you are convicted, a criminal defense attorney can assist with minimizing the impact on your permanent record. They may explore options such as expungement or record sealing, which can help improve your future prospects.
At the Law Offices of John Phebus, we believe that effective communication is key to a productive attorney-client relationship. We keep our clients informed about any developments in their cases from changes to court dates or new plea offers.
Sun City, like any other community in Arizona, deals with some degree of criminal activity. As criminal defense lawyers here, these are the crimes we see most often:
Criminal trespassing is when someone enters another person’s property without permission. Whether you inadvertently crossed property lines or face allegations of intentional trespassing, we can explain your legal options.
Willfully damaging or destroying someone else’s property is vandalism. Acts of vandalism include graffiti, breaking windows, or slashing tires.
Burglary is unlawfully entering a building or structure with the intent to commit a crime inside, such as theft or vandalism. The severity of the charges depends on various factors, including the presence of weapons or prior convictions.
The unauthorized taking or use of someone else’s property, which ranges from petty theft to grand theft auto, is one of the most common crimes in Sun City.
Arson refers to intentionally setting fire to property without the owner’s consent. Given the potential dangers associated with fire, these cases are taken very seriously in Sun City.
The criminal justice process in Sun City involves several stages. These are the primary steps:
The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Department conducts an initial investigation to gather evidence and determine suspects. This includes interviewing witnesses, collecting physical evidence, and analyzing the crime scene.
After the initial investigation, the police generally conduct their primary follow-up investigation to gather more evidence, seek out more witnesses, and build a strong case against the suspect.
Once the police believe that they have enough evidence, they forward the case to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office for formal charges to be filed. This initiates the criminal proceedings against you.
At your first court appearance, the judge reads the charges against you and sets bail, if applicable.
In Sun City, this “status conference” is a meeting between the prosecutor, your criminal defense attorney, and the judge to discuss the status of your case, exchange information, and potentially negotiate a plea bargain.
In felony cases, a preliminary hearing determines if there is enough evidence to proceed to trial. As your defense attorney, we can challenge the evidence presented by the Maricopa County district attorney during this hearing.
This is a formal court appearance where you enter your plea: guilty, not guilty, or no contest. As your lawyer, we will be with you at this hearing, advocate for your rights, and speak on your behalf.
Felony cases are typically processed through the regional courts, where pretrial actions, including negotiations and hearings, take place.
Early Disposition Court is a specialized court in Maricopa County designed to expedite the resolution of non-violent felony cases through alternative measures like diversion programs and plea agreements.
Pretrial activities include motions to suppress evidence, motions for discovery, or discussions about witness testimony.
A plea negotiation can occur at any point before the verdict is delivered at trial. Your Sun City Criminal Attorney will negotiate with the prosecution to reach a plea agreement that is favorable to you, taking into consideration the evidence and circumstances of your case.
If your case does not result in a plea deal, it will presumably proceed to trial. Your attorney will present your defense and challenge the prosecution’s case, then a judge or jury will determine your guilt or innocence.
If you are found guilty or plead guilty, the court will impose a sentence. Sentences can include fines, probation, community service, and imprisonment.
When feasible, the Superior Court of Maricopa County will order you to pay restitution to the victim for any losses you caused. This includes paying for property damage, medical bills, and/or lost wages.
A plea bargain is a negotiated agreement between the defendant and the prosecution to resolve a criminal case without going to trial. Here’s how the process generally works based on our experience as Sun City criminal defense lawyers:
Your lawyer will thoroughly assess the strengths and weaknesses of your case. They will review the evidence, interview witnesses, and consider any legal arguments that could be made in your defense.
Your attorney will engage in negotiations with the Maricopa County District Attorney’s office to “meet in the middle” with a mutually beneficial agreement. This can involve discussions about reducing charges, recommending lesser penalties, or dismissing some of the charges altogether.
Once an agreement is reached, your lawyer will document the terms of the deal then present it to the court for approval. The judge ultimately determines whether the plea bargain is fair and in the best interest of justice. If approved, the judge will impose the agreed-upon sentence.
If you would like to discuss options on your case and how we can provide legal help, contact The Law Offices of John Phebus Glendale Criminal and Personal Injury Lawyer today and connect with one of our highly experienced Glendale criminal defense attorneys.
If you find yourself being questioned by the police in Sun City, you have the following rights and are encouraged to assert them:
You have the right to remain silent and not answer questions posed by the police. Anything you say can be used against you in court. We advise you to exercise this right and refrain from making any statements without the presence of your attorney.
You have the right to have an attorney present during any questioning by the police. If you are being questioned, it is essential to assert this right and request the presence of your criminal defense attorney immediately.
You have the right to refuse searches of your person, vehicle, or property without a valid search warrant or probable cause. It is well within your rights to decline consent for a search unless law enforcement has obtained the necessary legal authority.
In Sun City, Arizona, as in the rest of the United States, the police can only hold you for a reasonable amount of time without charging you. The specific time limit varies depending on the circumstances of the case, including the severity of the alleged offense and the progress of the investigation. If the police do not charge you within the reasonable time limit, normally up to about 48 hours, which is determined by state and federal laws, the police must release you.
What Should I Know about Bail and Bond Processes in Sun City?
If you are arrested in Sun City, you’ll want a thorough understanding of the bail and bond processes. Bail is a monetary amount set by the court to secure your release from custody while awaiting trial. It serves as a guarantee that you will appear for all court proceedings. If you fail to appear, you forfeit the bail money. As Sun City criminal defense lawyers, here’s what we know:
There are different types of bail:
When setting bail, the court considers various factors, including:
Again, at your first court appearance, the judge will determine if you are eligible for release and set bail, if any.
If you cannot afford to pay the full bail amount out-of-pocket, you can opt for a bail bond. A bail bond agent charges a non-refundable fee, typically a percentage of the bail amount, to secure your release. The agent assumes the responsibility of ensuring you appear in court as required.
Prior convictions can have a significant impact on a new criminal case in Sun City and throughout Arizona. Here’s what you should know if you have prior convictions:
If you have prior convictions, particularly for the same or similar offenses, you will face stricter penalties under mandatory sentencing laws. These laws prescribe minimum sentences for certain crimes, and judges have very limited discretion to deviate from them.
During sentencing, the court considers various factors, including prior convictions, as aggravating factors that can increase the severity of the penalties imposed. The court may view repeat offenses as evidence of a pattern of criminal behavior and be less lenient.
Felonies are divided into different classes in Arizona, and the consequences vary depending on which class. Here’s an overview:
Class one felonies, the most severe offenses in Arizona, carry the steepest penalties, ranging from life imprisonment to the death penalty.
Class two felonies include crimes like aggravated assault, burglary, and manslaughter. Prison sentences range from 3 to 12.5 years.
Class three felonies encompass offenses like robbery, forgery, and possession of dangerous drugs. Prison sentences range from 2.5 to 8.75 years.
Class four felonies such as theft, credit card fraud, and possession of narcotic drugs, result in prison sentences from 1 to 3.75 years.
Criminal damage, drug possession, and theft of property are examples of class five felonies. Convictions for class five felonies can lead to prison sentences from 6 months to 2.5 years.
Class six felonies like aggravated DUI, possession of drug paraphernalia, and theft of services result in prison sentences ranging from 6 months to 2 years.
Some offenses in Arizona are considered “wobblers,” meaning they can be classified as either a felony or a misdemeanor depending on the circumstances. The potential consequences vary based on how the offense is charged.
John Phebus is a seasoned attorney specializing in personal injury and criminal defense law. With a focus on DUI defense, vehicular crimes, and serious injury cases, John has been fiercely advocating for his clients, ensuring they receive the representation and compensation they deserve. His expertise and dedication have led to numerous successful outcomes. If you’re seeking a knowledgeable and passionate attorney who will fight for your rights, John Phebus is here to help.
Years of experience: +30 years
Client Reviews
It was absolutely an immense pleasure working with The Law Offices of John Phebus. My attorney,John Phebus , gave the case for my family member all the time and attention that was needed to be successful with their appeal. He is an amazing person and excellent attorney. He has a calming and confident presence with his practice. I never once was treated as anything other than a valuable client by Mr.Phebus. I very much appreciate the knowledge and support I received through his Law firm. John’s team is highly experienced and helpful. Most importantly they treated our case with much care. Extremely impressed by their dedication and professionalism.
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Consider the following factors when making your selection:
Effective defense strategies vary depending on the specific circumstances. However, some common defense strategies in Sun City criminal cases include:
A skilled criminal defense attorney will definitely explore various strategies to potentially get your charges reduced or dismissed. Through careful examination of the evidence, legal arguments, and negotiations with the prosecution, we can advocate for a favorable outcome. While every case is unique, an experienced attorney such as the Law Office of John Phebus will work tirelessly to protect your rights and pursue the best possible resolution.
A criminal trial in Sun City follows this structured process:
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