CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEYS IN FLAGSTAFF, ARIZONA

Don't let a past mistake or a false accusation define your future. If you’ve been accused of committing a crime, put a seasoned defender on your side. 

Schedule a free consultation with The 928 Law Firm in Flagstaff, Arizona, today. The firm provides skilled advocacy for those in the surrounding areas, including Williams, Page, Kingman, Cottonwood, Camp Verde, Winslow, Holbrook, and the Navajo and Hopi reservations. 

The criminal defense attorneys at The 928 Law Firm have extensive experience defending the rights of Arizonans and visitors to the state in the face of damaging criminal violations, from minor misdemeanors to serious felonies. If you've been accused of a crime, we're here to help.  

Contact our criminal defense lawyers to start telling your side of the story. Our Team is prepared to listen without judgment, advise you on the best path forward, and stand by your side in the pursuit of justice. 

Handling Felonies and Misdemeanors 

The 928 Law Firm has experience representing a wide range of charges. In Arizona, criminal offenses are classified into misdemeanors and felonies based on their severity. Here are examples of each: 

Misdemeanor Charges 

Misdemeanors are less severe offenses but can still carry significant penalties, including jail time (typically less than a year), fines, and probation. Some common examples of misdemeanor charges include: 

• DUI (first offense): Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or more. 

• Simple assault: Intentionally causing physical injury to another person without using a weapon. 

• Disorderly conduct: Engaging in disruptive behavior that disturbs the peace, such as fighting or making unreasonable noise. 

• Shoplifting: Stealing merchandise from a retail store. 

• Trespassing: Entering or remaining on someone else's property without permission. 

Felony Charges 

Felonies are more serious crimes that carry harsher penalties, including longer prison sentences, larger fines, and a permanent criminal record. Some common examples of felony charges include: 

• Aggravated DUI: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or more with additional aggravating factors such as driving with a suspended license.

• Aggravated assault: Causing severe injury to another person or using a deadly weapon during an assault. 

• Drug trafficking: Possessing, manufacturing, or distributing illegal drugs in large quantities. 

• Burglary: Unlawfully entering a structure with the intent to commit theft or another felony inside. 

Don't Let a Criminal Charge Ruin Your Life  

Facing criminal charges can be an incredibly scary and overwhelming experience, but by partnering with a skilled criminal defense attorney from The 928 Law Firm, you can regain some peace of mind knowing that your case is in capable hands. Don't wait—schedule a free consultation today and start building your defense.

Remember, everyone has the right to a fair trial and effective representation. Let The 928 Law Firm fight for your rights and protect your future. Contact us now to get started. No matter how serious the accusation may be, our team will provide skilled advocacy and fight tirelessly to defend your rights. 

Arizona's Criminal Justice Process: What to Expect 

When you work with The 928 Law Firm's criminal defense team, they will help you prep for each phase of the process so that you go into it feeling prepared and confident. Here is what you can expect: 

Arrest and Booking 

When someone is suspected of committing a crime, law enforcement officers can arrest the individual if they have probable cause. In some cases, an arrest warrant might be issued by a judge. 

After the arrest, the suspect is taken to a police station for booking, which involves recording their personal information, taking their fingerprints, and obtaining their photograph. 

Initial Appearance 

The arrested individual must appear before a magistrate judge within 24 hours. During this appearance, the judge informs the defendant of the charges and their legal rights. Bail may also be set at this stage. 

Charging and Preliminary Hearing 

The prosecutor will review the evidence to decide whether to file formal charges. This decision could result in the filing of a complaint or an indictment by a grand jury. 

If a complaint is filed, a preliminary hearing is held where the prosecution is required to show sufficient evidence to proceed with the trial. For felony charges, this typically occurs within 10 days of the initial appearance if the defendant is in custody. 

Arraignment 

During the arraignment, the defendant is formally read the charges and asked to enter a plea (guilty, not guilty, or no contest). This stage is crucial for setting the timeline for further proceedings. 

Pre-Trial Procedures 

During the discovery phase, both parties exchange evidence and information pertinent to the case. Either party may file motions to resolve specific issues before trial, such as a motion to suppress evidence or to dismiss the case. 

Trial 

If the case goes to trial, it can be heard by a judge (bench trial) or a jury (jury trial). The prosecution must prove the defendant's guilt "beyond a reasonable doubt." After hearing both sides, the judge or jury delivers a verdict. 

Sentencing 

If found guilty, the court proceeds to sentencing, considering factors such as the severity of the offense, the defendant's criminal history, and victim impact statements. Arizona has mandatory minimum sentences for certain offenses, which the judge must follow. 

Appeals 

Defendants have the right to challenge a conviction or sentence by appealing, arguing that mistakes were made during the trial. This means they can ask a higher court to review what happened and ensure everything was fair and accurate. The appeals court can reverse the decision or send the case back for retrial. 

Long-Term Impacts of a Criminal Record 

Criminal charges can lead to many consequences beyond immediate legal penalties. Initially, if convicted, you might face jail time, fines, probation, and/or community service, depending on the crime. 

One of the biggest impacts is on employment opportunities. A criminal record can make it hard to get hired, as many employers do background checks and may be reluctant to hire someone with a criminal history. This can lead to financial instability and limited career growth. 

Personal relationships will also be affected. Family and friends might distance themselves due to the stigma of criminal behavior, causing isolation and emotional distress. Your parental rights can be impacted too, as it will be more difficult to maintain or gain custody of children in the event of a divorce or separation. 

Finding suitable housing is another common challenge. Landlords may be hesitant to rent to someone with a criminal background, which can limit housing options and, in some cases, even lead to homelessness. 

Social stigma is another issue. Being labeled a "criminal" can lead to discrimination in various social settings, affecting your mental health and overall well-being. 

Remember, you're innocent until proven guilty. You have the right to an attorney. Exercise that right so you can fight for a better future. Schedule a free consultation with The 928 Law Firm today and start building your best defense.