Tamara is a certified copywriter and editor with over four years of experience writing legal content for some of the U.S.' best-known law firms, marketing agencies and legal service providers. She has crafted thousands of practice pages, FAQs, blog posts, case studies and long-form articles on topics such as personal injury law, mass torts and criminal law.
Tamara Armstrong
Tamara is a certified copywriter and editor with over four years of experience writing legal content for some of the U.S.' best-known law firms, marketing agencies and legal service providers. She has crafted thousands of practice pages, FAQs, blog posts, case studies and long-form articles on topics such as personal injury law, mass torts and criminal law.
Jeffrey Johnson has written novels and movies in addition to legal analyses of eminent domain and immigration law. His experience in writing engaging fiction makes him uniquely capable of making the most dry and academic legal topics interesting (or as interesting as possible).
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Jeffrey Johnson, J.D.
Jeffrey Johnson has written novels and movies in addition to legal analyses of eminent domain and immigration law. His experience in writing engaging fiction makes him uniquely capable of making the most dry and academic legal topics interesting (or as interesting as possible).
Editorial Note: We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Advisor. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations.
If you’re currently facing legal charges in Phoenix, you’re probably worried about your future. While a criminal conviction, especially for a serious offense, can have wide-reaching consequences for your life, working with an excellent criminal defense attorney could make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
A criminal defense lawyer in Phoenix can protect your rights and work for the best possible outcome of your case. In this guide, we feature some of Phoenix’s top criminal defense talent and explain the crucial regulations and procedures of Arizona’s criminal justice system.
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Show Summary
- Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Phoenix, AZ
- Compare Top Criminal Attorneys
- What Is a Criminal Defense Lawyer?
- Understanding the Legal Process for Criminal Cases
- Expungement in Arizona
- How to Choose the Best Criminal Lawyer in Phoenix, Arizona
- Phoenix Criminal Defense Resources
- Methodology
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Next Up
Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Phoenix, AZ
Compare Top Criminal Attorneys
What Is a Criminal Defense Lawyer?
If you’re accused of a crime, whether minor charges or a serious felony, a criminal defense lawyer can protect your rights, conduct a powerful defense strategy and help you navigate the criminal justice process.
Public Defender vs. Private Criminal Attorney
When charged with a crime in Arizona, whether a misdemeanor or felony, you have the right to legal representation. However, to qualify for a public defender, you must face jail time if convicted and be financially unable to hire a lawyer.
Public Defender
A public defender is appointed by the court to represent individuals unable to afford a private defense attorney. This ensures that all have access to legal representation. Public defenders can be just as qualified and skilled as private defense attorneys. However, they often have heavier caseloads, which limits the time and resources they can spend on your case.
Private Criminal Defense Attorneys
Private criminal attorneys are hired by the accused individual. As they tend to have smaller caseloads, private attorneys can provide you with more personalized attention, better resources and more time to focus on your case.
Should You Represent Yourself in a Criminal Case?
Defendants in Arizona have the right to represent themselves in a criminal case. However, while you can represent yourself, it is not usually advisable. The criminal justice process can be complex and confusing, with a myriad of rules and procedures. Moreover, prosecutors know how to build a strong case against an accused individual. Trying to mount an effective defense without a skilled criminal defense lawyer can be impossible, especially if you’re charged with a serious crime.
A criminal conviction can impact all spheres of your life, including your career and relationships. With stakes this high, hiring a dedicated criminal defense attorney can help protect your future. An experienced lawyer brings years of courtroom and negotiation experience to the table, which can play an essential role in achieving a favorable outcome for your case.
Understanding the Legal Process for Criminal Cases
Understanding the legal process in Arizona can be critical for individuals involved in a criminal case and their families. Here are the essential steps in the criminal justice process:
- Arrest: The legal process in Arizona typically begins with an arrest by law enforcement. If you’re arrested, you have the right to remain silent.
- Prosecution Decision: Once an individual has been arrested, a prosecutor will evaluate whether there is enough evidence to charge them with a crime. If so, official charges will be filed.
- Bail: After arrest, a judge decides whether the individual can go home or must remain in custody while awaiting trial. Bail may be set according to the offense’s severity and the individual’s flight risk.
- Indictment: After charges are filed, the next step, particularly for more serious crimes, may be to seek an indictment. An indictment is a formal accusation issued by a grand jury.
- Arraignment: An arraignment typically occurs within ten days of being charged in Arizona. At the arraignment, the defendant is formally informed of the charges against them and asked to enter a plea (guilty or not guilty).
- Pre-Trial Hearings: A pre-trial hearing can address various legal issues and procedures before the trial, such as discovery, filing motions or negotiating a plea agreement.
- Trial: At trial, the state must prove “beyond a reasonable doubt” that the defendant is guilty of committing the crime. During the trial, evidence will be presented, witnesses called, and legal arguments made. The jury must agree unanimously to reach a guilty or not-guilty verdict.
- Sentencing: If the defendant pleads or is found guilty, a judge will set a date for sentencing. Sentencing decisions can include fines, probation and imprisonment. In some cases, the perpetrator of a crime is ordered to pay restitution to the victim(s).
Resolving a Criminal Case in Arizona
Understanding the components involved in resolving a criminal case is essential for individuals caught up in the Arizona criminal justice system. Here are some of the key facts to know:
Plea Bargains
Some criminal cases in Arizona don’t go to trial but are resolved through plea bargains, allowing the accused individual to plead guilty in exchange for a lesser charge or a more lenient sentence. Efficient negotiation between the prosecution and the defense can avoid a trial and expedite the legal process.
Probation vs. Parole
If you’re convicted of a crime in Arizona, you may receive a probation sentence instead of imprisonment, depending on the severity of the crime and the circumstances of your case. This means you can avoid jail and serve your sentence in the community under certain conditions.
On the other hand, parole is the supervised release of a prisoner before they complete their original prison sentence. In Arizona, an individual who has already completed half or more of their prison sentence or the mandatory minimum amount may qualify for parole.
Sentencing Guidelines
The length of a prison sentence you might serve in Arizona depends on the nature of the crime and state laws. For example, the maximum sentences for misdemeanors, except for petty offenses, include jail time, fines and probation. Serious felonies, such as murder, can carry lifetime imprisonment charges and even the death sentence in Arizona. The Arizona Judicial Branch publishes a complete and regularly updated online sentencing chart.
Expungement in Arizona
Expungement in Arizona is the sealing or “setting aside” of your criminal record. This is not the same as erasing your record, which is what expungement can mean in other states. The Arizona expungement law, in force since January 2023, allows the sealing of your record provided you have completed your sentence, probation, or parole.
Expungement can allow you a fresh start regarding employment, housing, and other opportunities. However, as not all convictions are eligible for expungement in Arizona, consider consulting an experienced criminal defense attorney who can determine eligibility and help you navigate the expungement process.
How to Choose the Best Criminal Lawyer in Phoenix, Arizona
Selecting an excellent attorney to defend your rights and freedom is crucial when facing criminal charges. Here’s what to look for when hiring an attorney:
- Successful track record. Hire a lawyer with a proven track record in handling criminal cases and achieving favorable outcomes, such as reductions in charges and non-guilty verdicts.
- Specialization. There are many “jacks of all trades” attorneys who handle all types of cases, including civil and criminal. Look for attorneys specializing in criminal law, who know the criminal justice system and can provide tailored guidance.
- Trial experience. While not all criminal cases lead to trials, many do. This is why you need an attorney who is not only skilled in negotiations but also comfortable and assertive in the courtroom. They should boast significant trial experience.
- Communication skills. Effective communication skills are a vital asset for an attorney. An effective communicator can explain complex legal concepts to you and update you regularly on any developments with your case.
With the right attorney by your side, you can confidently navigate the criminal justice system and rest assured that your attorney will do anything in their power to achieve a favorable resolution.
Phoenix Criminal Defense Resources
When you or a family member is accused of a crime, you may have many questions and seek information. Here are some helpful resources for Phoenix defendants and their families:
- Arizona Justice Project. Assistance for wrongfully convicted individuals.
- Arizona Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention
- Maricopa County Attorney’s Office. Links to criminal justice information, including diversion programs.
- Maricopa County Criminal Court Case Information
- Maricopa County Public Defender’s Office. Assistance for individuals who cannot afford a criminal defense lawyer.
- Maricopa County Volunteer Lawyers Program. Legal aid and pro-bono services.
- Phoenix Police Department
Methodology
To come up with the criminal defense lawyers in Phoenix of 2024, Forbes Advisor considered many factors. Forbes Advisor’s mathematical analysis considers and weighs the information collected to calculate a specific rating and reviews these results to find the best attorneys in a given practice area.
Within the model, we take into account factors that legal professionals and consumers value in an attorney’s qualifications. After assigning weighted scores to hundreds of data points, we narrowed the field down to our top choices based on:
- Legal experience
- Special licenses and certifications
- Ethics and bar disciplinary measures
- Legal thought leadership
- Education and employment background
- Scholarly lectures and writings
- Awards and honors
Forbes Advisor collects public data from a variety of sources, including state bar associations, court records and other published sources on the internet. This information should not be considered comprehensive, however. It might not include additional relevant information on an attorney’s legal skills and experience.
Each lawyer listed here has their own merits. Bear in mind that our list relates to these lawyers’ legal backgrounds, but does not evaluate their personalities or their knowledge of the law. One attorney may be more suitable than another for your specific legal situation.
One thing that can’t be quantified, though, is the rapport you establish with your attorney. Personality goes a long way when teaming up with an attorney, especially when going through a potentially difficult legal situation. These rankings should serve as a reference and potential starting point in your search for the right lawyer for you and your legal concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Should I hire a criminal defense lawyer?
The criminal justice process can be complex and confusing. When you’re charged with a crime, hiring a criminal defense attorney can be critical for protection and increase your chances for a favorable outcome. You could face a harsher sentence without an advocate who can offer legal guidance and a sound defense strategy.
If your case goes to trial, an experienced attorney can represent your interests in the courtroom, cross-examine witnesses and advocate for your defense.
Are there alternative punishments to jail time in Arizona?
Depending on your case and conviction details, there could be alternatives to jail time, such as probation, community service and diversion programs. Probation allows you to serve your sentence outside of jail and under supervision. Community service allows offenders to give back to the local community through volunteer work.
Diversion programs involve counseling designed to treat the root causes of criminal behavior, such as mental health problems or substance abuse. If you successfully complete a diversion program, your case could be dismissed.
What is the statute of limitations for criminal cases in Arizona?
Understanding the statute of limitations is essential if you were accused of a crime in Phoenix, as it sets a time limit for the prosecution to bring charges against you. In Arizona, this time frame varies depending on the offense. If you were accused of a misdemeanor, the prosecution typically has one year to file charges against you. Felony charges, in general, have a seven-year statute of limitations.
However, for some serious or violent crimes in Arizona, such as murder, there is no statute of limitations. The prosecution could bring charges against you years or even decades after the alleged crime.
