Chandler Criminal Defense Lawyer

Chandler Criminal Defense Attorney

If you or a loved one is under investigation or has been arrested, it’s important to retain a strong criminal defense attorney. An experienced attorney can answer any questions you might have, explain the legal process, and discuss your legal rights and options. A Chandler criminal defense lawyer can resolve your case and provide invaluable advice throughout the process. You can count on the trusted team at Hallam Law Group to guide you with skill and commitment.

What Types of Cases Does a Chandler Criminal Defense Lawyer Handle?

A Chandler criminal defense attorney can handle a wide range of defense cases, including the following:

• Assault
• Burglary
• Cases involving mental illness
• Child abuse or molestation charges
• Child pornography
• Criminal damage to private property
• Dangerous crimes
• Domestic violence charges
• Drug-related offenses (sales, possession, etc.)
• Felony shoplifting
• Forgery
• Illegal search and seizure matters
• Juvenile criminal law cases
• Manslaughter or homicide
• Miranda violations (when AZ law enforcement doesn’t read someone their Miranda rights before they start questioning them about a criminal offense)
• Motor vehicle theft
• Robbery
• Sexual abuse charges
• Sexual assault
• Sexual exploitation of a minor or misconduct with a minor
• Theft
• Weapon-related crimes

This list is non-exhaustive, and a seasoned attorney can further discuss the specific charges you’re facing in your unique situation. Some samples are charges like sexual exploitation of a minor carry severe penalties, including mandatory registration and prison time under Arizona law. They can explain what your charges mean, outline the potential penalties you might face, and answer any general questions about Arizona criminal laws and procedures.

What Happens After I’ve Been Arrested in Chandler?

If you’ve been arrested, it’s important to stay calm and tell the officer you are exercising your right to remain silent. It’s crucial to avoid discussing your specific case and charges with anyone other than an attorney, which is why it’s helpful to ask for legal counsel right away.

There isn’t a deadline to hire a criminal defense attorney in Arizona, but it can be helpful to do so right away. This can make sure you have strong, prepared representation throughout the entire criminal defense process.

What Is the Arizona Adult Criminal Felony Trial Process?

There are many steps involved in the criminal trial process, including the one that addresses adult felony charges in Arizona. This process involves:

Investigation and Arrest

Law enforcement investigates when a crime is reported. The responding officer could interview any witnesses and the victim. Then, they’ll create a detailed report of the crime. If the officer knows where a suspect is, and there is probable cause that the suspect committed the crime, that individual might be arrested immediately.

Filing Charges

If a prosecutor has sufficient evidence to support the allegations, and they feel there’s a reasonable likelihood of a trial conviction, they will file a complaint. This is the term for formally filing AZ criminal charges.

Initial Appearance in Court

Within 24 hours of their arrest, an accused person must have their initial appearance in court. Here, the judge:

• Provides information about the allegations.
• Informs the accused of their right to an attorney.
• Addresses any conditions of release.
• Sets the date for the next hearing/status conference.

The next appearance provides the first chance to resolve the case through plea bargaining. If a judge thinks the accused might not appear voluntarily in court, an arrest warrant might be issued.

Pre-Trial Motions and Appearances

A preliminary hearing and/or arraignment is held to determine if the accused should face trial on the alleged charges. Before any trial, the parties meet and confer to narrow the issues and disclose the evidence each side intends to present.
A defense attorney might ask for certain charges to be dismissed or seek an agreement to reduce the severity of a sentence. If the parties agree, the judge can reject the agreement, and proceed with a trial, or accept the agreement and move into the sentencing phase.

Trial

The case moves to trial if a plea agreement cannot be reached. Both sides typically present their cases and supporting evidence. At the conclusion, a jury must unanimously agree whether the accused is either guilty or not guilty.

Sentencing

If the accused was found guilty at trial or they previously pled guilty, the court sets a date for a sentencing hearing to discuss the specific sentence recommendations.

Appeal

If the defendant is unhappy with the verdict, their attorney can file an appeal. This does not retry the case; rather, it reviews the facts and evidence of the original trial to see if errors were made.

This is a general overview, as the Arizona adult felony criminal trial process is certainly lengthy and complicated. A local attorney can further discuss the criminal process.

Why Should I Consider Retaining a Lawyer?

The right attorney can make a huge difference and provide steadfast advocacy during an overwhelming and stressful process. A private defense attorney can prepare your case, mount the strongest possible defense, and make sure your basic rights are protected.

A skilled attorney can:

• Explain and navigate the complex Arizona legal system.
• Consider and protect your constitutional rights.
• Minimize any consequences of the charges against you.
• Provide sound legal wisdom about what steps can secure a positive outcome for your unique case.
• Negotiate with prosecutors for alternative outcomes or sentence reductions.
• Prepare a strategic defense specific to your individual case.
• Represent you in all stages of a criminal case, from arraignment to a trial (if needed).
• Suppress any inappropriate or unlawfully obtained evidence.
• File a motion to dismiss your charges when appropriate.
• File any necessary pre-trial motions.
• Represent your interests in any case appeals or post-conviction hearings.
• Address the potential consequences of a possible criminal conviction.
• Explore your eligibility to expunge any criminal conviction records (when possible).
• Discuss the comprehensive impact that a criminal conviction may have on your opportunities, including employment.

With so much at stake, retaining a highly qualified lawyer should be a priority for your case. They can also explore options to expunge any criminal conviction records, though eligibility depends on Arizona’s specific legal criteria. A skilled attorney can increase the likelihood of obtaining a favorable case outcome.

How Can I Find the Right Chandler Criminal Defense Lawyer for My Case?

When facing Arizona criminal charges, Chandler residents should research any criminal defense attorney they’re considering retaining. To find one to help with your case, you can meet with multiple attorneys to discuss their case approaches and address their fee agreements. You can consider whether they:

• Focus their practice on the types of charges you’re specifically facing.
• Adapt their strategy for each case to achieve a successful outcome in court.
• Have sufficient knowledge of the state and federal laws that apply to your criminal case charges.
• Understand any recent changes to laws that might affect any court determinations.
• Can provide referrals from satisfied prior clients.
• Have a demonstrable record of success in resolving charges similar to yours.
• Can discuss their written fee schedule so you can feel comfortable that you understand any charges and fees.

An attorney can establish a comprehensive defense strategy for your case, which can provide confidence that you’ve selected the right legal representation for your case. Regardless of the specific charges you face, a formidable Chandler attorney can protect your future and provide legal advice you can depend on.

FAQs About Criminal Defense Law in Chandler,AZ

How Much Does a Criminal Lawyer Cost in Chandler?

In Chandler, criminal defense attorneys charge based on a variety of fee agreements. These typically depend on the complexity of the case and the attorney’s experience level. Some defense attorneys charge an hourly fee, and other attorneys charge a retainer fee to retain them. If you’re considering hiring a specific Chandler attorney, it’s crucial to ask questions about their fees and costs. You can discuss their written fee agreement during an initial consultation.

What Is the Difference Between a Prosecutor and a Defense Lawyer?

A prosecutor and a defense lawyer work on two different sides of each criminal case. Traditionally, each approaches cases quite differently. A government prosecutor works to appropriately investigate a case and prove the guilt of an accused.

Conversely, a defense attorney represents an accused person and works to protect their rights. They can prepare their client’s defense, make sure a fair trial occurs, challenge evidence, confront flaws in the prosecution’s case, and negotiate any plea bargains.

Why Should I Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer?

You should consider hiring a criminal defense lawyer to:

• Assert your legal rights.
• Navigate legal complexities.
• Build a strong defense strategy, tailored to your unique case.
• Negotiate with the prosecution on your behalf.
• Work to obtain a positive case outcome.

A knowledgeable attorney can serve as your legal advocate during your entire case and, if needed, minimize the overall impact of an AZ criminal conviction.

What Percentage of Chandler Criminal Defendants Can’t Afford to Hire a Defense Attorney?

In Chandler, a large percentage of people can’t afford a private defense attorney. Although the cost of hiring an attorney could be a barrier, a private defense attorney is invaluable when the stakes are high, as they can:

• Dedicate more time/resources to your case.
• Create a defense strategy that is tailored to your case.
• Communicate often.
• Provide a higher likelihood of a favorable outcome.

Consult an Experienced Chandler Criminal Defense Attorney

If you’re facing any criminal charges, a criminal defense attorney can protect your constitutional rights. The defense team at Hallam Law Group is ready to tailor a strong defense to your unique situation. We have successfully resolved cases for clients facing charges just like yours. Contact us today to set up an initial consultation with our experienced defense team.