No matter what sort of life you lead, there may come a time when you are accused of a crime. When this happens, it is your right to defend yourself to the fullest extent of the law to protect your freedom and innocence. Your best option when faced with a criminal accusation is to rely on the legal guidance and support of a Peoria criminal defense lawyer.
Choosing Suzuki Law Group could be the best choice you can make for your criminal defense. We will do everything possible to ensure you understand your rights and options when facing allegations this severe. Contact our legal team to request a confidential consultation today and discuss your potential defense options.
Common Criminal Charges in Peoria, Arizona
Criminal charges vary greatly depending on the type of crime and the severity. These charges may be brought about in situations where you have been accused of breaking state criminal laws. Here are some common criminal charges you may be facing in Peoria:
- Sex crimes under Arizona Revised Statutes (A.R.S.), Title 13, Criminal Code, Chapter 14
- Violent crimes under ARS §13-901.03.
- Driving under the influence (DUI) under ARS §28-1381.
- Theft under ARS §13-1802.
- Drug crimes under ARS §13-3407.
- Juvenile crimes under ARS §13-501.
No matter what you have been accused of, a criminal defense lawyer in Peoria can help defend you. Depending on the charges you are facing, you may have different options for reducing or dismissing them, including negotiating a plea. Many of these charges carry heavy penalties, so trusting your criminal defense attorney in Peoria can be a lifesaver.
Recognizing the Difference Between a Misdemeanor and a Felony
There are two primary classifications for criminal charges: misdemeanor and felony. While both carry legal penalties, misdemeanor charges are typically reserved for less severe offenses. Understanding the difference between the two will help you better understand what you are being charged with and what consequences you may face.
A misdemeanor is the less severe of the two, as outlined in the ARS §13-707, though they should still be taken seriously. Misdemeanors usually cover minor or non-violent crimes, such as petty theft or a first-time DUI. The judge may be more lenient on you, though you are still likely facing time in county jail, fines, and other penalties, such as a license suspension.
A felony is a serious crime, often including violent crimes, and those convicted may be subject to dire consequences. Murder, arson, and robbery all count as felonies. While a misdemeanor can come with serious consequences, a felony conviction will likely change your life for the worse in more severe ways.
The Harsh Penalties of a Conviction
The penalties you face if convicted will vary widely depending on the crime you are accused of. However, you will generally face imprisonment, fines, or more specific offense-based consequences. For example, if you are charged with a DUI, your license will likely be suspended for a time.
If there are aggravating circumstances affecting your claim, those penalties may be higher. Aggravating factors are essentially circumstances related to how the alleged crime was committed that worsen the severity of the offense. For example, a DUI can come with certain penalties, but a DUI involving a child in the car can add enhanced penalties to the charge.
Collateral Consequences for a Conviction
Even after serving your sentence, you may still face consequences for a criminal act. Collateral consequences refer to penalties outside of those assigned to you by a judge. Felonies carry a higher risk for this, though any criminal charge will likely affect your life on a long-term basis.
Your criminal record follows you for your entire life, always available to anyone running a background check. This can significantly complicate getting a job, housing, buying a gun, and a number of other matters. While it is possible in some cases to wipe certain offenses from your record, this is not guaranteed and only applies to narrow criteria.
How to Defend Against Criminal Charges
Defending against a criminal accusation is far from easy, even under the best circumstances. Fortunately, you can always work closely with your criminal defense lawyer in Peoria to choose the best path forward based on your unique circumstances. Your greatest benefit is that the burden of proof falls on your accuser, giving you an advantage.
The prosecutor must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, according to the Arizona Judicial Branch, and the easiest way to do that is to prove you did not commit a crime. If we do not have evidence to prove your innocence, you may at least have mitigating circumstances that prevent you from facing criminal penalties. Even if the prosecution has evidence of your guilt, we may still challenge the evidence in your defense.
Pre-trial Diversions and Plea Agreements
In some cases, the prosecution may offer you a deal to prevent a lengthy trial. With a pre-trial diversion, the prosecutor may agree to drop the charges if you fulfill certain responsibilities. For example, you may be offered a pre-trial diversion for a DUI if you agree to complete an alcohol program, attend Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), and avoid drugs or alcohol for a probationary period.
A plea agreement is similar but usually only reduces your sentence. You will need to plead guilty and meet the terms of your plea agreement, and in return, your penalties may be less severe. So, if you were charged with drunk driving, your charges could get bumped down from DUI to reckless driving, which carries less severe consequences.
Contact a Leading Peoria Criminal Defense Attorney for Help Today
A criminal charge is a scary thing to face, but you are not alone. Suzuki Law Group is here for you, working to help you clear your name of these allegations. Even if we cannot get your charges dismissed, we will still do everything possible to reduce your sentence so you face fewer penalties.
Your Peoria criminal defense attorney is skilled in dealing with the Arizona Judicial System and ready to ensure justice is served. If you have been accused of a criminal offense, you can reach out to us at any time for a powerful criminal defense. We can be reached through our contact form or by phone to schedule your confidential consultation as soon as today.
Call or text (602) 682-5270 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form