If you find yourself facing a misdemeanor charge, know that it should not be taken lightly. Being accused of a crime needs a good, caring defense, no matter how big or small the accusation. Having one or more misdemeanors on your record can have lasting effects that you can mitigate by having a South Tucson misdemeanors defense lawyer from Suzuki Law Offices on your side.
Our diligent South Tucson criminal defense lawyer will answer all your questions and help guide you through the legal process in your misdemeanor case. We do not all operate on the same schedule, which is why we’re always available to lend our tremendous amount of experience – 20-30 years – to you. We will not let the sudden turn of a misdemeanor charge prevent you from getting the full attention of the counsel you deserve.
We’re Your Voice in Action, No Matter the Case
Given the wide, diverse range of misdemeanors, some people feel that their charges are barely worth the attention that prosecutors are giving them, while others feel quite scared to confront what could come with a criminal conviction.
You can feel safe coming to Suzuki Law Offices with any charges you are facing because we treat our clients like you’d treat your family. As former federal prosecutors, no misdemeanor is too niche or small for us to handle with integrity and care.
Misdemeanors cover a wide range of topics in Arizona. Your South Tucson misdemeanors defense attorney is equipped with the tools to take on any of these various categories with the same diligence as any other case we handle. We will do all the hard work so that we have the answers when you ask us questions like, “What can I use as evidence in my criminal defense case?”
As you partner with Suzuki Law Offices, you should know that we’re available 24/7, even on weekends, to answer any of your questions and provide strategic counsel at any stage of the legal process. We will stand up for you in court and sit down with you at the table to talk over any of your case concerns. You are not alone during your journey through the legal process in Arizona.
How a Misdemeanor Differs from a Felony
Legal terms can seem cryptic to people outside of the legal system. Being charged with different categories of crime brings very different paths to the legal process. You need to know what you face when charged with a misdemeanor.
Felonies are associated with serious crimes that often bring severe punishments like large fines and prison sentences. Crimes classified as felonies can range from robbery to arson to sexual offense and homicide. Sentences for felonies can include short prison sentences, life sentences, and, in Arizona, even the death penalty.
Misdemeanors are reserved for crimes that rise above being negligible but are less severe than felonies. According to the Arizona Legislature’s list of misdemeanors, misdemeanor crimes can include crimes such as indecent exposure, false advertising, selling lottery tickets to minors, and even adultery. The full list of misdemeanors is quite long, but when Suzuki is your lawyer, you can let us parse through things to find out how your charges may qualify.
Pre-Trial Diversion Programs for Misdemeanors
In 2021, the Pima County Superior Court launched the STEP’s pre-indictment diversion program, which offers an alternative to traditional criminal prosecution proceedings. Your case may be right to consider pursuing this option so that your misdemeanor charge does not turn into a criminal conviction and penalty. Programs like this were designed to give people that the court believes to be unlikely to re-offend a chance at course correction.
In the example of a DUI case, an impaired driver may face losing their license and stiff penalties if convicted of a criminal offense. With a diligent defense team like Suzuki Law Offices taking on defense in a case like this, the Pretrial Services with the Arizona Superior Court in Pima County may assess this case and find this driver eligible for the Supportive Treatment and Engagement Program (STEPs). This will open this driver up to an alternative based on rehabilitation rather than punishment.
If this path looks right for your case, it will be important to remember that the requirements can be stiff, with only one slip-up standing between a path to reclaimed freedom and a criminal misdemeanor conviction. This can often be a much more pleasant and rewarding path that warrants special care. If your case qualifies, talk with your misdemeanors defense attorney in South Tucson today about how to take advantage of this trial alternative.
When to Connect with a South Tucson Misdemeanors Defense Lawyer
Do not let your court date creep up without having connected with a Suzuki Law Offices criminal defense attorney. We want the time to sit down with you to comb through your entire case so that we know all the details and, more importantly, more about you. We know you are more than just a court case passing through the system; you are a whole person worth the attention and voice that we can provide.
Once you get your misdemeanors defense lawyer in South Tucson on your case, you can expect swift and informative communication from us. You will get an immediate email containing all the information you may need, with a welcome to Suzuki Law Offices that lists your points of contact and a phone call from a paralegal or one of our investigators if your case needs it. Take it from our client reviews and testimonies–we will handle your case with care and integrity so that you feel attended to the entire time you take on your misdemeanor charges.
Call or text (602) 682-5270 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form