One of the last things anyone wants is to be accused of a crime. While this is a frightening thought, it is a reality many face, whether they expect it or not. Fortunately, there is a way to defend yourself with the help of a dedicated Coolidge criminal defense lawyer.
Suzuki Law Group offers legal guidance and a top-rated defense for those accused of criminal offenses. We proudly defend those accused of criminal offenses with experience and professionalism. We can help you through this turbulent time by fighting to get the charges dismissed or the penalties softened when you contact our office for a confidential consultation.
Common Criminal Charges in Coolidge
According to the most recently available data from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), there were 70 violent crimes in Coolidge in 2019. There were 61 cases of aggravated assault, with two counts of manslaughter. Violent crimes are some of the most severe accusations you may face, carrying heavy penalties if you are convicted.
By far, the most common criminal charges in Coolidge are property crimes. With 73 counts of burglary and 290 larceny and theft charges, these criminal offenses are some of the most commonly charged in the area. Even if violence is not involved, crimes like these can leave you facing legal difficulties.
No matter what you are accused of, however, you are entitled to defend yourself against the charges. Those arrested for criminal offenses like these or any other are guaranteed the right to a fair and speedy trial. You can also seek out a criminal defense lawyer in Coolidge with Suzuki Law Group for a better chance at dismissal or reduction of charges.
Penalties of a Criminal Conviction
A conviction of a crime, no matter how minor, carries a number of penalties. A criminal defense attorney in Coolidge with our firm has the goal of helping you clear your name and avoid these penalties if you have been accused. While sometimes a penalty is unavoidable, there are still ways to secure lesser, more lenient ones.
The consequences of a crime depend primarily on the circumstances of the offense itself. Criminal acts are generally categorized into two categories: misdemeanors and felonies. While both are still serious occurrences, one carries much harsher penalties.
Misdemeanors
A misdemeanor is generally considered a lesser crime, usually non-violent in nature. Misdemeanors carry lighter penalties, such as fines or license suspension. Sometimes, they can result in jail time, but the sentences are lighter with much shorter periods involved, including the following:
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol (DUI)
- Assault
- Property damage worth less than $1,000
- False reporting to law enforcement
- Theft if the value is less than $1,000
While these are not all possible misdemeanors, they are some of the most prevalent. Depending on the offense in question, your criminal defense attorney may be able to get the charges dropped. Sometimes, a more severe charge can be reduced to a misdemeanor.
Felonies
Felonies, as defined by Arizona Revised Statutes Chapter 13, are serious crimes that can carry heavy prison sentences, usually reserved for violent crimes. If you have been accused of a felony, you are more likely to face truly life-changing penalties without a criminal defense attorney in Coolidge on your side. Below are a few samples of felonies you may be charged with:
- Sexual offenses
- Theft
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
- Domestic violence
- Disorderly conduct
Felonies also include murder, manslaughter, and many other both violent and non-violent crimes. The help of a skilled criminal defense lawyer in Coolidge is crucial for avoiding a lengthy prison sentence or a large fine in these cases. These accusations have hefty consequences, but with our firm defending your liberties, you have a chance to get your charges reduced or dismissed.
Collateral Consequences
Even after a sentence is served or a fine is paid, you are likely to experience penalties. Any offense will go on your criminal record, which will follow you throughout your life. This can be found at any time by anyone running a background check on you, which may be necessary to enroll in higher education or obtain gainful employment.
Even a misdemeanor can still damage your reputation. Getting a job, renting an apartment, buying a gun, and many other aspects of life will be more difficult or even impossible. While these can be removed from your record in some cases, this is rare and cannot be counted on.
Common Defense Strategies for Those Facing Criminal Charges
There are a few defense strategies Suzuki Law Group can employ that can get your charges dropped. One such strategy is a mistake of fact under ARS 13-204. Mistakes of fact include cases of misidentification or when a crime was technically committed but only by mistake, such as grabbing the wrong wallet on accident.
In violent crime cases, you may be able to claim the act was committed in self-defense under ARS 13-404. You may be justified in threatening or using physical force if it is in defense of yourself against someone else’s use of illegal force. This only counts if the act was within a reasonable range of force. For example, if someone threatens to hit you and you shoot them, self-defense defenses may not help.
You may be able to have vital evidence dismissed if the officers involved violated your Fourth Amendment rights in receiving them. A law officer must have probable cause under ARS 13-3883 to search your home or vehicle, such as a warrant or reason to believe you are committing a crime. If you were searched randomly without reason to believe you were acting unlawfully, that evidence may be inadmissible in court.
Contact Collidge’s Leading Criminal Defense Law Firm for a Confidential Consult Today
Your first move when accused of any crime should be to call a reputable Coolidge criminal defense attorney. We will be able to give you valuable, personalized advice for your specific situation. If you want to beat these accusations, an attorney is your most practical and likely path to success.
Suzuki Law Group is trusted, experienced, and dedicated to providing high-quality defense strategies and representation in court to those charged with a criminal offense. We strive to help our clients get their charges dropped or at least heavily reduced to prevent penalties that can follow them for a lifetime. If you need a legal advocate you can depend on, reach out to us today by calling our office or filling out our online contact form to schedule your initial defense strategy session.
Call or text (602) 682-5270 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form