Phoenix Criminal Defense Attorneys

If you are under investigation for a crime, it is important to seek legal advice right away. A criminal defense attorney can provide counsel that could result in the investigation ending before any charges are officially brought against you. It is important to remain silent while under investigation and when not with your lawyer, too, as anything you say can be used against you in court.

If you are arrested, it is important to remain calm and respectful while in the presence of law enforcement. Be aware that anything you say can be used against you in court, so it is best to remain silent until your attorney is present. You have the right to remain silent, but it is important to provide identifying information such as your address and phone number when asked. Request a lawyer immediately if you cannot afford one and do not sign any documents without first consulting your attorney.

A criminal defense attorney can help you if you have been charged with a crime in several ways. They can provide advice on the legal situation and develop a defense strategy to reduce or dismiss charges. They can represent you in court and make sure your rights are respected throughout the process, as well as negotiate plea agreements. A criminal defense attorney can also inform you of any potential punishments or sentences that may arise from the charges.

The main difference between a misdemeanor and a felony is the severity of the crime. Misdemeanors are considered lesser crimes with less severe penalties, while felonies are more serious offenses often carrying harsher consequences. Generally, misdemeanors are punishable by up to one year in jail and/or a small fine, while felonies usually carry sentences of more than one year in prison or even the death penalty in extreme cases. Additionally, misdemeanors typically do not result in the loss of civil rights such as the right to vote or own firearms, whereas felonies can lead to the loss of these privileges.

Regardless of how minor your criminal charge may seem, it is crucial to hire an experienced criminal lawyer right away. Failure to do so can lead to costly fines and serious penalties that can greatly and negatively impact your future. A skilled lawyer, especially one familiar with the prosecution process, can examine the details of your case and ensure your rights were not violated at any point. Additionally, they can build a case to protect your future and rights.

The length of time a criminal trial lasts can vary depending on the complexity of the case, the severity of the crime in question, how insistent the prosecution is on getting a conviction, how many witnesses are needed to testify, and more. It is possible for a jury to come to a verdict quickly or a trial can last several weeks depending on the situation. Additionally, it may take several months for a hearing or sentencing after the verdict has been reached.

The possible outcomes of a criminal trial can range from an acquittal, when the defendant is found not guilty and all charges are dismissed, to a conviction, where the defendant is found guilty of one or more of the charges. Another potential outcome is a mistrial if there is a hung jury, which could happen if there is not enough evidence for a conviction or when the judge finds that there has been a violation of legal procedure that affects the fairness of the trial. In some cases, it may be possible for prosecutors to drop the charges or offer plea bargains.

In a criminal case, the burden of proof rests with the prosecution. This means that prosecutors are responsible for providing evidence that proves beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant is guilty. The term 'beyond a reasonable doubt' is legally defined as a level of certainty that is greater than any alternate hypothesis and must be met to convict the defendant.