Misdemeanors have more serious consequences than you may have thought. If you are innocent, you might not feel too worried. If you are guilty, you might think it is fine to just accept whatever happens next. Do not make either of these mistakes.
Remember that you have been charged with a criminal offense, so you need a Mesa criminal defense lawyer. At Suzuki Law Offices, we have over 30 years of experience in this area, including as a former federal prosecutor. We know that we make a positive difference. Get a Mesa misdemeanors defense lawyer to represent you.
The Seriousness of Misdemeanors in Mesa
Misdemeanors are less serious than felonies, but they are still crimes. If you are found guilty, you will have a criminal record. Your sentence would depend on the “class” of misdemeanor with which you are charged.
The seriousness of a misdemeanor will also depend on your history. If you were charged with a misdemeanor in the past and are caught doing the same thing again, it becomes more serious. For example, if you repeat a Class 1 misdemeanor, it can be punished as a felony.
Classes of Misdemeanor and Penalties for Misdemeanors in Arizona
Misdemeanors are divided into categories based on how serious they are. You may be surprised to see how tough the maximum penalties for misdemeanor offenses prescribed by the Arizona State Legislature (AzLeg) are.
Class 1 Misdemeanors
Examples of Class 1 misdemeanors include disorderly conduct, threatening others, stealing items that are worth less than $1,000, or reporting a fake emergency to get a response from emergency services
The maximum sentences for Class 1 misdemeanors is up to six months in jail, up to three years of unsupervised probation, and fines of up to $2,500
Class 2 Misdemeanors
Examples of Class 2 misdemeanors include failure to give your real name to the police when asked, blocking a highway, being on or failing to leave a property where you should not be, and hazing.
The maximum sentences for Class 2 misdemeanors are up to four months in jail, up to two years of unsupervised probation, and fines of up to $750.
Class 3 Misdemeanors
Examples of Class 3 misdemeanors include failing after driving into a parked vehicle, loitering offenses, and a failed attempt to commit a Class 2 misdemeanor.
Maximum sentences for Class 2 misdemeanors are up to 30 days in jail, up to one year of unsupervised probation, and fines of up to $500
How a Mesa Misdemeanors Defense Attorney Can Help
People who are not guilty often think they will be fine without a lawyer, but this is not always true. There are reasons why you were charged, and we will need to address them to show you are innocent.
Your lawyer will examine all the evidence that was used to charge you. They will also listen to your side of the story and look for ways to prove your innocence. It is very important that you are truthful about all the details so that we can build a strong defense.
There are times when people who should not have been accused are charged. You may find yourself wondering if your Phoenix criminal defense lawyer can challenge the evidence against you. If there is reason to believe that evidence is incorrect or unlawful, we can show that it is wrong or should not be used in court.
Other Points That Can be Raised in Your Misdemeanor Defense
Other reasons why you should not be convicted of a misdemeanor offense can be raised. If you were tried for a felony and are acquitted, nobody can charge you for a misdemeanor that was related to the same case.
Then, there is the question of whether someone else forced you to take part in an illegal act. Or you had to do something illegal to prevent something even worse from happening to someone else.
Sometimes, people are charged based on the principle of probable cause. There may not be enough evidence to support the idea that the person charged with a misdemeanor actually caused it to happen. If so, we can often get a case dismissed without you having to appear in court.
Misdemeanors in Arizona: Diversion Programs
At Suzuki Law Offices, we will always fight for your best interests. However, If the charges cannot be dismissed or reduced, it is important to know there are other options. You may be able to apply for a Law Diversion Program.
This is quite a complex topic, but the simple version is that you enter a plea agreement that takes you out of the usual legal system under certain conditions. As part of the agreement, you must take part in a special diversion program that is meant to help you learn how to avoid making the same kind of mistake again. If you complete the program, the prosecutor will dismiss your case.
For instance, if you committed petty theft, your Mesa theft crimes lawyer will use their experience to assess your chance of entering a diversion program. If you are approved for one and complete it, your charges are dismissed.
Choose a Misdemeanors Defense Lawyer in Mesa to be Your Voice
Suzuki Law Offices takes you and your case seriously. Our team will be thorough and diligent in uncovering all the important facts we need to get the best possible outcome for you. You are probably feeling very upset right now, but we will guide you in the right direction.
It all begins when you choose Suzuki Law Offices to act as your misdemeanor defense attorney in Mesa. We will always be honest with you about what to expect and keep you informed about what we are doing and what will happen next. We are your voice in action, and we are always available to you.
Call or text (602) 682-5270 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form