Superior Criminal Defense Lawyer

Criminal charges can have a devastating impact on your personal and professional life. At Suzuki Law Offices, we use our legal knowledge and insights to guide clients through the criminal justice system. Our Superior criminal defense lawyer is available to discuss your case and the various ways we can help mitigate the damaging consequences of an arrest. 

Crime Definition

A crime refers to an intentional act considered harmful or dangerous. There are many types of criminal acts reported in Superior. These include:

• Drug crimes: Involve the use, possession, manufacturing, or distribution of drugs that have the potential to be abused. 
• Sex crimes: Occur when a person engages in a sex activity with another without consent or has the motive to commit a sexual act towards another individual. 
• Violent crimes: Occur when an individual threatens someone with violence or commits a violent act towards another person.

Suzuki Law Offices is a law firm that takes criminal charges seriously. Our Superior criminal defense attorney can take a look at your case and go over your legal options with you. To learn more, reach out to us. 

Misdemeanor and Felony Crimes

You may be charged with a misdemeanor or felony. A misdemeanor is less serious than a felony. Regardless, being convicted of either offense may have long-lasting ramifications. 

The sentencing for a misdemeanor varies based on the crime. You may receive anywhere from 30 days to six months in prison if you are convicted of a misdemeanor. Also, you may face a fine of up to $2,500. 

There are six levels of felonies in Arizona. If you are convicted of a felony, you may be incarcerated for more than one year. A Class 1 felony conviction may lead to a lifetime prison sentence. 

What to Do if You Are Charged with a Crime

If you have been charged with a crime, you still have legal rights. When you know how to take advantage of these rights, you can minimize your risk of making legal mistakes. Here are some of the best things you can do when you face a criminal charge:

• Remain calm. Try not to panic — if you get angry or frustrated and lose your composure, you risk saying or doing something that could compromise your case. 
• Do not speak to the police. You have the right to remain silent, and you may want to use it to avoid the risk of speaking on the record and inadvertently accepting responsibility for your charge. 
• Be cooperative. Listen to what police officers say, follow their instructions, and cooperate with them as best as you can. 

Along with these things, you may want to consult with a criminal defense attorney in Superior. Next, your lawyer can explain what to expect after day one of being arrested in Arizona. They can guide you through the legal process and explore ways to help you avoid the long-term ramifications of a conviction. 

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Consequences of a Criminal Conviction

A criminal conviction may affect you for the rest of your life. In addition to facing jail time and a fine, there are other consequences associated with convictions. These include:

• Employment: You may have to disclose your conviction to prospective employers, which may hurt your chances of landing your dream job. 
• Housing: A landlord may decline your request for housing due to your conviction. 
• Loans: If you want to take out a loan, a lender may deny your request based on your conviction. 
• Travel: You may not be allowed into Canada or other countries if you have been convicted of a crime. 

Your attorney cannot change the fact that you have been charged with a crime. Conversely, they can teach you about the trial process and what will happen every step of the way. Plus, your Superior criminal defense lawyer can help you prepare an argument that may make it tough for a prosecutor to prove you deserve to be punished to the fullest extent of the law. 

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Criminal Trial Process

You may have no idea what happens during a criminal trial — and that is OK. An attorney can explain each stage of the criminal trial process in detail. Here are the steps involved in this process:

• Opening Statements: Your attorney and the prosecution will discuss their respective cases and what they hope to accomplish during the proceedings. 
• Direct Examination of Witnesses: The prosecution has witnesses take the stand and question them about your case. 
• Direct Examination of Trial Evidence: The prosecution presents physical evidence and testimony to support their respective arguments. 
• Cross-examination: Your attorney has the opportunity to cross-examine the prosecution’s witnesses. 
• Redirect Examination: If the prosecution chooses to do so, they can ask additional questions with the witnesses they originally called to the stand to clarify information they shared during cross-examination. 
• Judgment of Acquittal: Your attorney may claim the prosecution does not have sufficient evidence against their client and ask the court to rule in the defendant’s favor.
• Defense: Your criminal defense lawyer in Superior can present evidence, call witnesses, and share information in response to the proof the prosecution previously provided. 
• Closing Arguments: Each side presents a conclusion, explaining why the court should rule in their favor. 
• Instructing the Jury: The judge gives the jury members instructions to follow as they decide your case.
• Jury Deliberations: Jury members discuss your case and weigh the evidence from both sides. 
• Sentencing: You find out if you have been found guilty or not guilty. 
• Appeals: Your criminal defense attorney in Superior may file an appeal if you have been convicted of a crime. 

Before you go to trial, you may be able to approve a plea agreement. Your lawyer can help you determine if you should accept a plea deal. By agreeing to this pact, you may be able to avoid a lengthy jail sentence and other severe punishments. 

Partner with a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Superior

The legal team at Suzuki Law Offices is committed to providing exceptional legal service. As a law firm with a history of excellence and integrity, we may be able to help you dispute your criminal charge. To schedule a free case consultation, contact us today. 

Call or text 602-682-5270 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form