You think your misdemeanor charge is not something you need to take seriously. Unfortunately, your charge can lead to a conviction that stays with you for a long time. Hire a Superior misdemeanors defense lawyer today, and you can defend against a conviction.
Suzuki Law Offices has years of experience in criminal cases. We can guide you through the legal process and what you need to do to contest your misdemeanor. Speak to a Superior criminal defense lawyer.
What It Means to Be Charged with a Misdemeanor in Arizona
There is a difference between felonies and misdemeanors. Getting convicted of a misdemeanor is less serious than having a felony on your criminal record. Regardless, a misdemeanor conviction can affect you in many ways.
If you are convicted of a misdemeanor, you are subject to jail time, a fine, and other penalties. In addition, your conviction can appear on your criminal record, which means it can impact you if you apply for a job and an employer performs a background check. Your conviction can also change the way family and friends view and treat you.
At Suzuki Law Offices, we understand the short- and long-term ramifications of a criminal conviction. We can answer questions about how much a DUI conviction will really cost you and other legal topics. Discuss your case with a Superior misdemeanors defense attorney.
How You Could Be Punished If You Are Convicted of a Misdemeanor
The punishments you receive vary based on the severity of your crime. In Arizona, Class 1 misdemeanors are considered the most serious, and Class 3 misdemeanors are the least severe. Common misdemeanor conviction punishments include:
- A jail sentence that ranges from 30 to 180 days
- A fine of $500 to $2,500
- Probation of one to three years
- Community service
- Suspension of your driver’s license
- Professional counseling
A misdemeanors defense lawyer in Superior can provide an overview of criminal defense in Arizona. They help you establish realistic expectations for your case. Throughout your case proceedings, your attorney advocates for you and searches for ways to compel the court to dismiss your charge.
Potential Superior Misdemeanors Defense Legal Strategies for Your Case
A misdemeanors defense attorney in Superior explains Arizona criminal time limitations and other factors that could relate to your case. They want your argument to resonate with the court. Therefore, they may consider myriad legal strategies, such as:
You Were the Victim of Entrapment
Police officers convince you to commit a crime that you otherwise would not have done and then charge you for this offense. In this situation, you may have been the victim of entrapment. Your lawyer can answer questions about what criminal entrapment is and if this is a viable legal strategy for your case.
You Committed a Crime Due to Duress
Someone threatens to harm you or others unless you engage in criminal activity. To protect yourself and others, you commit a crime under duress. Your lawyer could show that you initiated a criminal act because of the threat you faced.
Your Constitutional Rights Were Breached
The police decided not to read your Miranda warning, and you had no idea that you did not have to answer their questions after you were arrested. Or police officers illegally seized your property. In these scenarios and others, your lawyer could say your constitutional rights were violated, and certain pieces of evidence may not be used in the case against you.
You Were Defending Yourself or Others
Self-defense can be utilized as a legal strategy if you have to use physical force to protect yourself or others. To validate this point, your lawyer can show that you were in imminent danger. If the court agrees with your argument, the case against you could be dropped.
You Had No Intention of Committing a Crime
The prosecution must prove to the court that you intended to engage in a criminal act. This may not have been the case, as you could have made a mistake and committed a crime without actually realizing that you were doing so. Your lawyer can raise doubts about your intent to the point where the court may not have grounds to convict you.
You Were Not at the Scene of the Crime
You are charged with a crime even though you were not there when it was committed. Your lawyer could use surveillance footage or other proof to confirm you were not present at the crime scene. If you can show that a crime took place without your involvement, the prosecution could struggle to prove to the court that you should be convicted.
How you approach your legal strategy can have far-flung effects on your case result. Select an attorney who has a proven reputation in misdemeanor cases. Your lawyer will work with you to develop a legal strategy that hits the mark with the court.
What a Misdemeanor Plea Deal Entails
A misdemeanor plea deal could allow you to plead guilty to a lesser charge than the original one you faced. The benefit to you is that this may allow you to avoid going to jail or having to deal with other serious penalties. To understand how a plea deal works, consider an example.
The prosecution believes you have a strong case and is unsure about whether they can achieve their desired case result. At this point, they may be inclined to offer a plea deal. If this happens, you can evaluate the proposal with your attorney and decide what to do next.
You wonder if you should accept a plea bargain. Let your lawyer know if you have concerns or questions about the proposal. Your attorney can advise you on what to do with it, and you make the final decision on whether to approve or decline it.
Partner with a Superior Misdemeanors Defense Attorney Focused on Providing Exceptional Legal Service
The Suzuki Law Offices team gives your misdemeanor case the attention it deserves. We want to help you dispute your charge and prove to the court that you should not be convicted. Schedule a free case consultation with us.
Call or text (602) 682-5270 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form