Criminal Defense Attorney in Glendale, AZ

Aggressive Representation to Secure the Best Possible Outcomes for Our Clients

Criminal law in America is relatively strict. We have the largest prison population in the entire world. There are even more people imprisoned here than in China, a country that has four times our population. Unfortunately, certain states contribute to this statistic disproportionately — and Arizona is one of them. Our state’s criminal justice system is not big on leniency, and prosecutors often want to make examples out of defendants in order to deter potential offenders. This is why it’s so important for anyone charged with a crime to contact a criminal defense lawyer in Glendale, AZ.

At The Turner Law Firm, PLLC, our dedicated legal team understands what you’re up against. We know how terribly a criminal conviction can affect a person’s life. Whether you’re facing misdemeanor or felony charges, the repercussions of a criminal record can follow you for a lifetime. From DUI and drug crimes to homicide and white-collar offenses, Arizona state laws are strict and unrelenting. That’s why building a strong defense strategy is essential, and Glendale criminal defense lawyers can do this while helping you navigate the legal process.

Don’t just sit around and hope for a good outcome. Actively fight for one by contacting our law firm today.

Why Do You Need a Glendale Criminal Defense Attorney?

When a person is arrested for a criminal offense, they’ll often question whether they need to hire an attorney. There are many reasons behind this. Some folks believe that a conviction is unavoidable, so they believe hiring a lawyer will simply be a waste of money. Others truly think that the evidence is in their favor, so there’s an assumption that they won’t need legal representation to secure a fair outcome. Then there are those who believe they’ll get a solid defense by working with a court-appointed public defender. Sadly, each of these assumptions frequently proves inaccurate.

For one, there’s no such thing as an “open and shut” case in criminal court. Evidentiary issues, violations of constitutional rights, procedural errors, and a variety of other issues can result in charges being dismissed even if the government’s evidence seems overwhelming. Then there are people who believe the prosecution doesn’t have a valid case. Sadly, these individuals are more likely to face severe criminal penalties. They often underestimate the strength of the state’s case or the creativity of prosecutors. And public defenders? They’re overworked and underpaid.

If you have criminal defense needs, then it’s in your best interest to hire a private practice attorney. An experienced legal professional can do many things that improve your odds of a favorable outcome. In many instances, a good criminal defense attorney in Glendale can identify problems with the government’s case. This can lead to charge dismissal. When appropriate, your attorney can also negotiate a fair plea bargain on your behalf. However, the trial attorneys at The Turner Law Firm will not hesitate to take criminal cases to trial. Our goal is to secure the best possible outcome for you.

What Are Felonies? What Happens After Conviction?

Felony charges are the most serious in the justice system. In Glendale, these cases are heard in the Maricopa County Superior Court. If you’re charged with such a crime, working with a criminal defense law professional is absolutely essential. Far too many people don’t understand the full repercussions of a felony conviction. Even worse, there are those who don’t even realize the crime they’re accused of constitutes a felony. For instance, did you know that theft, possessing drug paraphernalia, driving under the influence, and even personal possession of marijuana can be charged as felonies in Arizona?

Our criminal defense law firm is well-acquainted with the nuance of our state’s legal system. We understand how prosecutors sometimes bend the law in order to get a better outcome for themselves. Sadly, there are a variety of legal consequences when they’re successful:

Class 1 felonies: Life imprisonment, life without parole, and the death penalty
Class 2 felonies: Presumptive sentence of five years, but dangerous offenses can land someone in prison for 21 years
Class 3 felonies: Presumptive sentence of 3.5 years, but dangerous offenses can result in up to 15 years behind bars
Class 4 felonies: Presumptive sentence of 2.5 years, but dangerous offenses can result in 8 years in prison
Class 5 felonies: Presumptive sentence of 1.5 years, but dangerous offenses can result in a 4-year sentence
Class 6 felonies: Presumptive sentence of 1 year, but dangerous offenses can result in up to 2 years confinement

Most violent crimes, certain levels of drug possession, sexual assault, homicide, certain domestic violence charges, and various other offenses can result in felony charges. Upon conviction, there are minimum and maximum sentencing guidelines. In all instances, a person can face imprisonment of at least one year. The sky is literally the limit after that — as some offenses can result in life imprisonment or the death penalty. If nothing else, any amount of incarceration combined with significant fines is enough to make hiring a Glendale criminal defense attorney well worth the effort.

Contact our law office today. We’ll review your case and help you understand all your options.

Are Misdemeanor Charges Not Serious?

Individuals charged with a misdemeanor typically expect a lighter sentence than those facing criminal charges under felony statutes. Fortunately, this assumption is correct. However, this does not mean that misdemeanors aren’t serious. In many cases, jail time is a real possibility. It all depends on the circumstances surrounding your case. In addition to jail time, fines can be extensive — and you might find yourself on probation, without your driver’s license, facing extensive fines, and dealing with a criminal record that lasts a lifetime.

In Arizona, misdemeanors fall into three different classes. Class 1 is the most serious, and it can result in six months behind bars along with thousands in fines and years of probation. Even a Class 3 misdemeanor — the least severe — can have detrimental impacts. Imagine being ripped from your life for a whole month, owing the government hundreds of dollars, paying restitution to alleged victims, and facing economic surcharges. This is why you’ll find the Glendale criminal defense attorneys at our law firm aggressively fighting to prevent even misdemeanor convictions for our clients.

Unfortunately, this isn’t where the difficulties end. While the legal system hands down serious penalties, it’s often the indirect consequences that prove most disastrous. For both misdemeanor and felony offenses, convicted individuals may face the loss of certain rights (e.g., firearm, driving, and voting), employment difficulties, housing challenges, and even immigration consequences. A criminal record can also be brought up during family law cases, and this can result in less-than-favorable outcomes. Put simply, there’s no such thing as a minor offense under Arizona law.

Can Public Defenders Provide a Strong Defense Against Criminal Charges?

There are plenty of Glendale, AZ lawyers who can effectively represent individuals facing criminal charges. However, they’re frequently overlooked by defendants because the court offers them a public defender at their first appearance. It’s important to understand that these are public servants, and they’re typically knowledgeable and experienced. Every day, they handle cases ranging from drunk driving to sex crimes. Even individuals who are charged with murder can receive a court-appointed attorney — and whoever they’re assigned likely has experience in similar cases.

Unfortunately, this does not mean that they’ll provide an effective or aggressive defense. The reality of the situation is that public defenders are overworked and underpaid. In fact, they typically have caseloads that are three times higher than the recommended average. Many are simultaneously handling hundreds of cases, and since most defendants have not retained counsel by their preliminary hearing, public defenders often have to get started on cases where the accused will eventually end up hiring a private practice Glendale criminal defense attorney. This is more of their time taken up.

To put it simply, you’re taking a considerable risk by deferring to a public defender when facing criminal charges in Arizona. Even those who choose this route due to cost concerns often end up regretting the decision. That’s because Arizona has increasingly utilized recoupment to force individuals who used public defenders to pay for their services. If you’re going to have to pay anyway, you might as well choose experienced criminal defense attorneys in Glendale from private practices. And when you choose The Turner Law Firm, we won’t stop fighting on your behalf.

What Should You Do if You’re Placed Under Arrest?

Being placed under arrest is a terrifying experience. Some people are randomly pulled over and arrested for reckless driving, and others face lengthy investigations before prosecutors convene a grand jury and the police come knocking. Regardless of the underlying circumstances of your situation, your ability to avoid a conviction relies on every step you take from this point forward. A simple mistake when police are detaining you — such as not exercising your right to remain silent — could derail your entire defense and make your Glendale criminal defense attorney’s job more difficult.

By keeping the following rules in mind, you’ll greatly increase your chance of avoiding serious penalties:

Stay calm with police. Avoid resisting or arguing
Invoke your right to remain silent
Do not consent to searches or answer questions other than to give personal information (e.g., your name)
Request an attorney. This should shut down all questioning
Remember details of the arrest (e.g., officers’ names, arrest circumstances)
Do not discuss your case with others in jail
Comply with booking procedures
Understand the charges against you
Document evidence. Record anything that supports your defense
Follow your Glendale criminal defense lawyer’s advice. They have your best interests in mind
Avoid any criminal activity
Show up in court on time and professionally

Those who can stick to these steps will be doing themselves a tremendous favor. However, don’t make the mistake of thinking that all hope is lost just because you made a mistake. Perhaps you told the police too much, or maybe you gave them permission to search your vehicle. Whatever the case, there may still be a chance to avoid a conviction. There have been cases where defendants were caught on camera committing crimes — and they still walked free. The simple fact is that the criminal justice system is extremely complex.

An experienced Glendale criminal defense attorney can help you navigate it, and if everything aligns, it may be possible to avoid a conviction.

Should You Just Plead Guilty for a Plea Deal?

Many people accused of crimes never make it past their bail hearing. That’s because — rather than seeking bail — they simply agree to a plea bargain. This is particularly common for misdemeanors, especially when the prosecutor promises no jail time, fines that aren’t over the top, and a few hours of community service. In fact, a plea deal may sound excessively positive if the prosecution claims that they could charge you with a more serious crime — but they’re opting to be “lenient” with you. Unfortunately, these situations are rarely what they seem.

Our law firm frequently deals with criminal defense cases where prosecutors initially offer a plea deal based on trumped-up charges. If you ask any former prosecutor, they can attest to this fact. For instance, it’s not uncommon for the government to include felonies in the charges against a defendant. In many cases, such a charge would never hold up in court — but they don’t need it to. Prosecutors just need the defendant to think that a felony conviction is a possibility, and this is often enough to get the person to plead guilty. Sadly, this means they’ll likely face unnecessary consequences.

It’s important to keep in mind that plea bargaining is an important part of the justice system. Somewhere around 95% of cases are resolved in this manner. It’s a way to save government resources while allowing defendants to secure reduced charges and less severe penalties. However, prosecutors are known to abuse this system. That’s why you should never agree to anything without first speaking to a criminal defense lawyer in Glendale. Our law firm will review your case and help you understand your options. We’ll never agree to an unfair deal just to speed things along. Contact us today.

What’s the Best Criminal Defense Strategy?

The best criminal defense strategy is the one that secures the best possible outcome for the defendant. Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to this. The appropriate strategy for your situation will depend entirely upon the unique circumstances of your case. There are some legal defenses that apply to nearly every criminal accusation. However, there are also some that are unique to specific crimes (e.g., faulty breathalyzer for DUI arrests). Due to the wide variances in potential defense approaches, there is no all-inclusive guide.

However, the following legal defenses can be used in most cases:

Alibi
Misunderstanding of key facts
Lack of intent
Self-defense or defense of others
Defense of property
Consent of the alleged victim
Coercion or duress
Insanity defense
Involuntary intoxication
Procedural defenses
The act was not intentional
Entrapment
Statute of limitations expiration
Lack of evidence
Double jeopardy

While this list may seem extensive, it’s nowhere near exhaustive. That’s why it’s so important for you to speak with a Glendale criminal defense lawyer before making any major decisions. You deserve experienced and dedicated legal representation, and that’s exactly what you’ll get at The Turner Law Firm. Our legal team is ready to review your case and help you understand what you’re up against. There’s no need for you to bear this burden alone. Let us take the weight off your shoulders. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.

Contact a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Glendale, AZ Today

Facing criminal allegations is a scary ordeal. You could find your freedom and future directly in the hands of the government. And while you’re innocent until proven guilty, most defendants are not treated as such. Police convince themselves you’re guilty, prosecutors focus only on a conviction, and mugshot tabloids might blast your jail photo all over the local community. Sadly, the consequences of a conviction are even more serious than this — and that’s why you should immediately seek legal counsel.

At The Turner Law Firm, PLLC, our dedicated legal team of criminal defense lawyers in Glendale is committed to protecting your rights. From the moment you walk into our law office, our chief focus is to help you understand your rights and options. Even if you choose not to hire our law firm, we will make sure you leave our office better prepared to face what’s ahead. However, if you decide to move forward with our firm, you’ll have staunch legal advocates on your side who will not stop fighting for you.