Mesa Misdemeanor Lawyer

Mesa Misdemeanor Attorney

In the U.S. criminal justice system, misdemeanors are treated less severely than felonies. If you are charged with a misdemeanor in the Phoenix-Mesa-Gilbert area, you won’t face prison time. However, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t serious consequences. You could still face jail (not prison) time, probation, fines and fees, and a costly mark on your record and your reputation. Call the Mesa misdemeanor lawyer at Grand Canyon Law Group to help you defend your freedom and your rights.

MISDEMEANOR CLASSIFICATIONS

Arizona divides misdemeanor crimes into three classifications, with Class 1 the most severe.

The three misdemeanor classes under Arizona law include:

• Class 1: Carries a maximum penalty of 6 months in jail, $2,500 in fines, and 3 years’ probation. Some common crimes that fall into this class include DUI, assault with injury, threatening, minor in possession, unauthorized possession of a prescription drug or possession of drug paraphernalia, disorderly conduct, driving on a suspended license, shoplifting and theft, and prostitution. Some DUI offenses may carry a maximum of 5 years’ probation.
• Class 2: Carries a maximum penalty of four months in jail, $750 in fines, and two years’ probation. Assault, verbal assault, sending a threatening letter to someone, poaching, registration card and license plate violations, reckless driving, criminal damage of less than $250, and leaving the scene of an accident are all common Class 2 misdemeanors.
• Class 3: Carries a maximum penalty of one month in jail, $500 in fines, and one year probation. Examples of Class 3 misdemeanors include some criminal trespass and loitering offenses, touching another person with the intent to injure, assault, failure to provide school instruction to children between the ages of 6 and 16, and excessive speed violations.

In addition to the above listed penalties, courts may also impose:

• Restitution
• Community service
• License suspension
• Counseling
• Classes or treatment
• Work release
• Home detention

Other consequences that a person may face upon conviction of a misdemeanor include a permanent record, loss of gun rights, a negative impact on ones’ immigration and legal status, negative impact on one’s professional status and job opportunities, increased insurance rates, and potential loss of child custody rights.

Repeat offenses may result in more severe penalties. For example, if a person faces charges for the same Class 3 offense multiple times, the court can penalize it as though it were a Class 2 offense.

EXAMPLES OF MISDEMEANORS

Non-felony crimes, also known as misdemeanors, in Arizona include but are not limited to the following:

• Assault
• Domestic Violence
• Disorderly Conduct
• Highway Racing
• Minor Drug Offenses
• Shoplifting

WHAT IS THE LEGAL PROCESS IF I AM CHARGED WITH A MISDEMEANOR?

Once you face misdemeanor charges, your case will begin working its way through the legal process, which can take several months to complete.

Your court proceedings may include:

• Initial appearance: A simple proceeding in which the judge sets the conditions of your release following arrest, then schedules your arraignment. If you were summoned or cited rather than arrested, your first appearance before a judge will take place at the arraignment.
• Arraignment: The judge reads the charges against you and ensures that you understand your rights. You are expected to enter a plea of guilty or not guilty. More often than not, you will enter a not guilty plea so your misdemeanor defense attorney can start discovery and begin negotiating with the prosecution. If you are eligible for a diversion program, your attorney may find out at the arraignment.
• Pre-trial conference: An opportunity for your attorney and the prosecutor to negotiate and to work either toward a resolution (such as a plea agreement) or preparation for trial.
• Pre-trial evidentiary hearings and motions: This when your attorney may make the motion to suppress evidence or even to dismiss your case.
• Trial: Many cases resolve before ever reaching trial. However, if yours is not, your attorney must prepare to defend you either before a judge or before a jury of your peers. Grand Canyon Law Group is known for taking cases to trial in order to give our clients the best chance at a favorable outcome.

REDUCING CHARGES

The best case scenario is that your Mesa misdemeanor attorney will get your case dismissed and the charges will be dropped. However, if this doesn’t happen, another option is to have your attorney attempt to reduce the charges. Often this involves accepting a plea bargain, meaning that you plead guilty to a lesser charge.

You should never feel pressured to accept a plea agreement you do not want. Instead, your attorney will fully explain the terms of the agreement—the downsides as well as the upsides—so that you can make an informed decision as to whether the agreement is in your own best interest.

DIVERSION PROGRAMS

For certain misdemeanor crimes, you have the option to participate in a diversion program. The program includes education and counseling with the intent of rehabilitation and preventing you from committing other crimes in the future. Your participation in such a program requires approval from the prosecutor.

Upon successful completion of the program, the court will dismiss your case. However, if you fail to complete the program, the court will sentence you according to the terms set forth in your agreement. Your misdemeanor attorney will advise you if such a program is available to you in Mesa.

A MESA MISDEMEANOR IS READY TO HELP

Criminal charges create a lot of stress. Even when you face a misdemeanor, you have a lot on the line—your freedom, your finances, and your reputation. At Grand Canyon Law Group, our Mesa misdemeanor lawyers stand by our clients’ sides, and we use our wealth of information and experience of more than 1,000 criminal cases to fight on their behalf. Contact us.

Schedule A Consultation With The Grand Canyon Attorney Who Can Help

480-400-5555

Schedule A Consultation