Tempe Misdemeanor Lawyer

Although less severe than felonies, misdemeanor offenses can still have a resounding impact on your life. Effectively contesting a misdemeanor allegation can be a complicated process without guidance from a skilled attorney who knows how to handle your specific charge.

Work with a Tempe misdemeanor lawyer at Grand Canyon Law Group to increase your chances of a favorable resolution in your case. From start to finish of your legal proceedings, our defense team could tirelessly protect your rights and work to minimize the long-term consequences of your charges.

How State Law Classifies and Penalizes Misdemeanors

Arizona Revised Statutes §13-601 establishes three classes of misdemeanor offenses and a fourth class of “petty offenses” punishable by a maximum $300 fine and no jail time. The maximum penalties for different misdemeanor offenses are established under A.R.S. §§13-707 and 13-802.

Class 3 misdemeanor convictions can result in a maximum of 30 days in jail and a $500 fine. The maximum penalties for a class 2 misdemeanor conviction are four months behind bars plus $750 in fines. A person convicted of a class 1 misdemeanor may face up to six months of jail time and a $2,500 maximum fine.

Repeat Misdemeanors

Any person convicted of a second misdemeanor or petty offense within two years will have the severity of their new charge upgraded by one level. For example, a petty offense would become a class 3 misdemeanor, a class 3 misdemeanor would be upgraded to class 2, and class 2 would become class 1. As a Tempe misdemeanor attorney could explain, this rule does not apply to traffic offenses or people under 18 years old tried as minors.

Alternative Sentencing for Misdemeanor Charges in Tempe

Under certain circumstances, first-time offenders charged with misdemeanor offenses in Arizona may be eligible for diversion programs. If successfully completed, this would allow the defendant to avoid the usual criminal sanctions associated with their charge and potentially have their charge dismissed entirely. There are various programs operated by state authorities, each designed to help participants overcome personal problems and avoid re-offending in the future.

In Tempe, available diversion programs are specifically tailored to address various problems, such as:

• Anger management as it pertains to domestic violence and/or animal abuse
• Substance abuse issues leading to drug possession charges
• Support for people struggling with parenthood and appropriate discipline for a child
• Various developmental disabilities and/or severe mental illnesses

A misdemeanor lawyer at our firm could go over alternative sentencing options during a private initial consultation.

Discuss Options with a Tempe Misdemeanor Attorney

Misdemeanor offenses can seriously impact your future, even if you have no prior convictions or charges on your record. To move past this type of offense as effectively and proactively as possible, seeking representation from a skilled legal professional should be your top priority.

Speak with a Tempe misdemeanor lawyer at Grand Canyon Law Group about the best strategy for your situation. We are here to help get your life back on track and protect your future prospects. Call today to set up a meeting.