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CRIMINAL LAW
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When You Need Criminal Law Representation in Arizona
In Arizona, being charged with assault, disorderly conduct, burglary or a DUI is a serious situation. Although you are not legally bound to hire a lawyer to represent you, having a professional criminal defense attorney on your side can help you navigate the system. However, you should contact a legal representative in a timely fashion, as criminal charges come with very specific timeframes.
If you are seeking a criminal defense attorney in Arizona, contact the law offices of attorney Bobbi Berry to arrange an initial consultation to discuss your case.
Criminal Law
What Is the Practice of Criminal Law?
You may have heard of criminal and civil law, but you may not be aware of the differences.
Civil law concerns two people, a plaintiff and a defendant, who have a dispute that does not always require the intervention of law enforcement. For instance, a person rear ended at a traffic light is a plaintiff against the other driver. Their civil case would be heard in a civil court.
Criminal law is different than civil law because it involves allegations of actions or omissions prohibited by law. An example is someone who drives in Arizona while intoxicated. Even if the driver of a motor vehicle has a blood alcohol content level less than the legal limit, which is 0.08 percent, he or she could be charged with a DUI given other circumstances.
Criminal Law
Benefits of Working With a Criminal Lawyer
Criminal defense attorneys focus their practices on defending individuals who have been charged with a crime. Attorneys are professionally trained and prepared to handle themselves during a criminal trial, which may be something that is unfamiliar for someone outside of the United States legal system. A criminal defense attorney evaluates the evidence, looks at how your Constitutional Rights may have been violated and challenges a prosecutor’s “proof.”
Each type of criminal charge requires a unique defense. Therefore, criminal defense attorneys work with their clients to understand the complexity of their individual situations. They also understand the nuances of the law as it relates to each kind of criminal charge. It is crucial that you bring on a criminal defense attorney with a lot of experience handling different types of cases.
A criminal defense attorney’s ultimate goal is to work diligently on behalf of their clients to ensure that they receive a fair and just outcome. While they cannot promise a particular result, an experienced criminal defense attorney will do all that she can to thoroughly investigate your case, rigorously challenge the evidence, and present your best defense.
Assault and Aggravated Assault
You may have heard the term “assault and battery” before. In Arizona, the law uses the description “assault and aggravated assault.” There are many different ways to commit assault or aggravated assault in Arizona.
Domestic Violence
Domestic violence charges involve a crime against someone with which you have or had a previous type of relationship (a family member, an ex-relationship, etc). The person does not necessarily have to be a blood relative, as in the case of an in-law or a live-in roommate. Although the term “domestic violence” implies a crime of assault or aggravated assault, many other offenses fall under this umbrella concept. For instance, a loud argument can be a crime of disorderly conduct / domestic violence. Additionally, violating an order of protection can lead to domestic violence charges.
Trespass and Burglary
Breaking and entering on someone else’s property is a form of trespass. If something is taken, the charge of burglary will likely be added. Ironically, someone can trespass and never realize it. In fact, criminal defense attorneys regularly look for the underlying reasons for trespass, which may help clients avoid convictions or may reduce their sentences.
Firearms Charges
Firearms charges include being a prohibited possessor. If you have been convicted of a felony and have not had your civil right to possess a gun, you could be charged with a felony offense.
Sex Crimes
Sex crimes include adult sexual assault and sexual abuse, but also include crimes against children such as molestation, child exploitation, child pornography. Both the State of Arizona and the Federal courts have jurisdiction over certain kinds of internet sex crimes like child pornography. Most sex crimes involve the potential for very lengthy prison sentences and other extreme consequences. It is critical to your case that you hire someone with extensive experience in this area of the law.
Theft
Theft involves stealing something, whether it is tangible or intangible. For instance, taking services from someone without paying for them is theft even though there is no actual property or item involved. Theft of Means of Transportation includes driving a stolen car even if you were not the person to have taken it.
Arizona crime codes cover many other types of criminal activities and charges. No matter which one pertains to your situation, contact criminal defense attorney Bobbi Berry to talk about your case.
Disorderly Conduct
It can be tempting to think that a disorderly conduct charge is not serious. Any criminal conviction on your record can ruin your reputation and have long-term effects on your personal and professional life. Disorderly conduct involves behavior that disturbs the peace of someone else, so loud arguments or unruly behavior can potentially be considered disorderly conduct.
Drug Crimes
There are many types of drug crimes including possession of narcotic or dangerous drugs, selling drugs, transporting drugs, etc. Because of their complex nature, drug crimes can be very unique to defend. Always look for a criminal defense attorney who has years of experience and understands how to best represent you if you have been charged with a drug crime.
DUI
Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs in Arizona can result in severe penalties. Oftentimes, they are complex in nature as these kinds of crimes involve scientific evidence. Always work with a DUI lawyer who knows how to challenge the scientific evidence.
Criminal Law
What Is the Practice of Criminal Law?
Have you ever wondered what types of penalties you could face if you were convicted of a criminal charge? In Arizona, criminal charges fall into the categories of felonies and misdemeanors.
Misdemeanors generally have less serious consequences. They tend to be less costly or time-consuming than felony punishment. Class one misdemeanors typical have a maximum penalty of six months in jail and up to $2500 in fines. Some common types of criminal law misdemeanors include simple assault, disorderly conduct, shoplifting, possession of drug paraphernalia and trespass.
Felonies are serious crimes and consequently carry more significant punishments. Felony offenses include Aggravated Assault, Kidnapping, Theft of Means of Transportation, sex crimes and violent offenses involving significant injury or death. Felonies don’t always involve mandatory prison time, but most often do.
Hiring a Criminal Lawyer in Arizona
Being charged with a crime or crimes is profoundly stressful. An experienced attorney in your corner will go far to alleviate your stress.
Contact the law offices of attorney Bobbi Berry today to schedule a consultation.
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