FAQ

Every case is different. This page covers the most common questions I get—but if you have something specific on your mind, reach out. I’ll walk you through it.

Remain calm and polite. Provide your driver’s license, registration, and insurance information when asked. You have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. Politely decline to answer questions beyond basic identification. Do not perform any field sobriety tests or submit to a preliminary breath test without consulting with an attorney.

Penalties vary depending on factors like prior offenses, blood alcohol content (BAC), and whether there were any aggravating circumstances. Potential penalties can include jail time, fines, license suspension, mandatory alcohol education/treatment, and installation of an ignition interlock device.

In Arizona, refusing a breathalyzer or blood test can result in immediate suspension of your driver’s license under the implied consent law. However, the state must still obtain a warrant for a blood draw in many cases. It’s crucial to understand the implications of refusal and to consult with an attorney immediately.

An Extreme DUI in Arizona occurs when your BAC is .15% or higher. The penalties for an Extreme DUI are significantly harsher than a standard DUI, including longer jail sentences and higher fines.

An experienced DUI attorney can thoroughly investigate the circumstances of your arrest, challenge the validity of the traffic stop, question the accuracy of breathalyzer or blood test results, negotiate with prosecutors, and build a strong defense to protect your rights and minimize the consequences of a DUI charge. We leverage our courtroom experience to fight for the best possible outcome.

Drug possession in Arizona means having actual physical control of a controlled substance, or having the ability to control it, even if it’s not on your person. This can include drugs found in your car, home, or other property.
Penalties for drug possession vary depending on the type and amount of drug, as well as your prior criminal record. They can range from probation and drug treatment programs to lengthy prison sentences.
Possession for personal use typically involves smaller quantities of drugs and is charged as a less serious offense. Possession with intent to sell involves larger quantities, packaging materials, and other evidence suggesting you intended to distribute the drugs. This carries much harsher penalties.
Possible defenses include challenging the legality of the search and seizure, arguing that you did not know the drugs were present, or demonstrating that you had a valid prescription for the drug. We explore every avenue for a strong, early defense.
Yes, you can be charged with drug possession even if the drugs weren’t yours if you had knowledge of their presence and the ability to control them. This is known as constructive possession. However, proving knowledge and control can be challenging for the prosecution.
Serious felonies in Arizona include violent crimes like murder, aggravated assault, armed robbery, and sexual assault, as well as offenses involving significant financial loss or harm to others.
Felony convictions can result in lengthy prison sentences, substantial fines, loss of voting rights, difficulty finding employment, and a permanent criminal record.
A criminal defense attorney will investigate the charges against you, gather evidence, interview witnesses, negotiate with prosecutors, and represent you in court to protect your rights and fight for the best possible outcome. Our courtroom experience is your advantage.
Felonies are more serious crimes that carry potential prison sentences of one year or more. Misdemeanors are less serious offenses that typically result in fines, probation, or jail time of less than one year.
In some cases, it may be possible to negotiate with prosecutors to reduce a felony charge to a misdemeanor, especially if there are mitigating circumstances or weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. We are skilled negotiators and will explore every option to minimize the consequences you face.
A plea bargain is an agreement between the defendant and the prosecution where the defendant pleads guilty to a lesser charge or receives a reduced sentence in exchange for avoiding a trial. A trial is a formal court proceeding where evidence is presented, and a judge or jury decides whether the defendant is guilty or not guilty.
The decision to accept a plea bargain is a personal one that should be made after carefully considering the advice of your attorney. Factors to consider include the strength of the prosecution’s case, the potential penalties you face if convicted at trial, and your own personal circumstances.
If you are found guilty at trial, the judge will impose a sentence based on the applicable laws and sentencing guidelines. You may also have the right to appeal the conviction.
In a criminal case, the prosecution has the burden of proving beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant committed the crime. This is a very high standard of proof.
The jury’s role is to listen to the evidence presented at trial and decide whether the prosecution has proven beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant is guilty of the crime. The jury must be impartial and unbiased.
State crimes are violations of state laws and are prosecuted in state courts. Federal crimes are violations of federal laws and are prosecuted in federal courts. Federal crimes often involve offenses that cross state lines or involve federal property or agencies.
Examples of federal crimes include drug trafficking, bank robbery, mail fraud, and tax evasion.
In some cases, you can be charged with both a state and federal crime for the same conduct. This is known as dual sovereignty. However, there are limitations on when this can occur.
A federal criminal defense attorney will represent you in federal court, investigate the charges against you, negotiate with federal prosecutors, and protect your rights throughout the federal criminal justice process. Federal cases require specialized knowledge and experience.
Penalties for federal crimes can be severe, including lengthy prison sentences, substantial fines, and forfeiture of assets. Federal sentencing guidelines are complex and can significantly impact the outcome of a case.
The cost of hiring a criminal defense attorney varies depending on the complexity of the case, the attorney’s experience, and the location of the firm. Many attorneys offer free initial consultations to discuss your case and provide a fee estimate.
Yes, we understand that hiring a criminal defense attorney can be a significant expense. We offer flexible payment plans to make our services accessible to those who need them.
Our legal fees typically include all necessary investigation, research, court appearances, and communication with prosecutors. We will provide you with a clear and detailed explanation of our fees upfront.
I am a former public defender with over a decade of trial experience. I have a proven track record of success in defending clients against a wide range of criminal charges. I am committed to providing aggressive and effective representation to each and every client.
You can schedule a free consultation by calling our office or filling out the contact form on our website. We are available 24/7 to answer your questions and provide immediate assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore common questions about criminal defense, DUI, and drug cases to understand your legal options.

Get answers to your questions about criminal charges and legal processes.

Learn about DUI laws, penalties, and defense strategies in Arizona.

Find out how drug charges are handled and defended in court.

Understand the implications of felony charges and your defense options.

Discover what to expect during your criminal case and how we can help.

Learn about our personalized approach and courtroom experience.

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