Misdemeanor Lawyer in Phoenix
Arizona Misdemeanor Laws
In Arizona, someone charged with a misdemeanor crime can face up to six months in a local or county jail depending on the crime, as well as a fine of up to $2,500. Misdemeanors fall under one of three designations, class 1, 2, and 3, with 3 being the least serious and 1 being the most serious. In cases where the court does not designate a misdemeanor, the crime will be punished as if it was a class 2 misdemeanor.
Class 3 Misdemeanor
Someone charged with a class 3 misdemeanor can face a fine of up to $500 and up to 30 days in jail.
Class 2 Misdemeanor
Someone charged with a class 2 misdemeanor can face a fine of up to $750 and up to four months in jail.
Class 1 Misdemeanor
Someone charged with a class 1 misdemeanor can face a fine of up to $2,500 and up to six months in jail.
For certain drug crimes, someone convicted of a misdemeanor can face additional fines depending on the number of times they have been convicted and what crime they committed (see AZ Rev Stat § 13-821).
Get in touch with our Phoenix misdemeanor attorneys by calling MayesTelles PLLC at (602) 428-7104. We are available 24/7, and initial consultations are free.
Why Should I Hire a Lawyer for a Misdemeanor Charge?
Hiring a lawyer for a misdemeanor charge is crucial for several reasons:
- Understanding of Legal Process: Lawyers are well-versed in the legal system, including the complex procedures and nuances of misdemeanor cases. They can guide you through every step of the process, ensuring you understand your rights and options.
- Legal Expertise and Strategy: A lawyer can analyze the details of your case, assess the evidence against you, and develop a strategic defense tailored to your specific situation. They can identify any legal loopholes, inconsistencies, or mitigating factors that could potentially lead to a more favorable outcome.
- Minimization of Penalties: Even though misdemeanors are considered less serious than felonies, they can still result in significant penalties such as fines, probation, community service, or even jail time. A skilled lawyer can work to minimize these penalties, potentially securing a reduced sentence or alternative sentencing options.
- Protection of Rights: Lawyers are trained to protect your constitutional rights throughout the legal process. They can ensure that law enforcement officers and prosecutors adhere to proper procedures and do not violate your rights, such as conducting illegal searches or coercing confessions.
- Criminal Record Implications: A misdemeanor conviction can have long-lasting consequences, including a permanent criminal record that can affect employment opportunities, housing options, and other aspects of your life. A lawyer may be able to negotiate for alternatives to conviction, such as diversion programs or expungement options, which can help mitigate the impact on your record.
- Navigating the Legal System: The legal system can be intimidating and overwhelming, especially if you are unfamiliar with its procedures and protocols. Having a lawyer by your side can provide reassurance and confidence, knowing that you have someone advocating for your best interests and representing you effectively in court.
Don’t Wait To Get The Representation You Need
If you were charged with a misdemeanor crime in Arizona, it’s important to seek legal counsel as soon as possible. The courts won’t wait for you to find the right firm to represent you, and you shouldn’t wait either. At MayesTelles PLLC, our Phoenix misdemeanor lawyers understand what it takes to secure you the best outcome, and we are prepared to fight for your rights in court if you were charged with a crime.
Call us at (602) 428-7104 to speak with a member of our firm over the phone today, or let us know more about your situation by filling out our online form.
We've Won Thousands of Cases
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Charges Reduced to Reckless Driving
Client R.C. was stopped by Mesa Police for a civil traffic violation and later charged with DUI, Extreme DUI, and Super Extreme DUI in a justice court. During the course of their representation, MayesTelles attorneys discovered important inconsistencies in the police reports. When we presented these issues to the State, the prosecutor’s office agreed to drop all DUI charges.
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Fatal Commercial Vehicle Accident
MayesTelles Client A.F. and her husband tragically lost their unborn child as a result of the negligence of an individual operating a commercial vehicle in Yuma, Arizona. After substantial investigation including accident reconstruction and filing a lawsuit, the insurance company paid out the policy limits of $1,000,000.00.
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4 Counts of Aggravated DUI Dismissed
Client M.W. was charged with 4 counts of Aggravated DUI in the Maricopa County Superior Court in July 2016 for allegedly riding a motorized bicycle under the influence. The attorneys at MayesTelles demanded that the State include certain materials in their presentation to the grand jury, resulting in the grand jury refusing to indict and the case being dismissed.
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Client Charged with DUI
Client, GS, charged with DUI - sentence was reduced to reckless driving.
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Client Facing Assault Felony
M.L. was charged with 1 count of Aggravated Assault, a class 3 dangerous felony. She plead guilty to Aggravated Assault, a class 6 undesignated felony, with a stipulation to 3 months of initial jail. She received credit for 32 days and the rest of the jail time was deferred. She was placed on 3 years of supervised probation. She has the opportunity to designate the offense a misdemeanor after successfully completing probation. Location: Maricopa County Superior Court
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Client Charged with DUI
Our client, A.R, was charged with 1 count of DUI and 1 count of Failure to Control Speed to Avoid a Collision. During extensive pre-trial investigation, it was discovered that the police made many errors in how they handled the case. We were able to get the client's charges reduced to reckless driving. Location: Glendale City Court
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Client Charged with Four Felony Counts
Our client, Ms. D., was charged with two counts of forgery - a class 4 Felony as well as theft - a class 2 Felony and also fraudulent schemes and artifices - a class 2 Felony. We were able to get her conviction reduced to a class 6 undesignated felony with the opportunity to reduce further to a misdemeanor. Location: Maricopa County Superior Court
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Client Charged with Trespass & Assault
Our client, T.C., was charged in Maricopa County Superior Court on July 8, 2015 with 1 count of Criminal Trespass, a class 6 felony, and 1 count Assault, a class 2 Misdemeanor. On September 9, 2015, after an 8-day jury trial, our client was found not guilty on both charges. Location: Maricopa County Superior Court
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Client Charged with Shoplifting
Our client, Ms. H., was charged with shoplifting - a class 1 misdemeanor. We were able to get her conviction set aside. Location: Phoenix Municipal Court
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Client Faced 5 Felony Sex Offenses
Our client, Mr. C., was charged with five counts of felony sex offenses, including two counts of Sex Conduct with a Minor and three counts of Molestation of a Child. We were able to get the case dismissed upon a successful Motion to Dismiss. Location: Maricopa County Superior Court
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Client Charged with Disorderly Conduct
Our client, K.F., was charged with Disorderly Conduct, a class 1 misdemeanor. We were able to get this client's case dismissed. Location: Tempe Municipal Court
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Client Facing Multiple Criminal Charges
Our client, L.S., was charged on October 20, 2014 in Mesa for an assault, disorderly conduct, and criminal damage. MayesTelles PLLC was able to get those charges dismissed.
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Client Facing Multiple Domestic Violence Offenses
Our client, Ms. C., was facing charges of assault / domestic violence (class 1 misdemeanor), disorderly conduct / domestic violence (class 1 misdemeanor), and criminal damage / domestic violence (class 1 misdemeanor). We were able to get our client's case dismissed. Location: Mesa Municipal Court
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Charged with Assault & Failure to Appear
Our client, L.S., was charged in Phoenix on December 27, 2014 for assault and failure to appear. After completing diversion, our client's case was dismissed.
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Multiple Felony Theft Offenses
Our client, Mr. C., was charged with Theft of Means of Transportation (Class 3 Felony) and Trafficking in Stolen Property (Class 3 Felony). Both class 3 felonies have a possible sentencing range of 2 - 8.75 years in prison. We were able to get our client's charge reduced to a Class 1 Misdemeanor with no jail time. Location: Maricopa County Superior Court