Our firm provides legal services to clients who have been accused or charged with Sun City misdemeanor crimes. A misdemeanor in the state of Arizona can have a lasting impact on many aspects of your life such as employment, the right to drive, education, family, and your freedom. That’s why it is necessary to hire a lawyer that has experience fighting aggressive criminal defense cases. Contact our Sun City criminal defense lawyer today.
Our Sun City Criminal Defense Attorneys Can Help You
Our Sun City criminal defense legal team at Mushkatel, Gobbato, & Kile, P.L.L.C. features criminal attorneys who have been protecting the rights of the accused since the first days of their careers. We understand how the justice system works, and we realize what clients need the most from their lawyers. If you have been charged with a state or federal misdemeanor crime in Arizona, we know how important it is for you to work with a criminal lawyer who will:
- Listen to you and grasp your side of the story
- Answer your questions and explain your case
- Develop an effective defense strategy
- Work tirelessly to seek the best outcome for you
We have a long history of representing people facing charges in city, municipal, and state courts in Phoenix and throughout Arizona, including cases that involve Misdemeanor Criminal matters.
We are ready to get to work for you today. Call or reach us online to get started with a confidential discussion about your case.
Why Should You Work with a Sun City Criminal Defense Law Firm?
Through the years, we have seen how stressful and confusing it is for people to be arrested and charged with a crime – especially if they have never been involved with criminal justice before. We believe that investigating and explaining your case to you is one of the most valuable services that a lawyer can provide.
Whether you have been charged with a crime in state or federal court, you have the right to discovery or disclosure of all the evidence that prosecutors plan to use against you. Your lawyer can make sure that the prosecutor hands over that evidence, inclusive of police reports, lab reports, witness statements, photos, and videos. If necessary, your attorney can also hire independent investigators to look into your case. Once the lawyer collects and analyzes that information, the lawyer can:
- Provide a thorough review of the charge (or charges) against you
- Assess the prosecution’s evidence and your possible defenses
- Explain the risks and benefits of both trial and settlement through plea negotiation
A solid understanding of your situation will help you to make the best choices for yourself and to work effectively with your lawyer to prepare a good defense in your case. Additionally, if you are being investigated for a crime – but you have not been charged – a lawyer can protect your rights if you are interviewed by law enforcement or prosecutors.
Are You Facing a State or Federal Misdemeanor Criminal Charge in AZ?
If your case is being prosecuted as a federal crime, you should be aware of several important differences between state and federal prosecutions, including:
- Where your case will be litigated – Federal cases go through the S. District Court for the District of Arizona, which has courthouses throughout the state, including Phoenix (Sandra Day O’Connor U.S. Courthouse) and Tucson (Evo A. DeConcini U.S. Courthouse).
- Who will prosecute your case – The S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona prosecutes federal cases, not the County Attorney. Federal prosecutors work with agencies such as the FBI, DEA, ATF, and SEC and may have more resources at their disposal than state prosecutors.
- What consequences you face – If you are convicted of a federal crime, you may face a longer prison sentence than you would if convicted of a similar offense under Arizona law. You could also be incarcerated in the federal prison system and spend time in a facility that is in another part of the country.
Considering what is at stake in your case, it will be important to work with a lawyer who understands the differences between federal and Arizona criminal statutes as well as the different rules of evidence and procedure that apply to federal cases. A criminal lawyer can help.
Are Pretrial Motions Available in Your Case?
A pretrial motion can, in some instances, drastically alter the direction of a case. Your lawyer should review with you any pretrial motions that could be filed on your behalf. For example, if the evidence against you was obtained in violation of your Miranda rights or your right to be free from unreasonable search and seizure, your lawyer could file a pretrial motion to suppress that evidence. If successful, a pretrial motion to suppress evidence could ultimately lead to the charge against you being dismissed by the prosecution.
Should You Enter a Plea or Go to Trial in Sun City?
The majority of criminal cases today are resolved through plea agreements. Your lawyer should work with the prosecution to structure a plea agreement that minimizes the consequences for you and can advise you on whether to accept the plea offer or go to trial. Depending on the facts in your case, you may be eligible for enrollment in a deferred prosecution program. Ultimately, the decision of whether to accept a plea or go to trial will be yours alone.
If You Go to Trial, What Will Be Your Defense Strategy?
If you choose to go to trial, your lawyer can develop and review the defense strategy with you. The attorney can discuss how the prosecution’s evidence may be challenged and whether you should put on your own evidence. In some cases, for instance, introducing an alibi, eyewitness, or expert witness may be an effective trial strategy. Contact our criminal defense attorney in Sun City today.
What Are the Sentencing Possibilities in Your Case?
At the outset of your case, your lawyer should explain all consequences you could face at sentencing if you are convicted of an offense, including the possibility of an active sentence, community service, probation, fines, court costs, and restitution. Your lawyer should also discuss any evidence that can be presented to mitigate those consequences such as proof of your positive work history or your family, community, and religious support.
Finally, your attorney should review the long-term consequences you face if you are convicted of an offense, such as the loss of your driver’s license or the right to carry a firearm. You could also be required to register your address or use an ignition interlock device on your car. Down the road, a conviction could also impact your ability to get a job or finance your education. Deportation may also be a risk that you face if you are convicted of an offense in Arizona. Knowing that information can help you to make decisions as you move ahead in your case.