Arizona Criminal Defense Legal Questions

You should definitely have a skilled criminal defense attorney with you at the arraignment, to be sure your legal rights are protected. Such an attorney would need to discuss this matter with you in greater detail & ask you many questions before he/she could give you the proper legal advice you seek (& possibly a quote to represent you). Schedule a consultation ASAP.... Read More

This is legal and common. There are differences in defendants in the perception of the prosecution; age, cooperation, attitude, recent criminal history and severity And etc. often it is necessary to go to the judge for punishment because the prosecution makes an unfair offer.  There are also substantial differences in sentence calculation in state and federal court.... Read More

Yes, they can do what you are describing.  Normally, he would be well advised to take the diversion.  Once he turns 18, the county can charge him as an adult, with all the potential consequences that would entail (even though the acts took place while he was a minor). Good luck! John... Read More

It sounds like you are charged with a felony. Assault with a simulated weapon. The issue is not if a person was hurt, but if they were put in fear of injury or death. You can be facing anything from probation to prison time. When arrested the police do not need to offer you an attorney. If you ask for a lawyer the police must stop all questioning. If you did ask for a lawyer, the police probably did not ask you questions and therefore did not read you your rights.... Read More

Not in my experience. I was able to help resolve a similar problem with someone who had a warrant in another state, by getting them in touch with the Public Defender's Office in the County it was issued. If ti were me, I'd put some of the communication to them in writing so that it is clear you are trying to resolve this if it goes to warrant and you get stopped by law enforcement.? For a minor offense, they're less likely to move you to another state, for a greater charge, the odds go up. A lot is going to depend on the severity and legitimacy of the charges. There may be some flexibility with the local Courts and phone appearances, but if they are pursuing this, they will likely want you there at least once.... Read More

Most plea agreements will require you to avow/swear that you do not have any prior convictions.  If you sign such an agreement and the prosecutor later discovers that you did have a prior conviction, your plea could be undone and you could be charged with additional crimes. The judge normally will not know what, if any record you have.  If you plea guilty to the judge, however, most of them will understand what is going on and insist that you meet with the prosecutor before they will accept your plea. If you want to talk about this further, feel free to call: 602-625-8944 is my mobile. John... Read More

If you have not already done so, you should immediately hire an experienced criminal attorney to represent you. You have been charged with a felony and could be facing a conviction and possible time in jail. The question detail says "it's my first adult conviction" and I assume you meant to say that it's your first adult charge. It is possible that the complaining witness will not show up and the court might have to dismiss the case against you. If the complaining witness and other witnesses show up it sounds like there would be enough evidence to convict you of attempting the crime you are charged with and an attempt charge would only carry half of the penalty so you might want to enter a Cobb's plea bargain where there is an agreed upon sentence that the judge would give.... Read More

As with any criminal case, you need and should have an attorney assist you. You want to do all that you can to avoid a criminal record, especially at your age with your future ahead of you. Any criminal conviction, but especially theft related crimes can affect school and job options. Be sure to consult an attorney directly.... Read More

As you were not specific in where you were summoned, I must assume it was the Superior Court and you are currently facing felony charges. As you do not indicate the level of the felony, I can only advise you that a conviction for any felony may result in probation that could include up to a year in jail OR prison. The length of the prison term is based on the level of the felony. You must appear as summoned. If you can afford to retain counsel, you should consider doing so. If not, a public defender will be appointed when you go to court.... Read More

For any felony, probation can result in a one year jail term. But, a conviction for a class 3 felony of aggravated assault with no priors could also result in a prison term between 2 and 8.75 years. If the aggravated assault is considered a dangerous offense, the prison term is mandatory and between 5 and 15 years.... Read More