An Arizona Criminal Defense Attorney Ready To Help

Penalties are tough in Arizona so you’ll need a good defense and an even better criminal defense attorney. With experience, I sift through the evidence to find the weaknesses, helpful information or facts that law enforcement downplayed or portrayed inaccurately. Contact The Heath Law Firm; I am here to help you get through this difficult time and navigate you back to the paths that lead to your future goals.

There are two types of crimes in Arizona: misdemeanors and felonies. No matter which type it is, the State must prove each element of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt. This means the judge or jury must be firmly convinced of guilt with regard to every element of the charge before it can convict. That’s why you need an effective, experienced attorney on your side.

Misdemeanor Offenses In Arizona:

Misdemeanor offenses are considered minor crimes. While misdemeanors can be tried in Superior Court, these are usually litigated in city and justice courts. In Arizona, a misdemeanor offense is any crime that carries a maximum punishment of up to six months in jail.

While penalties for relatively minor misdemeanors usually only involve fines, a permanent conviction on your record is still a potential outcome (so even minor crimes have serious collateral consequences). Misdemeanor convictions can affect employment, housing and immigration status. Also, jail time is a real possibility for more serious or repeat misdemeanors.

The most common misdemeanor offenses are:

Felony Offenses In Arizona:

A felony is any offense where the punishment can be greater than one year of imprisonment. A felony ranges from minor drug possession to homicide. Not only do felonies carry harsher punishments, a felony conviction makes finding employment even harder. Also, a felony conviction can have a negative impact on your ability to rent a home, borrow money or become a United States citizen. Felonies also bear on one’s eligibility to hold a professional license. Sometimes, the collateral consequences of a felony are harsher than the actual punishment.

Some common felonies include:

  • Homicide

  • Aggravated assault

  • Robbery

  • Sex crimes

  • Simple possession of marijuana, narcotic or dangerous drugs

  • Possession of marijuana, narcotic or dangerous drugs for sale

  • Aggravated DUI

  • Fraudulent schemes and artifices

  • Embezzlement

  • Felony theft

  • Forgery

  • Identity theft

  • Felony criminal damage

  • Misconduct Involving Weapons

  • Auto theft (theft of means of transportation)

  • Joyriding (unlawful use of means of transportation)