Buckeye Criminal

Buckeye Criminal

A Buckeye criminal lawyer can help you to understand the law, your rights and your responsibilities when it comes to your involvement in any criminal proceedings in Maricopa county, Arizona. The Enholm Law, PLLC Buckeye criminal attorney assigned to your case will be able to meet with you, in Buckeye, to help evaluate the specific issues involved with your case. Call today to arrange a consultation to discuss your specific situation.

Criminal convictions will remain on your Arizona record for years. A conviction can affect job prospects, financial services and housing options available to you. A compassionate, experienced Buckeye criminal attorney is your best chance at reducing or dismissing the charges on your criminal record.

The Buckeye criminal attorney assigned to your case through Enholm Law, PLLC will have successfully defended clients throughout Arizona that have been accused or charged with, but not limited to:

  • DUI and DWI
  • Assault and Battery
  • Underage juvenile / minor crimes
  • Bench warrants
  • Drug offenses
  • Kidnapping
  • Murder and Homicide
  • Bank robbery
  • Manslaughter
  • Counterfeiting
  • Arson
  • Theft
  • Fraud
  • Prostitution
  • Other Criminal Offenses

Felony vs Misdemeanor

A misdemeanor can be a serious charge and involve up to 6 months of jail time, substantial fines, loss of driving rights and other penalties. Felonies are generally more serious with higher maximum sentences. Felonies also affect your voting rights and may affect your employment, credit or educational opportunities. If charged with a felony, you always have a right to a jury trial, whereas you have a right to a jury trial for only certain misdemeanor charges.

Misdemeanor

The definition of a misdemeanor is a criminal offense punishable by less than a year of jail time. Some misdemeanor charges also carry with them probation and fines, depending on the classification. Fines imposed upon conviction of a misdemeanor, and the amounts involved will depend upon the facts of the case and the criminal record of the convicted defendant. Here are the classifications and the potential periods of incarceration for each:

  • Class 1 misdemeanor: 6 months
  • Class 2 misdemeanor: 4 months
  • Class 3 misdemeanor: 30 days

Felony

Felonies are more serious than misdemeanors, and below are the classifications and potential presumptive sentences for each type of felony in Arizona:

  • Class 1 felony: 25 years to life in prison, and the death penalty is possible in cases of first degree murder
  • Class 2 felony: 5 years
  • Class 3 felony: 3.5 years
  • Class 4 felony: 2.5 years
  • Class 5 felony: 1.5 years
  • Class 6 felony: 1 year

Arizona Superior Court Criminal Process

Contacting an Enholm Law, PLLC Buckeye criminal attorney is your best possible opportunity to insure your rights are being observed. A Buckeye criminal attorney will advise you and help you to prepare all documentation and evidence and appear with you throughout the superior court criminal process. There are six major parts to the Arizona superior court criminal process:

1. Initial Appearance

  • The Initial Appearance occurs within 24 hours of an arrest.
  • Court informs Defendant of the criminal charges filed; determines counsel; and addresses release conditions.

2. Direct complaint / information

  • One of two methods of filing charges in Superior Court.
  • The criminal matter is set to a preliminary hearing.
  • Attempt to work out a plea arrangement.

3. Indictment

  • This is the second method of charging criminal offenses in Superior Court.
  • The prosecutor to present evidence of an alleged criminal offense to a Grand Jury.
  • If an Indictment is obtained, the criminal case is set for arraignment.

4. Arraignment

  • The arraignment is the first court date for a Defendant after an Indictment.
  • This hearing requires the Defendant to enter a not guilty plea.
  • Criminal case is scheduled.

5. Trial

  • Usually a jury trial for felony charges.
  • The State of Arizona has the burden of proving each and every element of the criminal charge beyond a reasonable doubt.

6. Sentencing

  • If the Defendant is convicted of a criminal charge either by way of plea agreement or after a trial.

Working with a Buckeye Criminal Attorney

Your first meeting with an Enholm Law, PLLC Buckeye criminal attorney will consist of a consultation. During this initial conference, you and your attorney will outline your needs and devise a specific plan suited to your individual circumstances. You will also outline the important facts and legal issues of your case. Your attorney and you will then meet to discuss the documents that have been drafted and the evidence that has been compiled.

What to expect from Enholm Law, PLLC

An Enholm Law, PLLC Buckeye criminal attorney will maintain communication with you This is accomplished through bi-weekly calls about your case. We promise to return your calls within 24 hours. Clear fee structures, on either an hourly basis or using a flat fee model , will help you know what to expect financially. We build a comprehensive plan can be adjusted as needed as evidence and issues are revealed. You can also expect a high level of competency from our attorneys. Lastly, our attorneys meet with clients in our Buckeye satellite office several times a week for your convenience.

To arrange for your consultation, please call (602) 889-6273 and schedule a meeting with an Enholm Law, PLLC Buckeye criminal attorney today.