An Avondale criminal attorney can work with you to aid you in understanding Maricopa County law, your rights and your responsibilities when involved with criminal proceedings in Arizona. The Enholm Law, PLLC Avondale criminal attorney appointed to your case will meet with you, in Avondale, to examine the specific issues surrounding your case. Call today to arrange a consultation to discuss your specific situation.

Criminal convictions remain on your record for years. A conviction, even a misdemeanor, can affect financial services, job prospects and the ability to choose the housing options that are important to you. Preparing the documentation for your case, compiling evidence, going through discovery from the state and preparing for trial can be an exhausting process both physically and emotionally. An experienced, compassionate Avondale criminal attorney is your best chance at reducing or dismissing the charges on your criminal record.

The Avondale criminal attorney assigned to your case by Enholm Law, PLLC has successfully defended clients, through several counties in Arizona. Your attorney has experience dealing with crimes that include, but are not limited to:

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

Felony VS Misdemeanor

A misdemeanor can be a serious charge and could possible involve up to 6 months of jail time, loss of driving rights, substantial fines and other penalties. Felonies are usually more serious and they come with higher maximum sentences. Felonies also affect your employment, voting rights, credit applications and educational opportunities. You always have the right to select a jury trial if charged with a felony. This is true for misdemeanor charges only in certain circumstances.

Misdemeanor

A misdemeanor is defined as a criminal offense that is punishable by less than one year of jail time. Certain misdemeanor charges carry the penalty of fines and probation. This really depends upon the classification of the charge. Fines imposed when you are convicted of a misdemeanor, as well as the amounts that are involved depend upon your criminal record and the specific facts of the case. Arizona has a class-based system that describes the severity of the alleged crime. Here are the Arizona classifications along with their potential periods of incarceration:

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

Felony

Felonies are typically more serious than misdemeanors and carry a penalty of one year or more in jail time. The classifications, along with the potential sentences, for the different types of felony classes in Arizona are:

• Class 1 felony: 25 years to life in prison. The death penalty is possible for 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

If you have been charged with a crime, contacting an Enholm Law, PLLC Avondale criminal attorney is critical to protect your rights in the criminal process. Your Avondale criminal attorney will prepare all documents, collect all evidence, work with the state on discovery and appear with you in Superior Court. Below are the major components of the Arizona Superior court criminal process:

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.

Direct complaint / information

• Attempt to work out a plea arrangement.
• The criminal matter is set to a preliminary hearing.

Indictment

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

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.

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.

Sentencing

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

Working with an Avondale Criminal Attorney

Your first interaction with an Enholm Law, PLLC Avondale criminal attorney is going to be a consultation. During your initial consultation, you and your Attorney will devise a strategy plan to move forward. This is a time set aside for you to review the important facts and legal issues of your case. You will also discuss any and all documents that have been drafted and any evidence that has been compiled. During this initial meeting, your Avondale criminal attorney advise you on areas of risk and areas of strength in your case.

Enholm Law, PLLC – What to expect

At Enholm Law, PLLC, we take our clients seriously and realize that you are turning to us to help protect your rights and interests during this process. Any involvement with the law can be a stressful, emotional time and our staff is here to provide you the legal and personal support you may need. We insure that every client receives the following treatment.

• Bi-weekly calls concerning the status of your case.
• All of your calls will be returned within 24 hours.
• A clear fee structure based on an hourly or flat fee model.
• A comprehensive plan that everyone understands.
• A high level of competency from our Attorneys.
• Ongoing training for all of our legal staff on the most recent laws and statutes surrounding your case.
• Meetings arranged in the Avondale area for your convenience.

Call (602) 889-6273 to schedule your first consultation meeting with an Enholm Law, PLLC Avondale criminal attorney today.