Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Peoria

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Peoria, Arizona?

  To reach the Peoria Police Department, call (623) 773-8311.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Peoria, Arizona?

  To obtain a police report from the Peoria Police Department, you can visit in person or send a mail to the address below: Peoria Police Department - Records Section 8351 W. Cinnabar Ave Peoria, AZ 85345 You can visit from Monday through Thursday, 7 AM to 6 PM. Please be informed that the report costs $8 for up to 10 pages. Any succeeding pages will cost $0.15 each. You may call (623) 773-7098 for more information.

• How does Peoria treat its DUI offenders?

  Peoria sets heavy penalties for anyone found driving intoxicated in the city, even if they are first-time offenders. Some of these penalties include a minimum sentence of 10 days in jail, paying a hefty fine of a minimum of $1,250, and a 90-day minimum license suspension. If the judge sees it fit, offenders may face probation of up to five years and be forced to enroll in alcohol programs.

• What do you say to police officers who arrest and interrogate you in Peoria?

  You don't have to say anything since you will be read the Miranda Rights, which state that "you have the right to remain silent" and "anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law." This means that law enforcement officers can use your statement to build a case against you. Hire a Peoria attorney before answering the questions of police officers.

• Can you still go to jail for shoplifting in Peoria that happened a few years ago?

  It depends on the value of the item that you stole. If it amounted to less than $1,000, then that should fall under Class 1 misdemeanor theft which only has a 1-year statute of limitations. However, if the total amount of stolen items costs more than $1,000, it becomes a felony, which now has a 7-year statute of limitations. The least harsh penalty for this is a 4 to 24-month prison sentence in Peoria.

• How long do you stay in jail for a vehicular manslaughter charge in Peoria?

  Vehicular manslaughter is generally considered a "dangerous" Class 2 felony in Peoria. Anyone convicted of this will face between 4 and 10 years in prison. However, if a drunk driver with a blood alcohol level of at least 0.15 caused the accident, the sentence will be substantially increased to 21 years.

• How do you prove that you assaulted someone out of self-defense in Peoria?

  As with all cases, the evidence should speak for itself, and the criminal defense attorney you hired in Peoria should be able to help you with this. For example, they can help drop a felony aggravated assault charge against you for hitting somebody with a bat if they can present evidence that the person you hit was armed with a gun and intending to rob you.

• What does a criminal defense lawyer do?

  Criminal defense attorneys provide help to those facing misdemeanor or felony criminal charges. The attorney will research the circumstances surrounding the charge and investigate the case on behalf of the client. This may involve talking to police, interviewing witnesses, determining a plea, and assessing possible sentences. With this information, the defense attorney can negotiate plea deals or navigate a court case on behalf of the client. In some cases, the attorney may get a case dismissed entirely, a reduction in bail or jail time, or probation or community service instead of prison.

• How do I know if I need a criminal attorney?

  Any criminal charge that could result in a prison sentence requires the help of a criminal defense lawyer. This applies to both misdemeanor and felony charges, including:

  Misdemeanors

  • Petty theft
  • Public intoxication
  • Simple assault
  • Disorderly conduct
  • Vandalism
  • Reckless driving

  Felonies

  • Murder
  • Rape
  • Kidnapping
  • Aggravated assault
  • Specific types of fraud
  • Possession of certain types of drugs

• What steps should I take after being charged with a crime?

  The first thing to do after being charged with a crime is to contact a criminal defense attorney. It is best to hire a defense attorney as soon as possible after being released from arrest, and before an arraignment takes place. The attorney will explain charges in detail, and possible consequences, to help you decide whether a plea deal or a jury trial is the best option. Most attorneys offer free consultations to discuss the circumstances of a criminal case and how they're able to assist. Speaking with a number of defense attorneys before hiring one can increase the likelihood of finding the right fit, and getting the best defense possible.

• What if I can’t afford a criminal defense lawyer?

  All Americans are afforded the right to hire an attorney to act as a defense in a legal case. However, not everyone can afford one. If an attorney isn’t in a defendant’s budget, and the defendant’s income meets designated state or local thresholds, the court system will provide a public defender. This attorney usually works on cases pro bono or without any fees paid by the defendant. Many public defenders have a high caseload, which can limit the amount of time they are able to devote to each case. In most situations, hiring a dedicated criminal defense lawyer ensures the best outcome. This is particularly true in more serious felony cases that can result in a significant prison sentence without the involvement of a skilled, experienced defense attorney.

• Why hire a criminal defense attorney?

  Working with a criminal defense attorney is the best way to minimize the ramifications of committing or being accused of a crime. Criminal attorneys thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding a case to prove innocence or inspire reasonable doubt in a jury. Criminal defense lawyers also are better prepared to negotiate with the prosecutors. Due to the high cost and logistics involved with taking a case to trial, many prosecutors are willing to reduce sentences in exchange for avoiding a jury trial. An experienced criminal attorney understands what would be a reasonable deal for a specific criminal charge, and will negotiate it on behalf of the defendant.

• Are legal fees for criminal defense tax deductible?

  Whether legal fees from a criminal case can be deducted on a tax return depends on the circumstances. If criminal charges pertain to activities related to a trade or business, attorney fees can be deducted on a business tax return, as they are considered an expense associated with the normal course of business. However, personal legal fees cannot be deducted.