Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Yuma

FAQs

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

  For non-emergency incidents and concerns, contact the Yuma Police Department at (928) 783-4421 or the Yuma County Sheriff’s Office at (928) 783-4427.

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

  To get a copy of a police report, fill out and submit the request form in the link below. You will need to enter the YPD REPORT NUMBER. Copy format options include email, CD/DVD, and paper copy. CD/DVD and paper copies will be picked up at the Yuma Police Department. You will be notified when your copy is ready for pickup.

  Yuma Police Department Information Request Form: https://www.yumaaz.gov/government/yuma-police-department/divisions/records-unit

• Can you have your record of a criminal conviction in Yuma, AZ, removed from public access?

  Yes. In early 2023, a legislation took effect in Arizona that allows criminal records to be sealed. This will remove your record from public view, and you will be able to say that you have not been convicted, charged, or arrested for the particular crime in the sealed record. The criteria for eligibility for record sealing is set out in the Arizona Revised Statutes Section 13-911. A Yuma criminal defense attorney can walk you through it.

• Why did the Yuma police arrest you for DUI when your BAC was below the 0.08% legal limit?

  Arizona DUI law has a provision for “impaired to the slightest degree.” This allows Yuma police to apprehend drivers who show any sign of impairment, such as being drowsy, even if their BAC is below the limit. The officer can determine the driver’s impairment through sobriety tests on the roadside or a witness’ testimony.

• Do military court-martial convictions in Yuma appear on civilian records?

  Yes. If you are a military member and have been convicted at a Special or General court martial, assume that this conviction will go on your civilian record and come up in criminal background checks. Depending on your court-martial, the conviction will show up as a misdemeanor or felony on civilian records.

• Do you lose civil rights after being convicted of a felony in Yuma, AZ?

  According to Arizona Revised Statutes Title 13-904 to 13-908, a felony conviction removes the following civil rights from the individual as punishment: to vote, to possess firearms, to hold public office, and to be part of a jury. Generally, these rights are restored after the convict gets absolute discharge or completes probation. A Yuma criminal defense attorney can help apply for a restoration of rights to ensure this happens.

• Can you go to jail in Yuma, AZ, if you did pay for store merchandise, but switched the price tag with a lower price?

  Yes, you can be sent to jail and face fines if you commit this act in Yuma. Based on Arizona Revised Statutes Section 13-1805, altering, removing, or replacing the price tag to pay less than the original purchase price is considered shoplifting. Merchandise shoplifting with a value below $1,000 is categorized as a Class 1 misdemeanor that can carry a punishment of up to six months in jail.

• 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.