Former Prosecutor and Military Veteran Serving Throughout Arizona

Investigation

Police or other government agencies are responsible for conducting criminal investigations. It is crucial to know your rights and how to invoke them properly. Police may deceive you, attempt to befriend you, or use other tactics to gather evidence against you.

Arrest

Once the police have probable cause of a criminal offense, the officer may arrest, cite, or hand over the evidence to a prosecutor to review for appropriate charges. Certain rights and time constraints are triggered after arrest and must be known for an effective defense.

Probable Cause Determination and Arraignment

For felony cases and before the arraignment, defendants are entitled to a probable cause determination. A judge can establish probable cause at a preliminary hearing (information) or from a grand jury (indictment). Once probable cause is found, an arraignment is held to formally read the defendant's charges, inform them of the right to counsel, and enter a guilty or not guilty plea.

Pretrial

In the pretrial phase, discovery (evidence against you), plea negotiations, depositions/witness interviews, settlement conferences, evidentiary hearings, motions, and other pretrial matters are handled. The case will move to trial if a defendant does not enter a guilty plea or the charges are not dismissed.

Trial

If the case moves to trial, it may be tried by a judge (bench trial) or a jury trial. The charges determine whether a bench or jury trial is available for the defendant and the size of the jury. During the trial, a defendant may cross-examine witnesses, question evidence, bring witnesses on their behalf, and testify. A judge or jury will determine a verdict once the State and Defense have closed.

Sentencing and Appeal

If a defendant is found guilty, they will be sentenced according to Arizona Law. The judge considers the offense, mitigating and aggravating factors, witness statements, prior history, and other relevant aspects. Depending on the offense, a defendant may be sentenced to a wide range of penalties, including jail or prison. A defendant may appeal after sentencing and, in certain circumstances, may appeal while the case is ongoing.

Call Us Today, Don’t Wait.

If you are involved in a criminal investigation or have criminal charges against you, even if you’re innocent, Contact an Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney immediately. Getting assistance sooner could prevent charges against you. Christopher Millar is a Former Prosecutor and Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney with years of experience and 1000+ cases handled. Call us before it’s too late.