Scottsdale Criminal Defense Attorney
If you have been accused of a crime in the state of Arizona, you are likely feeling frightened and uncertain about your future. This is understandable, as a conviction may result in staggering punishments such as significant fines or substantial jail time. If you find yourself facing any kind of Arizona criminal charge, the legal support and guidance of a Scottsdale criminal defense lawyer can be crucial to the success of your case.
Arizona state prosecutors take these charges and their jobs quite seriously. You need a criminal defense attorney who takes your defense, the protection of your rights and freedoms, and your future with just as much gravitas. At The Law Office of Joshua A. Lopez, LLC, criminal defense attorney Joshua A. Lopez is prepared to come alongside you during this time and aggressively fight for you.
Criminal Defense
Call The Law Office of Joshua A. Lopez, LLC today at (844) 707-9356 for your Free Consultation!
Areas of Criminal Defense We Represent
In Arizona, there are several areas of criminal charges that one might find themselves accused of. Each of these areas can come with devastating consequences if an individual is convicted. Criminal defense attorney Joshua A. Lopez has experience representing clients who face a multitude of criminal charges. These charges can include the following:
DUI Charges
DUI charges are one of the most common forms of criminal charges in Arizona. If you are 21 years of age or older and are found to have a blood alcohol content level, or a BAC, of 0.08% or higher, you can be charged with driving under the influence. Additionally, if you are a commercial truck driver, you can be charged with a DUI if you are found to have a BAC of 0.04% or higher.
An individual under the age of 21 operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of 0.00% can also be charged with a DUI. In order to determine your BAC, a police officer will request that you take a chemical test known as a breathalyzer. If you refuse to take this test, you could face a suspension of your driver’s license for up to one year. However, if this is not your first offense, that suspension may increase to two years.
In addition to underage DUIs and commercial trucking DUIs, there are several other subcategories of this criminal charge that may result in more severe penalties. These can include:
- Extreme DUI: An extreme DUI can occur when an individual has a BAC of at least 0.15% but less than 0.20%. Penalties can be severe, including jail time, hefty fines, community service, certain mandatory treatments and/or education courses, and the mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device.
- Aggravated DUI: There are many scenarios that could result in an aggravated DUI charge. One of these scenarios can occur when you are driving under the influence with a minor under the age of 15 present in the vehicle. Penalties can include mandatory treatment and/or education, the installation of an ignition interlock device, and substantial jail time.
If you have been charged with a DUI or any of its subcategories, you need an Scottsdale Criminal Defense Lawyer specialized in DUI laws who understands the nuances of these charges and who can review your case in order to determine the right course of legal action to take in your defense.
Violent Crimes
There are many charges that fall under the classification of violent crime in Arizona. Depending on the exact nature of these charges, the penalties can vary, but most are severe. The state takes its duty of prosecuting these crimes with the utmost seriousness. That is why it is essential to have a skilled Scottsdale criminal defense attorney representing you during these challenging times so that you have someone on your side working to mitigate the potential harm a conviction could have.
These violent crime charges can include those for:
Drug Crimes
Navigating the criminal justice system when you have been charged with a drug crime requires an experienced, aggressive advocate like Joshua A. Lopez. Penalties for these kinds of crimes can include substantial fines and lengthy jail time, depending on the nature of the crime that was allegedly committed and the type of drug involved. The most common kind of drug crime charges seen in Arizona can include:
- Drug Possession: This charge can arise when an individual is found to have any kind of control or possession of an illegal drug or controlled substance that is classified as illegal in Arizona.
- Drug Trafficking and Distribution: This charge occurs when an individual has allegedly sold, imported, or transported illegal drugs and controlled substances into or through the state of Arizona.
- Drug Manufacturing and Cultivation: This charge can arise when an individual is allegedly found to be growing or otherwise producing an illegal drug or a controlled substance.
- Drug DUI: This charge occurs when an individual is supposedly found to be operating a motorized vehicle while under the impairment or influence of an illegal drug or controlled substance. In some circumstances, this can include prescription medications.
- Marijuana Use or Possession: This charge arises when an individual is allegedly found to be in possession of marijuana in an area of public use or possesses it with the intent to sell.
- Minor in Possession: These charges can occur when an individual who is still considered a minor by the state is found to be in possession of or using a controlled substance or illegal drug.
White Collar Crimes
There are several types of white collar crime charges that can be brought against an individual in Arizona. The penalties that can follow a potential conviction can vary in their devastating impact on an individual, but many include jail time and fines, which can have a detrimental effect on your personal finances. These charges can include those for the following:
- Extortion
- Embezzlement
- Fraud
- Bribery
- Forgery
- Money Laundering
- Perjury
- Racketeering
- Tax Evasion
If you are facing any of these kinds of criminal charges in Arizona, there is no time to waste when it comes to retaining the counsel and representation of an experienced and trusted Scottsdale, AZ criminal defense attorney. At The Law Office of Joshua A. Lopez, LLC, you can rest assured that you have the right person in your corner to fight these charges and protect your rights, freedoms, and future.
The Law Office of Joshua A. Lopez, LLC: Fighting Criminal Charges and Protecting Your Future
When facing a criminal charge in Arizona, individuals feel uncertain about what the future holds for them. Joshua A. Lopez wants to offer his clients the confidence they need to walk into any legal proceeding. He fights for his clients in an aggressive manner and won’t stop working to secure your freedoms. These charges can be worrisome, but your Scottsdale Criminal Defense Lawyer is here to offer confidence.
While it is impossible for any attorney to offer a guarantee that their defense will result in a reduction or dismissal of charges, Joshua A. Lopez is committed to each and every one of his clients and can use all his resources to craft them a strategic defense that can withstand whatever the state prosecutors may throw at it. He approaches each case with meticulous planning and organization, insight into the nature of the charges, and deep knowledge of the surrounding laws.
Common Strategies of Criminal Defense in Scottsdale
There are many possible arguments The Law Office of Joshua A. Lopez, LLC might enlist in your defense. These defenses typically will depend on the nature of the charges brought against you and the evidence that the prosecution is supposedly in possession of. These defense strategies might include one or more of the following:
- Mistaken Identity: Your Scottsdale criminal defense attorney might argue that you were actually misidentified as the individual who committed the crime and can provide the necessary evidence to prove this point.
- Lack of Intent: In some cases, your attorney can demonstrate that you had no reason or necessary intent to commit the alleged crime. This can sometimes lead to a reduction in charges.
- Insufficient Evidence: Your defense attorney may be able to argue that the evidence presented by the prosecution is not enough to establish your supposed guilt.
- Violation of Certain Rights: Your attorney might be able to argue that your constitutional rights were violated by certain individuals, such as law enforcement, throughout the investigation of the charges brought against you. This could lead to a suppression of certain forms of evidence or a dismissal of all charges.
- Acting in Self-Defense or in the Defense of Others: Depending on the nature of the charge you are facing, your Scottsdale Criminal Defense Lawyer might be able to argue that you were only acting in self-defense or in the defense of other individuals involved.
Our skilled legal team has the ability to review the unique details of your case and determine what defense strategy will correctly fit the charges being brought against you.
Forms of Evidence We Collect for Your Defense
There are various forms of evidence we might be able to collect to build you a solid defense strategy against the state prosecution and the criminal charges they are trying to convict you of. These forms of evidence depend on the nature of the charges and can include:
- Physical Evidence: This type of evidence can include items such as clothing, documents, or weapons that are relevant to your case and have the ability to prove your innocence.
- Testimony of Witnesses: Testimonies can be gathered from individuals who can provide you with an alibi or can back up your version of the events.
- Surveillance Footage: Video footage from security cameras can be gathered at the place where the alleged crime took place that can prove your innocence.
- Expert Testimony: Individuals such as forensic analysts or even a former prosecutor can be brought forth to testify and provide insight that can secure your defense.
- Digital Evidence: This form of evidence can include texts, emails, or interactions on social media that can go against the claims of the prosecution and strengthen your defense.
Frequently Asked Questions
It can be difficult to offer an exact amount as to how much a criminal defense attorney in Scottsdale might charge in the state of Arizona when representing clients facing criminal charges. This is because there are several factors that can impact the final cost of a case. These factors include the complexity and duration of the case and the experience, skill level, and effort of your attorney.
If you find that you have been accused of a crime in Arizona, the right thing to do is contact a skilled and experienced Scottsdale Criminal Defense Lawyer like the one at The Law Office of Joshua A. Lopez, LLC. They can work to gather evidence to support your defense, handle all negotiations with the prosecution to seek a resolution outside of the courtroom, and represent you should your case proceed to a trial.
There are several aggravating factors that may be involved in an Arizona criminal charge case. These can include committing the crime to or in front of a minor, the use of deadly force or using a weapon while the crime is being committed, and the amount of harm done to the victim.
There are several personal consequences that may arise from a criminal charge conviction in Arizona outside of the mandatory jail time, fines, or other legal consequences. These personal penalties can include the loss of your right to vote or bear arms, harm done to your personal and professional reputation, and complications with any future child custody battles.
Speak with a Trusted Scottsdale Criminal Defense Lawyer Today
If you or someone you love is facing criminal charges in Scottsdale, Arizona, you deserve the assistance of a trusted and experienced criminal defense law firm like The Law Office of Joshua A. Lopez, LLC. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.