Our Criminal Defense Attorneys Answer Frequently Asked Questions
Our Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa, Scottsdale, Arizona area criminal defense attorneys with Phillips and Associates understand the stakes involved for defendants of a criminal prosecution. There are many differences between and civil case and a criminal case. The most important difference is that in a civil case, you may lose money, but in a criminal case, you can lose your freedom.
This is why we have attorneys who specialize in criminal defense, and many of our criminal defense attorneys are Board Certified. At the Phoenix area law offices of Phillips and Associates, you will always receive experienced representation from criminal defense attorneys who have extensive knowledge of the criminal justice system and the criminal code, and who are familiar with the judges and prosecutors.
Please take a moment to read more about the representation we offer. Then contact our Phoenix and Tucson area criminal defense attorneys with Phillips and Associates to discuss your individual case.
- Do I Need to Hire Criminal Defense Attorneys?
- How Do I Find Good Criminal Defense Attorneys?
- How Can Our Criminal Defense Attorneys Help You?
- What does it mean to be a Certified Legal Specialist in Arizona?
- Why Choose Criminal Defense Attorneys with Phillips & Associates?
Do I Need to Hire Criminal Defense Attorneys?
The answer is Yes! Criminal defense attorneys can help you understand what to do if you are arrested, how to deal with the criminal process and understand the rights you have as a criminal defendant. Criminal offenses are often very serious. You could be facing jail, prison, probation, fines, restitution or other sanctions.
At Phillips & Associates in the Phoenix and Arizona area, our criminal defense attorneys can help. We have experienced criminal defense attorneys, including Board Certified Specialists, who can help you through this difficult time.
Criminal law is a specialized area of practice and it is important to have attorneys experienced in this area. At Phillips & Associates, our criminal defense attorneys have more than 250 years of combined experience in criminal law. We know what it's like to go to trial and we are experienced in handling major felony cases. Each year we represent clients faced with murder, aggravated assault, sexual assault, fraud and other serious felonies.
We have twelve attorneys in our Criminal and D.U.I. Defense Section who limit their practice to this area of law. We can help you if you have been arrested or are under investigation for any criminal offense.
If you are still not sure you need a lawyer, we recommend that you call us to set up a free no obligation office visit and speak with our criminal defense attorneys. We can answer your questions at no charge.
How Do I Find Good Criminal Defense Attorneys?
It may seem difficult to select good criminal defense attorneys at first and we caution you against retaining the first attorney you meet. There are many criminal defense attorneys who do not limit their practice to criminal cases and some of these attorneys only handle a few cases a year. Some other criminal defense attorneys may be incompetent or inexperienced.
To find good criminal defense attorneys, we suggest that you ask the following questions:
- Does your firm have criminal defense attorneys who are highly experienced in the defense of criminal cases?
- Does your firm have criminal defense attorneys who are Board Certified as Specialists by the Arizona Board of Legal Specialization?
- Does your firm have criminal defense attorneys who limit their practice to criminal and D.U.I. defense?
- Does your firm make promises as to the results that they can obtain? Beware -- this is something ethical criminal defense attorneys cannot do. Specific results cannot be accurately predicted.
- Does your firm use a written flat fee agreement that includes trial if necessary? Or is the "fee" only a low initial retainer that does not cover the entire criminal case or prior investigation? (Our Fee Agreements cover all legal fees. Legal costs, however, are extra).
- Will your firm actually handle the case or will you simply sign me up and refer me to other criminal defense attorneys or another law firm?
At Phillips & Associates, we are one of Arizona's largest defenders of criminal cases. We presently have over twelve criminal defense attorneys who limit there practice to exclusively criminal and D.U.I. cases. Our experienced legal team includes some attorneys who are Board Certified as Specialists in Criminal Law by the Arizona Board of Legal Specialization. We also have criminal defense lawyers who were former judges and several who were former prosecutors. Some of our other experienced attorneys have limited their criminal practice to defending the rights of the accused.
The criminal defense attorneys with the Phoenix, Arizona law firm of Phillips and Associates believe in an aggressive defense. We feel this is necessary because many of Arizona's criminal statutes are zealously enforced and provide substantial punishments.
Our criminal defense attorneys are dedicated to protecting individual rights. We will not recommend that a client plead guilty to the criminal case originally charged unless, after our investigation, we believe such a plea would be in our client's best interest.
If you or someone you know has been charged with criminal offense or a D.U.I. contact our criminal defense attorneys to set up a free private consultation. Again, please don't plead guilty. If you decide not to contact our firm, please seek the advice of other experienced criminal defense attorneys.
How Can Our Criminal Defense Attorneys Help You?
At Phillips & Associates, our Phoenix, Arizona criminal defense attorneys have represented clients charged with many different criminal offenses. We handle tough cases in Federal, State and Juvenile courts including cases involving murder, rape, molestation, drugs, theft, fraud, embezzlement, weapons, sex crimes, vehicular manslaughter, domestic violence and driving under the influence. Our criminal defense attorneys also have obtained outstanding results in probation violation hearings and in criminal appeals.
Choose Phillips and Associates and the criminal defense attorneys that know how to get the job done. Criminal defense is a specialized area of law. Because of our experience, our criminal defense attorneys understand what defendants are going through and we know how to get results.
During the early stages of your criminal case, our criminal defense attorneys develop strategies for defending your case. Early planning gives us a "jump" on the prosecution and gives us more time to conduct investigations, witness interviews and legal research. We also know how to convey to the courts that, as our client, you must be viewed as an individual - not as just another file number on their busy court calendar.
Our service includes the management of your case and a strong commitment to attorney/client communication. Through the use of the latest communication technology, you will have 24-hour access to your criminal defense attorneys and case manager. We make sure you understand the details of your case and the progress being made every step of the way. Our clients appreciate the time our criminal defense attorneys spend reviewing their case, answering questions and giving them the information they need to make informed decisions.
The goal of our criminal defense attorneys is to achieve the best results for our clients. Phillips & Associates in Phoenix employs many people in the criminal defense department including trial attorneys, case managers, case analysts, and investigators who are dedicated to the representation of our clients in criminal matters. We also have developed computerized research tools that provide quick access to all of the most current legal developments that help us win cases and court decisions.
If you even suspect a criminal charge may be filed against you, contact our criminal defense attorneys. By contacting our criminal defense attorneys before charges are filed against, we may be able to intervene and either prevent charges from being filed or possibly negotiate less serious charges instead. In the meantime:
- Do not discuss your case or sign a statement without criminal defense attorneys present. Your discussions and statements are considered evidence and can be used against you.
- Do not enter a plea without first obtaining legal advice from criminal defense attorneys, even for a minor offense. Depending on the offense involved, even a minor offense can have damaging consequences in the future, such as when trying to get security clearances or applying for certain employment.
Contacting our criminal defense attorneys with the Phoenix firm of Phillips & Associates can provide you with many advantages, including:
- Telling your side of the story in a professional, objective manner. If presented with skill and sensitivity at the right time, your side of the story, if communicated well, can possibly result in reduced or dropped charges.
- We might be able to help you get out of jail with a bail reduction or an O.R. release.
- We might be able to help reduce penalties, fines, jail time, terms of probation and can request alternatives to probation.
- We might be able to petition to set aside convictions or modify probation.
We have won cases in Federal, State, and Juvenile courts. Our criminal defense attorneys promise:
- We will provide personal attention to your case
- We will defend your case
- We will protect your rights
- We will keep you informed about your case every step of the way
Don’t wait. Contact Phillips and Associates and our Phoenix, Arizona criminal defense attorneys to discuss your situation.
What does it mean to be a Certified Legal Specialist in Arizona?
The Arizona Board of Legal Specialization certifies attorneys as specialists in several areas of law, including criminal defense, who are experts at making sure their clients voices are heard.
What are the general requirements for Board Certification?
To qualify for certification, an attorney must:
- Be licensed to practice law for at least 5 years (7 years for criminal certification)
- Have 4 years of practice in the specialty field
- Devote the equivalent of 50% of a full-time law practice in the specialty field
- Handle a specific number of cases in the specialty field
- Demonstrate integrity, professionalism and a high degree of competence in the specialty field
- Receive favorable peer review from attorneys, judges or other professionals in the specialty field
- Pass a written examination
What areas of law have a certification program?
Currently the Arizona Board of Legal Specialization recognizes the following fields of law for Board Certification:
- Bankruptcy
- Criminal
- Estate & Trust
- Family Law
- Injury & Wrongful Death Litigation
- Real Estate
- Tax
- Workers' Compensation
How many attorneys are currently certified?
Out of a total State Bar membership of more than 11,500 active members, approximately 800 Arizona attorneys are now Board Certified.
How long do criminal defense attorneys remain certified?
Certification is for a period of 5 years, after which time criminal defense attorneys and other specialists may apply for recertification. Attorneys must demonstrate that they meet the requirements of continuing legal education and substantial involvement in the specialty field on an ongoing basis.
How do I know if the criminal defense attorneys are certified?
Certified criminal defense attorneys are entitled to:
- Indicate certification on business cards and letterhead
- Display the Certificate awarded by the Board of Legal Specialization
- List the certification in legal directories and telephone listings
Why Choose Criminal Defense Attorneys with Phillips & Associates?
The Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa, Scottsdale, Arizona area criminal defense attorneys with Phillips & Associates know the importance of fighting a criminal complaint before charges are filed and the case goes to court. If you choose our criminal defense attorneys to represent you before charges are filed, we can provide you a pre-file investigation that can possibly influence the outcome of your situation in your favor.
What is a Pre-File Investigation?
If you have been contacted by a law enforcement agency but no charges have actually been filed and you retain the services of our criminal defense attorneys before you have been formally charged with a crime, we can provide you with a Pre-File Investigation. During a Pre-File Investigation, our criminal defense attorneys and support staff attempt to build your defense case and influence the prosecutor and law enforcement agency to view your situation in a light that is favorable to you.
What are the goals of a Pre-File Investigation?
The goals of a Pre-File Investigation are:
- Prevent filing of a criminal charge against you if possible
- If prevention isn’t possible, reduce charges from felony to a misdemeanor.
- Divert allegations into an informal resolution
- Ease clients concerns about the criminal case
- Keep clients apprised of their legal rights
- Assist with surrender and avoid arrest
How our criminal defense attorneys prevent charges from being filed:
- Bolster client's credibility with prosecutors and law enforcement agencies through use of:
- Private polygraph -- if the results are favorable, then they will be shared
- Reference letters from community leaders, religious leaders, teachers, friends, etc.
- Attack complaint credibility of the victim using the following tools:
- Use other witnesses to question the reputation and truth of the victim
- Unsubstantiated allegations against others made by the victim
If you have been charged with a crime or interviewed in the connection with one, contact our Phoenix, Arizona criminal attorneys with Phillips and Associates today. The sooner you get us involved, the sooner we can help you.
