Maricopa County Criminal Lawyer

Being investigated or charged with a crime can feel frustrating and scary at the same time. That said, with the right attorney on your side, you don’t have to feel overwhelmed. If you’re reading this, you’re in the right place. Contact a Maricopa County criminal lawyer from The Weingart Firm, PLLC to schedule an initial consultation with our dedicated legal team today.

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving Maricopa County, AZ

Here at The Weingart Firm, PLLC, we represent clients facing all types of criminal charges, including the following:

• DUIs
• Drug Crimes
• Domestic Violence
• Violent Crimes
• Juvenile Offenses
• Gun Crimes
• Theft Crimes
• Assault
• Sex Crimes
• White-Collar Crimes

Courts That Handle Criminal Cases in Maricopa County

Criminal cases in Maricopa County are handled in different courts depending on the severity of the charge and where the arrest occurred. Understanding where your case will be heard helps you understand what to expect next. Courts that commonly handle criminal matters are as follows:

• Maricopa County Superior Court: This court handles felony cases, serious violent offenses, and complex criminal matters. Felony cases usually begin with an initial appearance and may proceed through a preliminary hearing or grand jury indictment before moving toward trial or resolution.
• Justice Courts: Justice Courts often hear misdemeanor offenses, traffic-related criminal charges, and preliminary proceedings in some felony cases. These courts serve specific precincts throughout Maricopa County.
• Municipal or City Courts: Courts such as the Phoenix Municipal Court handle misdemeanor offenses that occur within city limits, including many DUI and domestic violence cases, as well as city ordinance violations.

How We Build a Defense Strategy

Every criminal case is different, and no effective defense strategy can be built without first taking the time to carefully review the facts, the evidence, and the circumstances that led to an arrest. Police reports must be examined closely, witness statements must be compared, and in many cases, body camera footage or surveillance video must be reviewed to determine what actually happened. As part of building a defense, there are several questions that often need to be answered, including:

• Did law enforcement have legal grounds to stop, search, or arrest the individual under Arizona law?
• Were any statements obtained in a way that violated constitutional rights?
• Is the evidence reliable, complete, and lawfully obtained?
• Are there weaknesses or inconsistencies in witness accounts?
• Is there an opportunity to negotiate reduced charges, diversion, or dismissal?

In some cases, early negotiation may lead to a favorable resolution. In others, preparing thoroughly for trial is the best way to protect a client’s rights and future.

Contact a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Maricopa County, AZ

If you’ve been charged with a crime, you can depend on a knowledgeable and dedicated Maricopa County criminal defense lawyer to fight for your rights and future. Contact The Weingart Firm, PLLC for a free initial consultation today.