If you find yourself facing a criminal charge in Phoenix, the importance of hiring an experienced defense lawyer cannot be overstated. Navigating through the criminal justice system can turn out to be quite challenging. In such difficult times, having skilled representation is vital to protect your future and your freedom. Fortunately, we’re here to help. Contact Snader Law Group to schedule a free consultation.
Why Hire Snader Law Group For Your Criminal Defense Case?
Hiring Snader Law Group for your criminal defense means you’re backed by a team that truly values its clients. Here’s why choosing our firm can make a difference in your case:
Personal Attention
Unlike larger firms, we pride ourselves on giving each client individual focus and attention. When you reach out to us, you will have direct communication with not just a paralegal or other support staff, but with Attorney Howard Snader himself.
Compassion and Dedication
We believe success relies not just on legal experience, but also on our relationship with you. We approach every case with compassion and dedication to ensure your voice is heard clearly.
Experience on Both Sides of The Courtroom
As a former prosecutor, Attorney Howard Snader has a unique understanding of the prosecution strategies that many attorneys might overlook. This gives you a significant advantage when fighting the charges against you.
Extensive Experience
In addition, Howard Snader has 30 years of legal experience and is a board-certified criminal law specialist. This certification is a testament to his proficiency and demonstrated dedication within the field of criminal law.
These qualities will provide you with the best chance of obtaining a favorable outcome in your case.
Why You Need a Phoenix Criminal Defense Lawyer For Your Case
Handling criminal charges on your own can be overwhelming. Hiring a skilled Arizona criminal defense lawyer can bring numerous advantages:
Understand Your Charges
If you’ve never been arrested before or just aren’t very familiar with the criminal justice system, being arrested is likely one of the most frightening experiences you’ll face. It’s important to work with a lawyer who will explain the charges to you as well as the potential consequences so you know what to expect going forward.
Thorough Investigations
An attorney will carefully review and investigate every element of your case to create a strong defense strategy, including speaking with witnesses, reviewing police reports, or acquiring video footage if available.
Negotiation Skills
In the majority of cases, criminal charges are handled through plea deals rather than trial. A lawyer will negotiate with prosecutors and present mitigating evidence to try to get your charges lessened or make sure any penalties you face are lighter than if you were to lose at trial.
Court Representation
Court proceedings require someone who knows how to assemble and present an effective defense for you. An experienced defense lawyer will use their courtroom experience to present an aggressive opening statement, cross-examine prosecution witnesses, and present witnesses and evidence that support your innocence.
Sentencing Advocacy
In the event of a conviction, having an attorney is crucial. They will present mitigating factors to the court, which could potentially result in lighter sentencing.
Handling Appeals
Your attorney may file an appeal if there are sufficient grounds to overturn a verdict or reduce sentencing.
It’s clear that a Phoenix criminal defense attorney is essential when handling charges, and the team at Snader Law Group is here for you.
Potential Consequences of Criminal Convictions
The potential penalties associated with criminal convictions can be severe and life-altering, each penalty having its unique implications. The potential consequences you face include:
Prison
For those convicted of serious offenses or those with significant criminal histories, a prison sentence may be imposed upon conviction. Prison is for individuals who will be serving long sentences.
Jail
Incarceration in jail is similar to prison but is primarily for individuals who have been convicted of shorter sentences or for those who are being held pre-trial and haven’t been sentenced yet.
Probation
Sometimes, instead of incarceration, or in addition to incarceration, an individual is sentenced to probation. While on probation, you live within the community but must follow certain rules. Examples of these rules include checking in with a probation officer regularly, remaining arrest-free, submitting drug tests, and maintaining employment or enrolling in school.
Fines
Monetary penalties are often imposed alongside other elements of a sentence. These fines can sometimes be substantial.
Community Service and Treatment Programs
Depending on the nature of your conviction, you may be ordered to participate in community service activities or undergo specific treatments such as rehabilitation programs for substance abuse.
Pretrial Diversion Programs
Pretrial diversion programs are alternatives to criminal conviction and sentencing. Instead of proceeding through the court process, these programs normally involve counseling or treatment along with regular reporting to supervising authorities. Completion usually leads to charges being dropped or reduced. These are typically for first-time offenders and non-violent charges.
Every case is different, but all charges have the potential to carry significant penalties. Always contact a Phoenix criminal defense lawyer as soon as you become involved in the criminal justice system.
Collateral Consequences of Criminal Convictions
Apart from the immediate legal penalties, criminal convictions come with long-lasting effects referred to as collateral consequences. Taken together, these can dramatically alter your life. Some of the most common and impactful ones include the following:
Employment Implications
Being convicted of a crime might hinder future job prospects because most employers conduct background checks. Many industries and employers are hesitant to hire those with criminal records, which can significantly limit employment opportunities.
Housing Challenges
Finding housing may become more challenging as well due to background checks conducted by rental agencies and landlords. Many of them are hesitant to rent a property to individuals with criminal convictions.
Loss Of Professional Licenses
Certain professions require licenses – from teaching and practicing law to operating a taxi – and these licenses can be revoked or prohibited based on criminal convictions.
Immigration Issues
Criminal convictions might affect an individual’s immigration status drastically. If not a citizen, it could potentially lead to deportation procedures or bar naturalization attempts.
Family And Personal Consequences
There are personal consequences involved as well. Criminal convictions can affect the custody of your children, create a strain in relationships, and negatively impact your social and community life.
If you are facing criminal charges, it’s essential to contact an experienced defense lawyer who understands all the potential impacts and who can defend you appropriately.
Common Legal Defenses
When charged with a crime, developing a strong defense strategy is critical. A well-prepared criminal defense can result in acquittal or reduced charges and the probability of lighter penalties. Here are some common legal defenses:
Self-Defense
Self-defense claims that your actions, while technically unlawful (such as physically attacking someone), were justified because you were defending yourself or someone else from immediate physical harm. Any harm you inflicted on another individual must have been proportionate to the harm you were facing. For example, you likely won’t be successful using self-defense if someone punched you one time and then you shot them.
“Except as provided in subsection B of this section, a person is justified in threatening or using physical force against another when and to the extent a reasonable person would believe that physical force is immediately necessary to protect himself against the other’s use or attempted use of unlawful physical force.”
Alibi
An alibi involves presenting evidence demonstrating that you were somewhere else when the alleged offense occurred thereby making it impossible for you to have committed the crime.
Evidence to show an alibi usually includes witness testimony, time-stamped receipts, and/or video footage.
Consent
You can use the defense of consent when the other person involved gives you permission for actions that would typically be illegal. This is commonly applied in cases involving sexual offenses or physical harm.
No Possession
In crimes related to possession of illicit items such as drugs, weapons, or stolen property, asserting that you were not in actual possession and had no knowledge about their presence can provide a potential legal defense. For example, if you’re accused of possession of a firearm that was in a house you share with someone else, you could make this argument.
No Intent
For some criminal offenses, you must have had a specific intent to commit the crime. If it can be shown that any unlawful actions were unintentional or accidental, this may serve as a valid defense.
Insufficient Evidence
Every defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Arguing that the prosecutor hasn’t met this burden and doesn’t have enough evidence is a valid strategy. Your lawyer can do this by discrediting witnesses or picking apart the validity or strength of certain pieces of evidence presented.
Choosing which defense strategy is most suitable will require careful assessment by an experienced Phoenix criminal defense attorney familiar with all aspects of your case.
Steps To Take After an Arrest
If you ever find yourself in the unfortunate situation of being arrested, it’s important to understand key steps that can help safeguard your rights and ultimately affect the outcome of any subsequent criminal proceedings. Here’s what you should do:
Remain Silent
Avoid divulging any information to law enforcement until your attorney is present, as anything you say could be used against you later in court, even something seemingly inconsequential. Just state that you wish to exercise your right to remain silent if law enforcement attempts to question you about the alleged crime.
Don’t Contact the Alleged Victim
If there is a victim in your case (for example, it’s an assault case), it’s advisable not to contact them directly or indirectly following an arrest under any circumstances. Doing so may hurt your case or even lead to further charges, like witness intimidation.
Contact a Phoenix Criminal Defense Lawyer
Contacting an experienced Phoenix criminal defense attorney as soon as possible can be your best course of action following an arrest. They can guide you through the legal process and represent your interests during any questioning or court proceedings.
While it’s a nerve-wracking situation to deal with an arrest, taking these critical steps gives you the best chance of defending yourself and your freedom.
What Happens After an Arrest? The Criminal Process
Navigating the process of what happens after an arrest until the completion of your case can be challenging. Having a solid understanding is critical, as each step has profound implications for your case’s outcome:
Arraignment
An arraignment is one of the initial steps following an arrest. At this hearing, you’re officially charged by the state and they will explain the specific crimes you’re charged with.
Bail may also be addressed at this hearing to determine if you will be released pending trial.
Pre-Trial Motions And Hearings
Your lawyer may file motions prior to trial which could include a motion to dismiss the case or suppress evidence, impacting how the case proceeds.
Plea Negotiations
In this stage, negotiation between your attorney and the prosecution can occur, potentially leading to a plea bargain where you plead guilty or no contest in exchange for a reduction of charges or penalties.
Trial Proceedings
If your case goes to trial, it will consist of several phases including jury selection, opening statements, presentation of evidence from both sides such as testimony and physical exhibits, questioning witnesses, and closing arguments that summarize case points.
Verdict And Possible Sentencing
Once closing arguments are concluded, the jury deliberates (or the judge if there is no jury) on whether they believe beyond reasonable doubt that you committed the offense. If found guilty, a sentence is then imposed.
Understanding these steps helps demystify what’s involved in fighting criminal allegations so you know what to expect going forward.
Contact Snader Law Group For a Free Consultation
Facing criminal charges can be a scary and stressful experience, but remember, you don’t have to navigate these troubling times alone. If you or a loved one are dealing with legal issues and need guidance, Snader Law Group is always available to help. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.