This is the final post in my series discussing why it is important to hire an attorney to handle misdemeanor cases in Phoenix, Arizona as well as Maricopa County. Throughout this series I have discussed several issues which often arise when one is charged with a misdemeanor. I wrote this discussion due to my regularly seeing persons in misdemeanor court who are unrepresented and inevitably plead guilty to a charge which they had an opportunity to defend themselves against.
I covered specific topics during my last several posts. Issues I examined included:
- Whether it is worth the financial expense to hire a misdemeanor defense lawyer
- Issues which arise in domestic violence cases
- Issues which arise in DUI cases
While my discussion only specifically looked at the crimes of domestic violence and DUI, the same ideas apply to other misdemeanor charges such as disorderly conduct, simple assault, trespassing, and criminal damage. A misdemeanor conviction can lead to a variety of future problems. These problems include difficulty finding work, trouble finding housing, problems being approved for a loan, and a higher risk of being convicted or punished more harshly for future charges.
My greatest goal of writing these articles is to urge all Phoenix and Maricopa County residents charged with a misdemeanor crime to consult with an attorney prior to making any decision. Many criminal defense lawyers provide free consultations or only charge a nominal fee. A consultation is an opportunity to tell someone with legal experience the facts of your case, hear your options, and determine if you have a case that is worth fighting for. There is no obligation to further retain an attorney following a consultation, but no matter what, you will leave the office with more information than when you came in. The prosecution will be armed with years of legal experience in any Court of law, not to mention a vast array of resources like law enforcement agencies and expert criminalists. As a defendant it is easy to be intimidated and feel as if there is “no point” in fighting. However, many misdemeanor cases have the potential to be dismissed; it is more likely you will waive the opportunity to protect both yourself and your future if you do not consult with a lawyer.
If you are charged with a misdemeanor crime, do not attempt to handle it on your own. Contact my office today and schedule a consultation to learn more about your options. In addition to Phoenix I represent defendants in other Maricopa County cities such as Mesa, Glendale, Scottsdale, Chandler, and Gilbert. I also assist Pima County residents in Tucson.
