Phoenix AZ Criminal Defense Attorney
We Defend Those Accused of Every Type of Crime
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Criminal Lawyer in Phoenix, Arizona
Professional & Experienced Phoenix Criminal Defense Attorneys – Available 24/7
Being charged with a crime in Arizona can have serious, potentially life-changing consequences, and these consequences only increase in severity once a conviction is made. This is why it is so important that those facing criminal charges equip the help of an experienced Phoenix, AZ criminal defense attorney to fight these potentially harsh and long-lasting consequences.
Whether it is a misdemeanor theft crime or a much more serious violent felony offense, prison time, hefty fines, probation and parole, and a permanent criminal record are just a few of the things you can expect when convicted of a crime. Aside from these, other far-reaching repercussions may include the loss of your job, your ability to drive, your right to vote, and your access to living arrangements and education.
What’s more, having a criminal record can pose difficulties with intimate relationships and child custody matters as well as the loss of several public benefits, among other things. For these reasons, it is imperative that your rights are protected and that legal representation is obtained. Choosing the right Phoenix criminal defense attorney can make the difference between a case that’s dismissed and a case that results in conviction and an immense range of penalties.
Whether you have been charged with a misdemeanor or a felony at either the state or federal level, renowned Phoenix criminal lawyer Belén Olmedo Guerra will fight to defend your rights and freedom. For a free consultation with an experienced criminal defense lawyer on our team, call (602) 715-0908 or reach out online today.
Why You Need an Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney Like Belén
If you or someone close to you is facing criminal charges in Phoenix, AZ or the surrounding areas, it’s crucial to have an experienced Phoenix criminal defense lawyer like Belén by your side. At the Belén Law Firm, our legal team knows all the ins and outs of criminal law in Arizona and has a proven track record of defending clients in a variety of cases.
With years of experience navigating the ever-changing and ever-challenging legal system and a clear dedication to each client’s unique situation, our Phoenix criminal defense attorneys have earned a stellar reputation in the Central Arizona criminal law community. With Belén Olmedo Guerra and her dedicated team of attorneys representing you, you can be confident that your case will be handled with the utmost care and diligence, setting you up for the best chance at achieving the most favorable outcome possible.
What Does a Criminal Defense Lawyer Do?
Criminal defense attorneys play a crucial role in representing clients accused of crimes and guiding them through the criminal justice system. These attorneys provide knowledgeable legal counsel, craft strong defense strategies, and aggressively advocate for their clients in court.
Defense attorneys may handle various criminal cases, from misdemeanors to felonies, ensuring that their clients receive a fair trial and that their rights are protected throughout the legal process. A huge part of this involves thoroughly investigating the charges, gathering evidence, and negotiating with prosecutors to help reduce or avoid a criminal conviction entirely.
Every situation is unique, and depending on the circumstances, different strategies may be required. Before taking on a new case, a criminal lawyer like Belén will meet with you for an initial consultation. Here, you will discuss the specifics of your case and provide your attorney with as much information as possible during this session. Following that, she will be able to estimate the penalties that may be imposed as a result of your criminal offenses before informing you of what she can do to assist you as your case progresses. From this consultation, you will decide if the Belén Law Firm is the right fit for you.
The Many Duties of Criminal Defense Attorneys
Once the attorney-client relationship is set, it’s time to get straight to work on building and strengthening your defense. This will likely include the following:
- Reviewing discovery
- Developing your defense theory
- Interviewing relevant witnesses
- Selecting witness for court
- Conducting legal research on similar cases
- Scheduling and holding meetings to discuss case details
- Gathering and reviewing evidence in your favor
- Providing legal advice
- Retaining expert witnesses, if applicable
- Conducting pre-trial and trial interviews
- Composing pre-trial and trial motions
- Engaging in oral arguments
- Making a motion to have your case dismissed before a trial begins, if appropriate
- Advising you on potential plea deals
- Fighting to get the best plea deal possible
- Choosing a jury
- Defending you at trial
Difference Between Prosecutor and Defense Attorney
In criminal law, there are two types of attorneys: prosecuting attorneys and criminal defense attorneys. Prosecuting attorneys work for the city, state, or federal government to prosecute the accused in a court of law. A defense attorney works on the other side, defending the accused and working to prove their innocence or otherwise lessen their charge.
Criminal defense lawyers in Arizona often work with four different types of crimes: misdemeanors, felonies, inchoate offenses, and strict liability offenses. Inchoate offenses may also be known as “preliminary” or “incomplete” crimes, as they refer to the act of preparing or intending to commit another crime. Strict liability offenses, on the other hand, do not require the prosecution to prove intent, knowledge, recklessness, or negligence, as is often required for other types of criminal charges. It also does not take into account any prior intent or mental state at the time of the crime’s occurrence.
Difference Between Public Defender and Criminal Defense Attorney
There’s a pretty likely chance that you’ve heard the words “if you cannot afford an attorney, one will be provided for you,” whether personally if you’ve been arrested for an alleged crime or on television and in the media. But what does this mean?
Public defenders are appointed by the court to represent individuals who cannot afford to hire a a criminal defender from a private practice. While it may be tempting to opt for the free option, it’s important to consider that public defenders typically handle a very large caseload, which may limit the time and resources they can devote to each client. This can be particularly challenging in criminal cases involving a serious crime, where personalized attention and thorough investigation are crucial.
Fortunately, privately hired criminal defense counsel offers much more personalized and focused representation, as they can allocate the necessary time and resources to build a strong and calculated defense. They also often have access to a broader network of experts and connections and can provide tailored strategies that cater to the specific needs of the criminal defense cases they take on.
While hiring your own criminal defense team requires payment, the investment can be worthwhile, especially when the stakes are high.
Types of Crimes We Handle
At the Belén Law Firm, our criminal defense team is equipped to handle all types of criminal cases, including both state and federal criminal charges. This means Belén and her team of dedicated Arizona lawyers can practice law in both state and federal courts, which not all criminal attorneys can do.
From minor vehicular crimes to major felony cases such as those involving homicide or large sums of misappropriated funds, an experienced attorney from our firm can help you understand the consequences of your criminal charges while working to craft a customized defense strategy that gives you the best shot at freedom.
Here are some of the common case types that the legal team at Belén Law Firm handle on a regular basis.
Misdemeanor Defense in Phoenix
Individuals facing misdemeanor charges in Arizona should not take these charges lightly, as they can still carry serious consequences, including fines, probation, and even jail time. At the Belén Law Firm, our Phoenix misdemeanor defense lawyers understand the gravity of these charges and are dedicated to providing aggressive legal representation for clients accused of various misdemeanor offenses in Phoenix, AZ, including:
- Shoplifting
- Public intoxication
- Vandalism
- Trespassing
- Prostitution
- Simple assault
- Hazing
- Resisting arrest (with passive resistance)
- And more
Felony Defense in Phoenix
Felony charges are a very serious matter, with potential penalties including long-term imprisonment and even potentially death penalty cases. That’s why our Phoenix criminal defense attorneys are dedicated to defending clients accused of these types of crimes, working tirelessly to protect their freedom and future.
From crafting strong and strategic defense strategies to providing powerful courtroom advocacy, we fight hard for those facing even the most serious felonies, including but not limited to:
- Domestic violence
- Burglary
- Kidnapping
- Aggravated assault
- Arson
- Felony DUIs
- Weapons charges
- Manslaughter
- And more
Experienced Phoenix DUI Defense
When facing DUI offenses in Arizona, the importance of having a skilled DUI defense attorney cannot be overstated. A knowledgeable Phoenix DUI defense lawyer at the Belén Law Firm can provide crucial guidance and representation, from first-time offenses to more serious charges involving aggravating factors and historical priors.
Common DUI cases we handle include:
- First offense DUIs
- Aggravated DUIs
- DUI per se
- Extreme DUIs
- Super extreme DUIs
- Commercial DUIs
- Underage DUIs
- Marijuana DUIs
- And more
Violent Crimes
Violent crimes typically involve the use of force (or mere threat of force) against another person. These charges carry severe penalties, especially when a victim was seriously injured or killed as a result. As such, having one of our skilled Phoenix violent crime defense attorneys on your side is crucial in these cases, some of which include:
- Murder, including both first-degree murder and second-degree murder
- Homicide, including vehicular homicide, negligent homicide, etc.
- Assault charges, including aggravated assault and assault with a deadly weapon
- Domestic violence and aggravated domestic violence
- Hate crimes
- And more
Sex Crimes
A sex crime allegation alone can have far-reaching implications, including severe social and professional consequences, so you can imagine the consequences of an actual conviction. Being convicted of a sex crime can impact every aspect of your life. Given the severity of these charges, it is highly advised to seek help from an experienced Arizona sex crimes attorney as soon as possible.
At the Belén Law Firm, we have handled a number of high-profile sex crime cases, including everything from indecent exposure to sexual assault on a child. Take a look at some of the types of cases we regularly handle at our firm:
Theft Crimes
In Arizona, theft crimes encompass a range of offenses, from petty theft to grand larceny and beyond. These crimes are classified based on the value of the stolen property and the circumstances surrounding the offense. Arizona’s legal system takes theft crimes very seriously, so those accused should seek the representation of a knowledgeable Phoenix theft defense attorney who challenges the evidence and advocates on their behalf.
Common theft crimes in Arizona include:
- Shoplifting
- Robbery and aggravated robbery
- Grand theft
- Motor vehicle theft
- And more
White-Collar Crimes
White-collar crimes refer to non-violent, financially motivated offenses typically committed by individuals in business or professional settings. Due to the complex nature of these cases, often involving intricate financial transactions and extensive documentation, individuals accused of white-collar crimes should seek the legal assistance of a skilled Phoenix white-collar crime attorney to effectively challenge these charges, which include things like:
- Fraud
- Forgery
- Identity theft
- Money laundering
- Embezzlement
- Extortion
- Insider trading
- And more
Drug Offenses
There is a wide range of illegal activities in Arizona involving illegal drugs and controlled substances. Penalties for drug offenses can vary greatly depending on the type and quantity of the substance, as well as the nature of the offense. Given the serious legal and personal ramifications associated with drug crimes in Arizona, it’s incredibly important that those facing such charges reach out for help from an experienced attorney right away.
The Phoenix drug crime attorneys at our firm have handled cases involving all of the following offenses:
- Simple possession
- Possession with intent to sell
- Drug manufacturing
- Drug distribution
- Drug trafficking
- And all other charges involving marijuana offenses, cocaine offenses, heroin offenses, fentanyl offenses, and any other illegal drug or controlled substance
Cyber Crimes
Cyber crimes, also referred to as internet or computer crimes, involve various illegal activities conducted through the internet or other digital means. The complexity of cyber crimes, often involving sophisticated technology and digital evidence, requires the help of a knowledgeable Phoenix computer crime defense attorney like those at the Belén Law Firm.
Our experienced criminal defense team has handled cases involving:
- Hacking
- Phishing
- Online fraud
- Cyberstalking
- Child pornography
- And more
Juvenile Crimes
If a minor below the age of 18 commits a crime, they may be charged in Arizona’s juvenile court. Juvenile crimes can range from minor infractions, such as vandalism, MICs, and shoplifting, to more serious offenses like assault, theft, and even felony juvenile drug charges. The juvenile justice system in Arizona focuses on rehabilitation rather than punishment, but penalties can still include probation, community service, detention, and mandatory counseling.
Given the potential impact on a young person’s future, it is crucial for those accused of juvenile crimes to obtain the assistance of an experienced attorney. A skilled Phoenix juvenile defense attorney can advocate for the best interests of the child while aiming to minimize the legal consequences and support their rehabilitation and future success.
Dangerous Crimes Against Children
Dangerous crimes against children, such as child abuse, exploitation, and endangerment, are among the most serious offenses in Arizona, carrying severe legal repercussions that can follow you around for life. These charges not only result in significant legal penalties but also irreparably damage an individual’s reputation and personal relationships.
Due to the gravity of these accusations, it is imperative to seek the help of a seasoned Dangerous Crimes Against Children attorney in Phoenix who can meticulously examine the evidence and work to protect your rights and future amidst the highly sensitive and complex nature of these cases.
Federal Crimes
A federal crime is one that violates U.S. federal laws and is prosecuted by federal agencies such as the FBI, DEA, or IRS. These crimes might include offenses such as drug trafficking, fraud, terrorism, human trafficking, and any other offense that crosses state lines or national borders.
As a renowned federal criminal defense attorney, Belén Olmedo Guerra is highly qualified to handle cases at this level, using her extensive experience and vigorous defense strategies to ensure that clients receive the highest level of representation possible.
Other Specialized Legal Services
In addition to defending clients against the many different criminal charges listed above, the Belén Law Firm offers a number of other specialized legal services to address various legal needs. For example, we are happy to assist clients with expungement and record sealing in Arizona whenever possible, helping to clear their criminal records and improve future opportunities.
Our team also handles cases involving violations of court ordered sanctions, such as probation violations and order of protection violations in Phoenix, providing strong legal representation to ensure our client’s rights are protected at every stage of their legal journey.
When Should I Hire a Criminal Defense Attorney?
The best time to hire a criminal defense attorney is as soon as possible. This is because criminal accusations, whether or not you are at fault, entail a difficult and emotionally draining process. You’ll need someone with enough legal experience to guide you through the complexities and nuances of the Arizona criminal justice system and steer you toward a positive outcome from the very beginning of your case.
How Much is a Criminal Defense Lawyer?
It is difficult to provide an exact price point of how much you can expect a criminal defense lawyer’s services to cost, as there are a number of variables that determine the final price. Every attorney, state, and case is different and relies on its own unique circumstances. It also depends on whether your attorney bills by the hour or by the case and if they require a retainer up-front. Given this, costs for criminal defense could start anywhere from a thousand dollars and scale up to tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars.
When scouting for a Phoenix criminal defense attorney, consider the phrase “you get what you pay for.” An in-demand, experienced, and successful Phoenix criminal lawyer might cost a bit more than other less-experienced firms. However, choosing someone with more experience and successful case outcomes will undoubtedly pay off in the end.
If you’re facing a criminal charge, it could take months of hard work to secure you the best outcome. That will come at a price. Freedom also comes at a price. Your criminal defense lawyer will aggressively work towards your freedom, so you must determine how much that is worth to you.
Types of Defenses to a Criminal Charge
There are plenty of defense strategies that your Phoenix criminal lawyers may use on your behalf, though it ultimately depends on the details surrounding the case. An attorney can help you identify your best legal strategy after consulting with you and learning these crucial details.
Here are some (but certainly not all) of the possible criminal defense strategies that may be available to you:
- Self-Defense. If you believed that physical force was necessary to protect yourself, the self-defense defense may be applicable.
- Defense of Property or Premises. You may use this defense if you reasonably believed physical force was necessary to prevent a crime from occurring on your property.
- Defense of a Third Person. If you had sufficient reason to believe that physical force was necessary to defend a third party from harm, you may use the third-person defense.
- Mental Duress. If you were forced to engage in a violent crime by threat or immediate use of physical force that could result in your serious physical injury, this defense may be warranted.
- Lack of Sufficient Evidence. There must be enough physical evidence present to prove your association to the crime in question. As a result, insufficient evidence may be a valid defense and ultimately lead to a dismissal of charges.
- Lack of Mental State. If you did not have the appropriate mental state at the time of the crime, or if you did not act knowingly, recklessly, or intentionally, you may be able to use insanity or a lack of mental state as your defense.
The Importance of Hiring a Phoenix Criminal Attorney to Help Fight Your Charges
If you are considering representing yourself in a criminal case, remember that there is a reason you are legally entitled to a lawyer when you are charged with a crime. This is because it is incredibly difficult for individuals to handle their own criminal cases. Even the most experienced lawyers will typically opt to hire outside legal counsel to defend themselves in the event that they are charged with a crime. This is because being charged with a crime can be a dizzying and disorienting experience for the accused, especially when they are not familiar with the legal system.
Think of it this way: handling a criminal case on your own is like trying to man a sailboat, of which you’ve had no prior experience, in the middle of a storm. Arizona attorneys with experience practicing criminal law can help you navigate these choppy seas and do so with far more accuracy and precision than you could accomplish on your own. Obtaining the assistance of experienced, qualified Phoenix criminal defense lawyers like those at our law firm can help steer you back to shore without incident.
Why Choose Belén Law Firm?
Knowing you have the best criminal lawyer for the job gives you the comfort and security of having someone is fighting tirelessly for your legal rights and your freedom. At Belén Law Firm, we maintain a diverse team that we feel affords our clients the best possible criminal defense for a range of offenses. The specific charge levied against our clients is not what guides our strategy, as we believe a carefully crafted, unwavering defense is superior to a reactionary one. As a result, the quicker you are to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney on our team, the more time we will have to build up and strengthen your defense, whether it involves negotiating a plea agreement or preparing for a grand jury trial.
Attorney Belén Olmedo Guerra, founder of the Belén Law Firm, has had a long and successful legal career, from clerking for a Maricopa County Superior Court Judge during law school to becoming a member of the Arizona State Bar, United States District Court District of Arizona, and the Arizona Women’s Lawyers Association. Since launching her career, she has successfully represented clients in a number of criminal law cases, and is ready and willing to help with yours, too. Call today for a free consultation!
Contact Top Phoenix Criminal Defense Lawyer Belén Olmedo Guerra Today
Whether you’re charged with a misdemeanor criminal offense or a serious felony, at the end of the day, your case comes down to evidence – not allegations. At Belén Law Firm, our ultimate goal is to disprove the allegations against you and protect your future from the harrowing impact of a criminal conviction. We also treat all of our clients like high-profile cases, as we believe that every case deserves high-stakes, high-profile treatment and that each of our clients should receive celebrity attention from their Phoenix, AZ criminal defense attorney.
If you are looking for a 24-hour criminal defense attorney in Phoenix or the surrounding Maricopa County area who offers aggressive representation, contact our reputable Phoenix criminal defense law firm today to request your free case evaluation. You may do so by calling our law offices at (602) 715-0908 or by sending us a message through our online intake form.
In addition to aggressive criminal defense, the Belén Law Firm also practices personal injury law throughout Arizona. If you or someone you love has been injured, call a Phoenix personal injury attorney on our team today to learn more!
Criminal Defense Practice Areas
The Belen Law Firm™ is foremost a criminal defense firm that handles many types of criminal charges and offenses:
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