Arizona Felony Defense Lawyer
A felony accusation can place your freedom, record, career, finances and future at risk. The Maerowitz Law Firm, LLC provides experienced, personalized criminal defense for people facing serious Arizona state felony charges in Superior Court.
Felony cases can involve complex evidence, significant sentencing exposure, grand jury proceedings, contested motions and jury trials. The charge itself does not determine the outcome. The State's evidence, the way that evidence was obtained and whether the prosecution can prove every required element should be carefully examined.
CALL 480-927-3700 FREE & CONFIDENTIAL CONSULTATIONFacing a Felony Charge in Arizona?
Felony charges are among the most serious criminal matters prosecuted in Arizona. Depending on the offense and circumstances, a felony conviction may expose a person to significant prison time, probation, financial consequences and a criminal record with long-term effects.
Arizona felony cases are generally prosecuted in Superior Court. The process can involve an initial appearance, release conditions, a preliminary hearing or grand jury indictment, arraignment, disclosure of evidence, motion practice, plea negotiations and trial.
An experienced Arizona felony defense lawyer can investigate the allegations, review the prosecution's evidence, identify constitutional and evidentiary issues, prepare motions, negotiate when appropriate and take the case to trial when necessary.
What Happens Early in a Felony Case Can Matter.
Felony investigations can involve search warrants, interviews, digital evidence, surveillance, forensic testing, police body-camera footage, witness statements and significant amounts of documentary evidence.
In some cases, prosecutors may present evidence to a grand jury before a defendant ever appears in Superior Court. In others, charges may begin with a complaint followed by a preliminary hearing.
Getting legal advice early allows your attorney to begin evaluating the evidence, preserving important information and preparing for the court process ahead.
SPEAK WITH THE MAEROWITZ LAW FIRM | 480-927-3700Felony Cases Are Prosecuted in Arizona Superior Court
Arizona Superior Court is the state's court of general jurisdiction and handles criminal cases amounting to felonies. Arizona has Superior Court locations throughout the state, with each county having at least one Superior Court judge.
Although certain early proceedings in a felony case may take place in a justice court, felony prosecution ultimately proceeds in Superior Court after probable cause is established through a preliminary hearing, grand jury indictment or other applicable procedure.
Felony cases can involve extensive discovery, expert evidence, evidentiary motions, constitutional issues and jury-trial preparation. A defense strategy should begin with a detailed understanding of the charge and the evidence the prosecution intends to use.
Arizona Felony Defense for a Wide Range of Charges
The Maerowitz Law Firm represents clients facing many different Arizona state felony allegations. The defense strategy depends on the offense charged, the evidence, the client's history and the circumstances surrounding the case.
Aggravated Assault
Defense against serious assault allegations involving aggravating circumstances under Arizona law, including cases involving alleged weapons, serious injury or other felony-level circumstances.
Felony Drug Charges
Representation involving felony allegations of drug possession, possession for sale, transportation, manufacturing or other drug-related conduct.
Burglary
Defense involving Arizona first-, second- or third-degree burglary allegations and disputes concerning entry, intent, possession and identification.
Felony Theft
Representation involving felony theft allegations where value, type of property, intent, ownership or control may become important issues.
Trafficking in Stolen Property
Defense involving allegations of knowingly selling, transferring, distributing or otherwise trafficking property alleged to have been stolen.
Weapons Misconduct
Representation in Arizona felony cases involving allegations of unlawful possession, use or conduct involving firearms or other weapons.
Fraud & Forgery
Defense involving allegations of fraudulent schemes, forgery, false documents, financial transactions or other state-law fraud offenses.
Unlawful Flight
Defense involving allegations that a driver wilfully fled or attempted to elude a pursuing law-enforcement vehicle.
Felony Criminal Damage
Representation in criminal damage cases where the alleged amount of damage or other circumstances elevate the accusation to a felony.
Aggravated DUI
Representation involving felony DUI allegations and related criminal and driver's-license issues.
Felony Domestic Violence Allegations
Defense where an underlying felony allegation involves a relationship that results in a domestic violence designation under Arizona law.
Other Arizona Felony Charges
The firm represents clients facing many other serious Arizona state-law felony allegations prosecuted in Superior Court.
The Felony Classification Is Only the Beginning of the Sentencing Analysis
Arizona classifies felony offenses by class. The seriousness of the classification matters, but the possible sentencing consequences can also depend on whether the offense is alleged to be dangerous, whether the defendant has historical prior felony convictions and whether an offense-specific sentencing statute applies.
Arizona felony sentencing can change substantially based on the specific statute, criminal history, dangerousness allegations, aggravating and mitigating factors, plea negotiations and other circumstances. The potential sentencing range should therefore be calculated from the actual charges and the individual's history rather than estimated from the felony class alone.
What Happens After a Felony Arrest or Charge?
Not every felony case follows exactly the same path, but serious Arizona criminal cases can involve several important stages.
Serious Charges Require a Detailed Review of the Evidence.
A felony defense should be based on the actual evidence rather than assumptions about what appears in a police report or charging document.
Depending on the case, The Maerowitz Law Firm may examine issues including:
How Does an Arizona Felony Case Reach Superior Court?
Before a felony prosecution proceeds toward trial, probable cause generally must be established. That can occur in different ways.
When felony charges begin through a complaint, a preliminary hearing may be held. The prosecution presents evidence, and the court determines whether probable cause exists to require the defendant to answer the charges in Superior Court.
Unlike a criminal trial, the issue at this stage is probable cause rather than whether guilt has been proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
A prosecutor may instead present evidence to a grand jury. If the grand jury determines that probable cause exists, it may issue an indictment formally charging felony offenses.
A grand jury indictment can change how the early stages of the case proceed, making it important to understand exactly how the charges were initiated.
Prior Convictions and Dangerousness Allegations Can Significantly Change a Felony Case
Two defendants charged with the same class of felony do not necessarily face the same potential sentence.
Arizona has separate sentencing provisions that can apply when a defendant has qualifying historical prior felony convictions. Different sentencing rules can also apply when the State alleges and proves that the felony is a dangerous offense.
The applicable sentencing structure should therefore be identified early in the case. Understanding the actual potential exposure is important when evaluating defense strategy, motions, negotiations and trial decisions.
The particular felony count, alleged sentencing enhancements, criminal history and offense-specific statutes should all be reviewed before anyone tries to estimate the potential consequences of a case.
A Felony Case Can Affect Your Life Long After the Court Case Ends
Freedom
Felony convictions can expose a person to significant incarceration or other court-imposed restrictions.
Employment
A felony conviction may create significant concerns for current or future employment.
Professional Future
Licensing, education and professional opportunities may be affected depending on the circumstances.
Criminal Record
A felony record can continue to affect a person after the sentence itself has been completed.
Facing a Felony DUI Charge?
Aggravated DUI is a felony offense with specialized criminal, scientific and driver's-license issues. The Maerowitz Law Firm has a separate resource dedicated to Arizona DUI defense.
VISIT OUR ARIZONA DUI LAWYER PAGEWhy Hire The Maerowitz Law Firm for an Arizona Felony Case?
The Maerowitz Law Firm, LLC provides experienced, personalized representation to clients facing serious Arizona criminal charges. Felony cases demand careful preparation because the consequences can affect virtually every part of a client's life.
Managing Attorney Matt Maerowitz has 12 years of legal experience and has represented clients in numerous bench and jury trials. His practice focuses on criminal defense, DUI and personal injury.
Before co-founding The Maerowitz Law Firm, Matt worked on criminal defense matters at a Scottsdale law firm and gained experience with the Pima County Attorney's Office as a student prosecutor during law school.
That experience helps Matt evaluate serious criminal allegations from multiple perspectives, anticipate prosecution arguments and prepare a defense based on the actual evidence rather than assumptions about the case.
The firm's approach is to understand the allegations, investigate the evidence, explain the potential consequences and develop a strategy tailored to the client and the case. We do not believe a serious felony matter should be treated as just another file.
Three Important Steps to Take
Preserve Your Documents
Keep release paperwork, charging documents, court notices, property receipts and other materials received from law enforcement or the court.
Follow Release Conditions
Review every release condition and court order carefully. Violating release conditions can create additional problems while the felony case is pending.
Speak With a Felony Defense Attorney
Discuss the charges, evidence, criminal history, Superior Court process and defense options with an experienced Arizona criminal defense lawyer.
Looking for an Arizona Felony Defense Lawyer?
The Maerowitz Law Firm, LLC is based in Phoenix and represents clients facing serious state criminal charges throughout Arizona. Whether the allegations involve aggravated assault, felony drug charges, burglary, theft, weapons misconduct, fraud, unlawful flight, criminal damage or another felony offense, experienced legal representation can help you understand the charges and your options.
If you are searching for an Arizona felony defense lawyer, Phoenix felony attorney, Superior Court criminal defense lawyer, felony charges attorney or Arizona criminal defense attorney, contact The Maerowitz Law Firm for a free and confidential consultation.
FREE CONSULTATION | 480-927-3700Frequently Asked Questions About Arizona Felony Charges
Where are felony cases handled in Arizona?
Arizona felony criminal cases are prosecuted in Superior Court. Certain early proceedings, including preliminary hearings, may occur in a justice court before the case proceeds to Superior Court.
What is the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor in Arizona?
Felonies are more serious criminal classifications than misdemeanors and are prosecuted in Arizona Superior Court. The potential sentencing consequences and long-term effects can be substantially greater.
What is a preliminary hearing in an Arizona felony case?
A preliminary hearing is used to determine whether probable cause exists to require the defendant to answer felony charges in Superior Court. The probable-cause standard is different from the beyond-a-reasonable-doubt standard required for conviction at trial.
What is a grand jury indictment?
A prosecutor may present evidence to a grand jury to determine whether probable cause exists. If the grand jury finds probable cause, it may return an indictment formally charging the defendant with felony offenses.
Does a prior felony conviction affect a new Arizona felony case?
It can. Arizona has separate sentencing provisions for defendants with qualifying historical prior felony convictions. The precise impact depends on the prior conviction, current charge and applicable sentencing statutes.
What does it mean if a felony is alleged to be dangerous?
Arizona has separate sentencing provisions for felony offenses that qualify as dangerous offenses. Whether those provisions apply depends on the charge, the allegations and what the State is able to prove.
Do all felony cases go to trial?
No. Some felony cases are resolved before trial through dismissal, motion practice or negotiated resolutions, while others proceed to trial. The appropriate strategy depends on the evidence, available defenses, potential consequences and client's objectives.
Can an Arizona felony charge be reduced?
The possible outcomes depend on the charge, evidence, criminal history, applicable statutes, prosecutor and circumstances of the case. In some matters, negotiations may involve amended or reduced charges, but no particular result can be guaranteed.
Does The Maerowitz Law Firm offer free consultations for felony cases?
Yes. The Maerowitz Law Firm, LLC offers a free and confidential initial consultation. Call 480-927-3700 to discuss an Arizona felony criminal case.
Facing a Felony Charge in Arizona?
If you have been arrested, indicted or are under investigation for a serious felony offense in Phoenix or elsewhere in Arizona, speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney about the allegations, evidence and Superior Court process.
Contact The Maerowitz Law Firm, LLC to discuss your case and legal options.
480-927-3700 CALL FOR A FREE CONSULTATION CONTACT THE FIRMThis information is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The classification, defenses, sentencing exposure and potential consequences of an Arizona felony depend on the particular offense, facts, criminal history and applicable law. Viewing this page or contacting the firm does not by itself establish an attorney-client relationship.