Arizona Misdemeanor Defense Lawyer
A misdemeanor may be less serious than a felony, but a criminal charge should never be treated like a minor inconvenience. A misdemeanor conviction can expose you to jail, probation, fines and a criminal record while creating additional concerns for employment, professional opportunities and your future.
The Maerowitz Law Firm, LLC represents people facing misdemeanor charges in Phoenix and throughout Arizona. Misdemeanor cases are commonly handled in Arizona municipal or city courts and justice courts, and our firm provides experienced, personalized defense from the beginning of the case through resolution or trial.
CALL 480-927-3700 FREE & CONFIDENTIAL CONSULTATIONCharged With a Misdemeanor in Arizona?
Arizona misdemeanor charges cover a broad range of conduct, including assault, disorderly conduct, criminal damage, trespassing, theft-related allegations, certain domestic violence offenses, criminal traffic violations and many other offenses.
Even when the charge is described as a misdemeanor, the prosecution still must prove the required elements of the offense. Intent, knowledge, witness credibility, identification, physical evidence, statements, police procedures and constitutional issues can all affect the outcome of a case.
An experienced Arizona misdemeanor defense lawyer can examine what happened, review the prosecution's evidence, identify defenses and help you understand the choices available before you make decisions that could affect your record and future.
Do Not Assume You Should Simply Plead Guilty and Move On.
A misdemeanor case can involve more than paying a fine. Depending on the charge, a conviction may expose a person to incarceration, probation, financial penalties, court-ordered programs, restitution or other conditions.
The facts should be reviewed before deciding whether to enter a plea. Police reports do not always tell the complete story, witnesses can disagree, evidence may be incomplete and legal defenses may not be obvious from the citation or complaint.
Speaking with a criminal defense attorney early gives you an opportunity to understand the allegations and available options before making important decisions in court.
DISCUSS YOUR CASE | 480-927-3700Municipal Court vs. Justice Court
Misdemeanor criminal cases in Arizona are typically handled in courts of limited jurisdiction. Depending on where the alleged offense occurred and what law is charged, your case may be filed in a municipal or city court or in a justice court.
Arizona Municipal Courts
Municipal courts, sometimes called city courts or magistrate courts, hear misdemeanor crimes and petty offenses committed within their city or town.
They also hear criminal and civil traffic matters and violations of city ordinances. Municipal courts share jurisdiction with justice courts over certain violations of Arizona state law occurring within city or town limits.
Arizona Justice Courts
Arizona justice courts also hear misdemeanor criminal cases and traffic matters within their jurisdiction.
The courthouse matters because procedures, scheduling, prosecutors and local practices can differ. Knowing where the case is pending is one of the first steps in preparing a defense.
Class 1, Class 2 & Class 3 Misdemeanors
Arizona divides misdemeanors into three general classes. Class 1 is the most serious of the three, followed by Class 2 and Class 3. Individual offenses may also have special sentencing provisions, mandatory requirements or additional consequences.
Important: These are Arizona's general statutory maximums for the misdemeanor classes. Particular offenses may carry different or additional sentencing requirements, assessments, restitution, license consequences, treatment requirements or other conditions. The potential outcome of an individual case should be evaluated based on the specific charge and facts.
Arizona Misdemeanor Defense for a Wide Range of Charges
Whether an offense is a misdemeanor depends on the particular statute and circumstances. The Maerowitz Law Firm represents clients facing many types of misdemeanor criminal allegations.
Misdemeanor Assault Charges Can Depend on the Conduct Alleged
Arizona's misdemeanor assault statute covers different types of alleged conduct, including intentionally or knowingly causing physical injury, placing another person in reasonable apprehension of imminent physical injury and certain intentional physical contact.
The classification can vary depending on the specific conduct and mental state alleged. That makes it important to identify exactly which portion of the assault statute the prosecutor claims was violated.
Witness statements, injuries, photographs, video, 911 calls, self-defense issues, prior communications and inconsistencies between accounts may all become important when defending an assault charge.
A Domestic Violence Designation Can Add Another Layer to a Misdemeanor Case
In Arizona, “domestic violence” is often a designation attached to another criminal offense when the alleged conduct involves a qualifying relationship between the people involved.
For example, an underlying misdemeanor allegation such as assault, disorderly conduct or criminal damage may also be treated as a domestic violence offense when the relationship requirements are satisfied.
These cases can involve emotionally charged circumstances, conflicting accounts and related protective-order or family issues. Text messages, photographs, recordings, witness testimony, police body-camera footage and the history between the parties can all become important.
Even when a qualifying domestic relationship exists, the State must still prove the underlying criminal offense. The evidence supporting the allegation should be carefully evaluated.
The State's Evidence Should Be Carefully Examined.
The right defense depends on the charge and facts. A misdemeanor assault case may depend heavily on witness credibility, while a criminal traffic case might turn on officer observations or technical evidence. A property case may raise questions about ownership, value or intent.
Depending on the circumstances, The Maerowitz Law Firm may examine issues including:
What Happens After an Arizona Misdemeanor Charge?
The exact procedure depends on the charge and court, but a misdemeanor case can involve several stages before it is resolved.
The fact that a prosecutor makes an offer does not automatically mean that accepting it is the best decision. The evidence, defenses, potential consequences and client's priorities should be considered before deciding how to proceed.
A Misdemeanor Can Affect More Than the Immediate Court Case
Jail & Probation
Misdemeanor convictions can expose a person to incarceration, probation or both depending on the offense and sentence.
Financial Consequences
Fines, assessments, restitution and other financial obligations may apply depending on the case.
Criminal Record
A misdemeanor conviction may appear in criminal-history and background-check information.
Employment & Future
Certain convictions can create concerns for employment, licensing and other future opportunities.
Facing DUI Charges?
Many Arizona DUI cases are misdemeanor criminal matters, but DUI involves specialized sentencing, scientific evidence and driver's-license issues. The Maerowitz Law Firm has a separate resource dedicated specifically to Arizona DUI defense.
VISIT OUR ARIZONA DUI LAWYER PAGEWhy Hire The Maerowitz Law Firm for an Arizona Misdemeanor?
The Maerowitz Law Firm, LLC is an Arizona law firm focused on providing experienced, personalized criminal defense representation. Misdemeanor cases deserve careful attention because the outcome can affect a client's freedom, record, finances and future.
Managing Attorney Matt Maerowitz has 12 years of legal experience and has represented clients in 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 also gained experience with the Pima County Attorney's Office as a student prosecutor during law school.
The firm's approach is to understand what happened, review the evidence, explain the potential consequences and develop a strategy based on the actual facts and the client's priorities rather than treating a misdemeanor case as a routine file.
Three Important Steps to Take
Keep Your Paperwork
Preserve the citation, complaint, release paperwork, court notices and any other documents provided by law enforcement or the court.
Do Not Miss Court
Review your paperwork for the court name, case number, hearing date and other requirements. Missing a required appearance can create additional problems.
Talk With a Defense Attorney
Discuss the charge, evidence, court and possible consequences with an experienced Arizona misdemeanor defense attorney.
Looking for an Arizona Misdemeanor Defense Lawyer?
The Maerowitz Law Firm, LLC is based in Phoenix and represents clients facing criminal charges throughout Arizona. The firm handles misdemeanor matters in municipal and justice courts, including cases involving assault, disorderly conduct, domestic violence allegations, property offenses, criminal traffic charges and other misdemeanor crimes.
If you are searching for an Arizona misdemeanor defense lawyer, Phoenix misdemeanor attorney, municipal court criminal lawyer, justice court defense attorney, Class 1 misdemeanor lawyer 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 Misdemeanor Charges
Where are misdemeanor cases handled in Arizona?
Misdemeanor cases are commonly handled in Arizona municipal or city courts and justice courts. Which court hears the case depends on where the alleged offense occurred and the law involved.
What is the most serious misdemeanor in Arizona?
A Class 1 misdemeanor is the most serious of Arizona's three general misdemeanor classifications. The general maximum term of incarceration is six months, although individual offenses may have their own additional sentencing requirements.
Can I go to jail for an Arizona misdemeanor?
Yes. Arizona law authorizes jail sentences for misdemeanor convictions. The general maximum is six months for a Class 1 misdemeanor, four months for a Class 2 misdemeanor and 30 days for a Class 3 misdemeanor.
What are the maximum misdemeanor fines in Arizona?
Arizona's general statutory fine maximums are $2,500 for a Class 1 misdemeanor, $750 for a Class 2 misdemeanor and $500 for a Class 3 misdemeanor. Additional assessments, restitution or offense-specific requirements may also apply.
Can an assault charge be a misdemeanor in Arizona?
Yes. Arizona's basic assault statute includes misdemeanor classifications. The classification depends on the specific conduct and mental state alleged, while certain aggravating circumstances can turn an assault allegation into a felony.
Is domestic violence itself a separate misdemeanor charge?
Domestic violence is commonly a designation applied to an underlying offense when the alleged conduct and relationship between the parties meet Arizona's statutory requirements. The underlying offense still has elements the prosecution must prove.
Can a misdemeanor case be dismissed?
The possible outcomes depend on the facts, evidence, law, prosecutor and court. Some cases may present legal or evidentiary issues that affect whether charges continue, while other cases may be resolved through negotiations or trial. No particular result can be guaranteed.
Does The Maerowitz Law Firm offer free consultations for misdemeanor cases?
Yes. The Maerowitz Law Firm, LLC offers a free and confidential initial consultation. Call 480-927-3700 to discuss an Arizona misdemeanor criminal case.
Facing a Misdemeanor Charge in Arizona?
If you have been arrested, cited or charged with a misdemeanor in Phoenix or elsewhere in Arizona, speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney before making important decisions about your case.
Contact The Maerowitz Law Firm, LLC to discuss the charge, the evidence and your 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 range and potential consequences of an Arizona misdemeanor depend on the particular offense, facts and applicable law. Viewing this page or contacting the firm does not by itself establish an attorney-client relationship.