Category: Criminal Defense
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Plea Agreements in Arizona: What “Taking a Plea” Actually Means for Your Record
A plea agreement in Arizona isn’t just “pleading guilty.” Under Rule 17 of the Arizona Rules of Criminal Procedure, it’s a negotiated resolution. The defendant agrees to plead guilty or no contest to specific charges, usually in exchange for the state dropping other charges or recommending a specific sentence. What actually gets negotiated in a…
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Public Defender vs Private Attorney in Arizona: What Actually Differs
Every person facing criminal charges in Arizona has a right to counsel, but that right splits into two paths. Under A.R.S. § 13-4013, the court appoints counsel for anyone found indigent. Everyone else hires private counsel or represents themselves. A public defender vs private attorney Arizona comparison comes down to a narrower set of practical…
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Arizona Bail and Release Conditions: How a Judge Decides at Initial Appearance
Bail in Arizona initial appearance proceedings doesn’t start from a blank slate. Under Rule 7.2 of the Arizona Rules of Criminal Procedure, anyone charged with a bailable offense has a right to release on their own recognizance. The court can override that right only if it finds specific conditions are necessary. The default leans toward…
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Being Arrested in Arizona: What Happens in the First 24 Hours
Getting arrested in Arizona starts a legal clock most people don’t know exists. Under Rule 4.1 of the Arizona Rules of Criminal Procedure, an arrested person has to be brought before a magistrate for an initial appearance within 24 hours, or released. That single deadline shapes almost everything that happens after being arrested in Arizona…