Criminal Defense Lawyer in Lake Havasu

Misdemeanor offenses are the lowest level of criminal offenses in the state of Arizona. There are three classes of misdemeanor offenses, Class 3 being the least severe and Class 1 being the most severe. However, the way these offenses travel through the court is basically the same regardless of the classification. Penalties for a misdemeanor charge can range anywhere from simple fines to six months in jail.

Example of Misdemeanor Offenses:

• Excessive Speed/Criminal Speed
• DUI – Driving Under the Influence
• Endangerment
• Reckless Driving
• Aggressive Driving
• Open Container
• Suspended Driver’s License
• Shoplifting
• Leaving the Scene of an Accident
• Failure to Stop at Port of Entry (Commercial Vehicle Drivers)

Your Misdemeanor Case will be assigned to a prosecuting attorney to prosecute the case against you. The first appearance in court for a misdemeanor offense will be an arraignment. That is where a defendant would plead guilty or not-guilty to the charged offense. In many cases your defense attorney could appear at the arraignment on your behalf then get to work meeting with and attempting to negotiate with the assigned prosecutor.

Eventually the case will conclude with either the entering of a plea agreement or a trial. We recommend that you retain one of our local criminal defense attorneys to help you navigate this process and ensure best efforts are used towards a good outcome for your misdemeanor charge.

Felony Criminal Offenses

Felony offenses are more severe than misdemeanor offenses and have six different levels called “classes.” Like misdemeanors, Class 6 is the least severe and Class 1 is the most severe level of felony. Penalties for felony convictions can range from probation and fines to significant prison time. Felony convictions can also have longer lasting impacts on a person such as loss of the right to vote and the right to own or possess firearms. Felonies can even affect your future employment opportunities as many employers ask applicants if they have ever been convicted of a felony.

Example of Felony Charges:

• Aggravated DUI
• Firearm Related Offense
• Robbery
• Drug Charges
• Aggravated Assault

The court process for felony charges is similar to that of a misdemeanor. There are several different types of court appearances for felony charges as the penalties are significantly more severe. It is recommended that you hire our Criminal Defense Attorneys in Lake Havasu City to help you minimize the potential penalties and defend you against the long-lasting effects that a felony conviction could have.

Which Courts Are in or Near Lake Havasu, AZ?

If you are facing any sort of criminal charges chance are they will be out of the following courts:

• Lake Havasu City Municipal Court
• Lake Havasu City Justice Court
• Parker Justice Court
• Parker Magistrate Court
• Quartzsite Justice Court
• La Paz Justice Court
• Mohave County Superior Court
• La Paz County Superior Court

If you are facing a Misdemeanor or Felony in or near Lake Havasu call to schedule a complimentary consult with one of our Lake Havasu Defense Lawyers at the Law Offices of Brandon White. We are here to help.

“Attorney Brandon White is a former State Police Officer/Trooper and his Team of criminal defense attorneys are almost all former prosecutors. Let us put this experience to work for you.”