Criminal Law
If you have been charged with a crime, the most important step you will take is to obtain an experienced and aggressive attorney to fight for you. With overwhelming feelings of uncertainty, anxiety, and frustration, this may be the most difficult and stressful time in your life.
The attorney you choose is probably the most important decision you ever make. When you hire an attorney at Garcia Law Group, PLLC, you can rest assured we will fight tirelessly to win your case. Our attorneys believe everyone deserves the best possible representation and commit to providing you with the individual attention you deserve. We know how the system works and will apply our knowledge and experienace to maximize your chances of getting a dismissal or having your charges reduced.
Our legal team can represent you in any jurisdiction within the State of Arizona. Located in the Phoenix Metropolitan area, we routinely represent clients in federal and state courts in all the Counties across the State of Arizona. In addition, our criminal defense attorneys have handled hundreds of cases for clients charged with felonies or misdemeanors regardless of the nature of the offense.
Some of the types of cases we have handled include the following:
Drug Crimes
Domestic Violence
DUI Offenses
Sex Crimes
Assault
Kidnapping
Violent Offenses
First Degree Murder
Weapons Charges
Bench Warrants
Expungements
Probation Violation
Theft Crimes
Juvenile Crimes
Property Offenses
Child Abuse
Vehicular Crimes
Extreme DUI
Unlawful Imprisonment
Unlawful Flight
Unlawful Discharge
Robbery
Resisting Arrest
Possession of Drugs for Sale
Possession of Drugs for Use
Possession of Marijuana
Dangerous Crimes
Endangerment
Disorderly Conduct
Dangerous Drugs
Wiretap Cases
Disorderly Conduct
Armed Robbery
Aggravated Robbery
Aggravated Assault
Human Smuggling
Forgery
Identity Theft
Burglary
Criminal Trespassing
Your freedom is extremely important to you and should be equally important to your attorney. You do not have to fight the government alone. You have many constitutional rights, including the right to an attorney. When your future is on the line, you need an experienced and aggressive attorney to fight for you.
Do not go to court alone! Our attorneys will fight for you! If you or a loved one has been charged with a crime, contact Garcia Law Group, PLLC for a free consultation.
I Was Arrested, Now What?
When you are arrested, you are taken into custody. This means that you are not free to leave the scene. Without being arrested, however, you still could be detained or held for questioning for a short time if a police officer or other person believes you may be involved in a crime. For example, an officer may detain you if you are carrying a large box near a recent burglary site. Storekeepers also can detain you if they suspect you have stolen something.
Whether you are arrested or detained, you do not have to answer any questions except to give your name and address and show some identification if requested.
What rights do I have after an arrest?
You have a right to remain silent except for your name and address. You don’t have to answer any questions or sign any statements. If the police try to question you, you are supposed to be advised of your so-called Miranda rights, which are:
- You have the right to remain silent
- Anything you say can be used against you as evidence against you
- You have a right to a lawyer
- If you cannot afford a lawyer, one will be appointed for you
If you ask for a lawyer, the police can’t question you until your lawyer is present. If no one asks you questions, no lawyer has to be appointed until you are brought to court.
If you are under 18, you have the right to have your parent/guardian and your lawyer present when questioned.
You have the right to a telephone call within one hour of your detention. Ask the police for change and assistance if needed, and call your lawyer or some one else who will call your lawyer for you.
If you are sick or hurt, ask to be taken to the hospital.
You must be brought before a judge within 24 hours or 48 hours on weekends and in special cases.
What if the police try to make me answer questions or sign a statement before I have spoken with a lawyer?
The best rule to follow is not to sign anything or say anything without the advice of your lawyer. Especially don’t sign something you haven’t completely read or don’t fully understand. Remember, any statement you sign—and anything you say, even if you don’t sign a statement—can and will be used against you. Keep in mind that talking can have the same consequences as signing a statement. The promise of an officer to help you or to make a deal with the court in exchange for a confession is not legally binding. If you are put in a cell, don’t talk to friends or strangers about your arrest or alleged crime, as the police may be listening.
Is there anything that I should sign at the station?
Yes. You should sign a list of items (inventory) taken from your pockets when you were arrested. If you fail to sign this report, it is possible that you may not get all your belongings returned to you.
When should I contact an attorney?
You should contact an attorney immediately. Contact our office at 602-726-6000 and our experienced attorneys in criminal law will help you and provide you with aggressive representation to solve your case.