Phoenix’s most common criminal charges are DUI, drug possession, assault, domestic violence, theft, trespassing, criminal damage, and weapons cases. Under A.R.S. 28-1381(A)(1) and (A)(2), a first-offense DUI can mean at least 10 consecutive days in jail, with nine days suspendable after alcohol screening and treatment, plus fines and surcharges that can exceed $1,500, a 90-day license suspension, and ignition interlock requirements. A BAC of 0.08 or more, 0.04 for commercial drivers, or 0.02 for drivers under 21 can trigger charges, while extreme DUI under 28-1382 starts at 0.15. A second DUI can bring 90 days in jail. See the statutes at Arizona Legislature, and talk to a Phoenix criminal defense lawyer before you plead guilty or speak to police.
What are the most common criminal charges in Phoenix?
The most common criminal charges in Phoenix are DUI, drug possession, assault, domestic violence, theft, criminal damage, trespass, disorderly conduct, and weapons offenses, because Arizona police and prosecutors use those statutes every day in city and county cases. For example, DUI is charged under A.R.S. 28-1381, drug possession under A.R.S. 13-3408, 13-3407, and 13-3401, and assault under A.R.S. 13-1203.
These charges can be misdemeanors or felonies depending on the facts, prior convictions, injury, weapon use, or the amount and type of property or drugs involved. Shoplifting and theft cases often turn on value, while domestic-violence allegations can attach to an underlying offense when the relationship fits A.R.S. 13-3601. A Tempe criminal defense lawyer can often identify defenses early.
How does Maricopa County prosecute these charges?
Maricopa County prosecutes these charges through the Phoenix City Prosecutor for most city misdemeanors and the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office for most felonies and some misdemeanors, using police reports, body-camera video, lab results, witness statements, and prior-history records. Prosecutors then decide diversion, plea offers, dismissal, or trial based on the statute and evidence.
Arizona criminal procedure gives the State strong discovery tools, but the defense can challenge traffic stops, search warrants, Miranda issues, lab testing, and witness credibility. In DUI and drug cases, BAC results, FSTs, and chain of custody often matter. In assault or domestic-violence cases, the exact injury evidence and 911 recordings can drive the charging decision.
How can a defense lawyer help with each?
A defense lawyer helps by attacking the weakest part of each charge, whether that is the stop, the search, the identification, the value of property, the drug weight, or the alleged injury. In DUI cases, that can mean reviewing A.R.S. 28-1381 testing, in drug cases it can mean disputing possession or lab proof, and in assault cases it can mean self-defense under A.R.S. 13-404.
For domestic violence, a lawyer can test whether A.R.S. 13-3601 actually applies and whether the State can prove the relationship and the underlying offense. For weapons charges, counsel can examine possession, classification, and any lawful-defense issues under Arizona law. The goal is to reduce a charge, keep it off your record, or secure dismissal when the State cannot prove each element.
How do criminal cases play out in local Arizona courts?
Criminal cases in local Arizona courts usually start with an arrest, citation, or summons, then move through an initial appearance, arraignment, pretrial conferences, motions, and either a plea or trial under the Arizona Rules of Criminal Procedure. Phoenix cases often land in Phoenix Municipal Court for city misdemeanors or the Superior Court in Maricopa County for felonies.
People charged in nearby cities may appear in courts serving Mesa, Scottsdale, Glendale, or Tempe, depending on where the case began, and Oliverson Law has offices in Tempe, Gilbert, Phoenix, and Kingman and represents clients in the courts near each. If you need a Mesa criminal defense lawyer, a Scottsdale criminal defense lawyer, or a Glendale criminal defense lawyer, early local representation can matter.
When should you call an Arizona criminal defense lawyer?
You should call an Arizona criminal defense lawyer immediately after an arrest, citation, search, or police contact, because the most common criminal charges in Phoenix are often won or reduced by work done before the first court date. Oliverson Law provides defense for these cases, including Arizona DUI lawyer help, Arizona drug crimes attorney defense, and Arizona assault lawyer representation.
Do not wait if police ask for a statement, if you have a prior record, or if the charge could affect your job, immigration status, license, or firearm rights. A lawyer can also screen for domestic-violence exposure, negotiate with prosecutors, and advise you before you enter court. If you need to talk now, use the contact Oliverson Law page.
What are the key Arizona courts and agencies to know?
The key Arizona courts and agencies to know are the Phoenix Municipal Court, Maricopa County Superior Court, Arizona courts, the State Bar of Arizona, the Phoenix Police Department, and the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, because those offices handle investigation, prosecution, discipline, and court administration in most Phoenix criminal cases. See Arizona statutes at Arizona Legislature for the controlling law.
You can verify court information through Arizona Courts and attorney licensing through State Bar of Arizona. For defense help tied to these courts, Oliverson Law also handles Arizona domestic violence lawyer matters and Arizona weapons charges lawyer cases across the Valley.
Frequently Asked Questions
DUI is one of the most common criminal charges in Phoenix, along with drug possession, assault, domestic violence, theft, and criminal damage. The exact charge depends on the facts, the stop, the evidence, and any prior record.
A first standard DUI under A.R.S. 28-1381 carries at least 10 consecutive days in jail, although 9 days may be suspended after alcohol screening and treatment. Court costs, fines, fees, and a driver’s license suspension can also apply.
Yes. Domestic violence is usually a designation added to another charge, and many cases are misdemeanors. The relationship and the underlying offense matter under A.R.S. 13-3601, and some cases can still be charged as felonies depending on the facts.
No. Misdemeanor cases often start in municipal court, including Phoenix Municipal Court, while felony cases generally proceed in Maricopa County Superior Court. Where the case is filed depends on the charge, the city, and the alleged conduct.
Usually no. Anything you say can be used against you, and early statements can hurt negotiations or trial defense. A lawyer can help you respond safely and protect your rights before you make a decision.
If you were cited, arrested, or are under investigation, call Oliverson Law now. Early defense can change the outcome in Phoenix criminal cases and across Maricopa County.
