Understanding Criminal Legal Procedures in Tucson and Pima County
A Client-Centered Approach from a Tucson Criminal Defense Attorney
If you or someone you care about has been accused of a crime in Tucson or elsewhere in Pima County, it’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed. The criminal justice system is filled with legal jargon, strict deadlines, and high-stakes decisions. But you don’t have to face it alone—and you don’t have to face it uninformed.
At AJB Law Firm, we believe in a customer-forward or client-centered approach to criminal defense. That means putting you—the person whose life and freedom are at stake—at the center of every decision and making sure you understand what’s happening in your case at every stage. We do more than just represent you in court. We guide you through the process, empower you with information, and advocate fiercely on your behalf.
In this guide, we’ll walk through the major stages of a criminal case in Tucson, Pima County, and throughout Southern Arizona, so that you know what to expect, how to prepare, and why having an experienced criminal defense attorney in Tucson can make all the difference.
Why Understanding the Criminal Justice Process Matters
Many of our clients have never been in legal trouble before. Others have dealt with the system for years. Either way, the process can feel like a maze. But knowing what to expect—from arrest to resolution—can reduce anxiety, help you make informed decisions, and even improve your legal outcome.
The stakes are too high to feel left in the dark. Whether you're facing misdemeanor charges in Pima County Justice Court or a felony case in Pima County Superior Court, understanding each step allows you to be an active participant in your own defense.
Let’s walk through the process, step-by-step.
Stage 1: The Initial Investigation
A criminal case often starts before charges are ever filed. In the investigative phase, law enforcement may:
Respond to a reported incident
Question witnesses
Collect physical or digital evidence
Execute search warrants
Request chemical tests (e.g., blood, breath, or urine in DUI cases)
Sometimes, individuals are aware they are under investigation—especially in cases like theft, domestic violence, drug possession, or driving under the influence (DUI). In other cases, charges are filed unexpectedly.
👉 Pro Tip: If you believe you’re under investigation in Tucson or anywhere in Pima County, you don’t have to wait to be arrested to seek legal help. In fact, contacting a criminal defense lawyer early can protect your rights and shape the direction of your case.
Stage 2: Arrest and Charging
After gathering evidence, police may arrest a suspect. In misdemeanor cases, arrests are often immediate (e.g., after a traffic stop or domestic call). In felony cases, police may submit the investigation to the County Attorney’s Office to determine whether to file charges.
Once charges are filed, you may:
Be taken into custody
Receive a citation with a court date
Be summoned to appear before a judge
In Tucson City Court and Pima County Justice Court, most misdemeanor defendants are released with a court date. In felony cases, you may appear before a magistrate for an initial appearance, where bond is set.
Stage 3: Arraignment and Plea Entry
Your first formal court appearance after charges are filed is typically called an arraignment. At this hearing:
You’re informed of the charges
You enter a plea (usually “not guilty”)
Future court dates are scheduled
If you’ve hired a Tucson criminal defense lawyer, they may file a Notice of Appearance and Waiver of Arraignment, meaning you won’t need to appear in person. We handle that for you.
Many clients ask: “Why plead not guilty if I did something wrong?”
Answer: Pleading not guilty at this stage protects your rights and gives your attorney time to investigate, negotiate, and explore your legal options. It’s a formality—not a statement of denial.
Stage 4: Disclosure and Pretrial Negotiations
Once the case is underway, both sides engage in discovery—the exchange of evidence. This includes:
Police reports
Body-worn camera footage
Lab results (especially in DUI or drug cases)
Witness statements
Any exculpatory evidence
At AJB Law Firm, we go further. We conduct independent investigations, file motions to suppress evidence when appropriate, and challenge the prosecution’s case with precision. Every case gets a tailored strategy.
This is also when plea negotiations happen. In Arizona, prosecutors may offer plea deals in exchange for:
Reduced charges
Lower sentencing exposure
Diversion or deferred prosecution
But not all plea offers are in your best interest. Our job is to analyze every option through the lens of your life—your job, your family, your immigration status, your goals—and guide you to the best decision.
Stage 5: Trial Preparation and Trial
If no acceptable plea is reached, your case proceeds to trial. This could be:
A bench trial (heard by a judge)
A jury trial (heard by a panel of peers)
Trial preparation includes:
Identifying legal defenses (e.g., lack of intent, mistaken identity, duress, etc.)
Preparing to cross-examine witnesses
Filing motions in limine to exclude prejudicial evidence
Preparing exhibits, experts, and testimony
In misdemeanor cases in Tucson or Pima County Justice Court, trials usually last 1–2 days. Felony trials are longer and more complex.
What sets AJB Law Firm apart? We bring trial experience from both public and private defense, including training other attorneys in trial advocacy. You are in good hands if your case proceeds to this stage.
Stage 6: Sentencing
If you plead guilty or are convicted at trial, your case moves to sentencing. In Arizona, sentences vary based on:
The nature of the offense
Criminal history
Aggravating/mitigating factors
Mandatory minimum laws
Victim impact statements
At AJB Law Firm, we prepare detailed sentencing memoranda that humanize our clients, highlight mitigating factors, and present arguments under RAJI (Revised Arizona Jury Instructions) and Arizona statutes to seek the lowest possible penalties.
This is not the time to go quiet or accept whatever the prosecutor suggests. Sentencing is advocacy—and we don’t stop fighting.
What Happens After Sentencing?
Your case may not be over. Post-sentencing matters may include:
Appeals
Motions to modify probation
Requests for early termination of probation
Expungement or set-aside of conviction
MVD hearings if your license was impacted (especially in DUI cases)
We provide ongoing support and guidance even after court dates end. That’s what customer-forward service looks like.
Why Choose a Tucson Criminal Defense Attorney Who Puts Clients First?
There are a lot of lawyers in Arizona. But not all of them prioritize you.
At AJB Law Firm, our client-centered approach means:
✅ You get prompt communication and honest advice
✅ You’re treated with dignity, no matter the charge
✅ You’re involved in every major decision
✅ You understand what’s happening in your case, start to finish
✅ You work with an attorney who cares about the outcome
We’ve handled hundreds of cases in Tucson City Court, Pima County Justice Court, and Pima County Superior Court. We understand the local landscape, the players involved, and what it takes to resolve cases efficiently and favorably.
Conclusion: Your Future Deserves a Strategic Defense
Facing criminal charges in Pima County doesn’t mean your life is over. With the right defense, you can protect your freedom, your future, and your peace of mind.
If you’re searching for an experienced, compassionate, and effective criminal defense attorney in Tucson, reach out today. Whether you’re dealing with a first-time DUI, a domestic violence allegation, or a more serious felony case, AJB Law Firm is here to guide you through the process with clarity and confidence.
📞 Call now or schedule a consultation to start building your defense.
