Chandler Criminal Defense Lawyer

Trusted Criminal Defense Attorney in Chandler, AZ

Being charged with a crime can be an incredibly frightening experience. Whether you are facing misdemeanor or felony charges, your finances, reputation, and even freedom may be on the line. To learn more about your legal rights and options, turn to a Chandler criminal defense lawyer from Davidson Criminal Defense & DUI Law Firm. We can give you key insight into the criminal justice process and what you might anticipate as your case proceeds.

Your Maricopa County Defense Attorney

Davidson Criminal Defense & DUI Law Firm proudly serves clients who have been charged with crimes across the Phoenix metropolitan area, including Chandler. We understand how unsettling an arrest can be for you and your family. At Davidson Criminal Defense & DUI Law Firm, we believe that everyone should be treated fairly under the law.

We also believe that everyone deserves an opportunity to tell their story. Through strong communication and zealous legal representation, our attorneys can guide you through Arizona’s criminal justice system and help you protect your rights.

Criminal Defense Laws in Arizona

Arizona state law defines specific crimes, assigns classifications to each criminal offense, and sets forth sentencing guidelines for crimes throughout the state. Depending on the circumstances involved in your case, you may be facing either a misdemeanor or a felony charge.

There are many important statutes you may need to be aware of when facing an Arizona criminal case. For example, Arizona Revised Statutes § 13-701 contains sentencing guidelines that may be applied to felony crimes. This law includes factors that judges can consider when sentencing a convicted defendant. Additionally, this law provides information about minimum and maximum sentences allowed under Arizona law.

In 2025, the Chandler Police Department reported that the city saw 5,905 total crimes, with a crime rate of 2092.55 per 100,000 people, according to official data from Arizona Crime Statistics. This was a bit lower than Arizona’s overall 2025 crime rate of 2840.26 crimes per 100,000 residents.

Types of Criminal Charges in Chandler

Some criminal charges are the result of a single incident. In other cases, criminal charges are brought after long-term investigations by local or state officials. Types of crimes that may be commonly prosecuted in Chandler include:

• Drug crimes
• Assault crimes
• Property crimes
• DUIs
• Sex crimes
• Domestic violence

Knowing what evidence prosecutors must bring to prove the commission of each crime can help you better understand your criminal charges and identify defenses that may apply to your situation. Consider speaking with a qualified Chandler criminal defense attorney to discuss your specific legal defense options.

Depending on the charges you face, criminal cases in Chandler typically start in the Chandler Municipal Court, located at 200 East Chicago Street, or in the Maricopa County Superior Court in Phoenix.

Criminal Defense Strategies

Each criminal case is different. Facts and issues vary from case to case. For this reason, successful defense strategies in criminal cases also differ based on the evidence at issue and the specific allegations in the case.

In some cases, the entire defense hinges on how believable the witnesses are. Others may involve proving that law enforcement made procedural errors or violated your constitutional rights. Arguments may focus on issues like:

• Unreasonable searches and seizures due to a lack of probable cause or a lack of a warrant
• Improper identification procedures
• Problems with forensic testing
• Other evidentiary issues

Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer

Many people decide to hire a criminal defense lawyer after learning that they are the subject of a criminal investigation or have been charged with a crime. Arizona’s criminal justice system can be very difficult to navigate alone. There are many different factors that can affect the outcome of your case. Some of these include:

• Evidence available
• Witness testimony
• Relevant laws
• Any procedural issues

A lawyer can help you understand the charges against you as well as inform you of your rights going forward. They can also:

• Create a solid defense strategy based on Arizona law
• Represent you in and out of court
• Scrutinize the prosecution’s evidence and arguments
• Help shoulder the administrative burden of legal paperwork

When your future may be on the line, don’t face your charges alone; get the professional legal support you need.

FAQs

What Is the Difference Between Being Questioned and Being Arrested?

The difference between being questioned and being arrested is that people may be questioned by law enforcement without being arrested right away. An arrest occurs when police take someone into custody on the basis of probable cause. Your rights may differ depending on whether you have been formally arrested or are speaking with investigators voluntarily.

Can a Witness Refuse to Testify in a Criminal Case?

Witnesses in a criminal case are generally legally obligated to testify if subpoenaed, with certain exceptions. For example, they may be able to refuse to answer questions if the testimony could incriminate them (“pleading the Fifth”). Witnesses may also invoke certain privileges to potentially excuse themselves from testifying; for example, if they are married to someone implicated in the case, they may invoke spousal privileges.

Can Criminal Charges Affect Child Custody Matters?

Yes, criminal charges can affect child custody matters. Child custody cases are heard in family court, which distributes custody rights based on what is in the best interests of the child. If a parent’s criminal record suggests that they may be a risk to the child, whether physically or mentally, or that they might be unable to provide proper care, the court could restrict or revoke their custody rights.

What Happens if a Victim Wants Charges Dropped?

If a victim wants criminal charges dropped, the case may still move forward. This is because criminal cases are brought by prosecutors, not the alleged victim, who does not have the authority to formally drop charges. If the prosecution believes they have a strong enough case to go to court, they may still proceed with the charges, even without the victim’s cooperation.

Rely on Davidson Criminal Defense & DUI Law Firm

If you have been charged with a crime in Chandler, Davidson Criminal Defense & DUI Law Firm can assist you. We understand how complex the law can be, and we’re here to help you understand your rights and options. Contact us today to learn how we can help you protect your future.