Glendale Criminal Defense Attorney

Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyer in Glendale, AZ

A Glendale criminal defense attorney protects your rights from the moment you are arrested or investigated, challenges the evidence against you, and fights to have your charges dismissed, reduced, or beaten at trial. At Davidson Criminal Defense & DUI Law Firm, that attorney is Joshua S. Davidson, a former prosecutor who has practiced Arizona criminal law since 1998 and tried more than 150 cases to a jury.

If you have been charged with committing a crime in Glendale, you will need to hire a qualified Attorney to help you navigate through the Arizona criminal justice system. The Arizona legal system is extremely complex, and it is vital to the success of your case that you contact a Glendale criminal defense attorney for assistance.

At the Davidson Criminal Defense & DUI Law Firm, we have experience in dealing with the following types of criminal charges:

Whether your case started with a traffic stop on Loop 101, an incident near the Westgate Entertainment District or State Farm Stadium, or an investigation by the Glendale Police Department, our firm defends clients throughout Glendale and the West Valley against misdemeanor and felony charges, including:

• DUI
• Domestic Violence
• Sex Crimes
• White Collar Crimes
• Drug Crimes
• Child Abuse

Why Hire a Former Prosecutor for Your Glendale Criminal Case?

If you have questions about a recent arrest or the charges you are facing, we are here to answer them. Mr. Davidson is a former prosecutor who handled misdemeanors, vehicular offenses, narcotics, sex crimes, and domestic violence cases. That experience shapes how he builds every defense.

Having worked on the other side, he knows how prosecutors evaluate cases, where police investigations tend to break down, and what it takes to win a favorable plea offer or a not-guilty verdict. His credentials include:

• Nearly 30 years of criminal law practice; admitted to the State Bar of Arizona and U.S. District Court in 1998
• More than 150 jury trials and roughly 1,000 bench trials
• AV Preeminent® rating from Martindale-Hubbell and National Trial Lawyers Top 40 recognition
• Member of the National College of DUI Defense and Arizona Attorneys for Criminal Justice
• J.D., Emory University School of Law; B.A. cum laude, University of Arizona

Mr. Davidson personally handles each case from start to finish. You will not be passed to a junior associate. Every client receives individual attention and serious, aggressive representation. Contact us today to discuss your case.

How Criminal Cases Move Through Glendale Courts

Where your case is heard depends on whether you are charged with a misdemeanor or a felony:

Most cases follow the same general path: arrest and booking → initial appearance and release conditions → arraignment and plea → pretrial conferences and motions → plea agreement or trial → sentencing. Attorney Davidson can appear with you or on your behalf at many of these hearings and will tell you what to expect at each step.

Misdemeanor vs. Felony Charges in Arizona

Arizona divides crimes into three classes of misdemeanors and six classes of felonies. Class 1 is the most serious in each group. Maximum misdemeanor penalties are set by A.R.S. §§ 13-707 and 13-802:

For a first-time, non-dangerous felony, A.R.S. § 13-702 sets the following prison ranges. Probation is often available for first-time Class 4, 5 and 6 felonies, and fines can reach $150,000 under A.R.S. § 13-801.

Repeat offenses, dangerous offenses (involving a weapon or serious injury) and DUI carry separate, harsher sentencing rules. Beyond jail and fines, a conviction can affect your job, professional license, housing, gun rights and immigration status, which is why the strategy in the first weeks of a case matters so much.

What to Do After an Arrest in Glendale

1. Stay silent. Politely tell officers you want to speak with a lawyer. Anything you say can be used to build the case against you.
2. Do not consent to searches. Do not physically resist, but clearly state that you do not consent to a search of your car, phone or home.
3. Do not discuss the case with friends, family, the alleged victim, or on social media, and do not talk about it over jail phones.
4. Write down what happened as soon as you can: times, locations, officers’ names and any witnesses.
5. Follow all release conditions, including no-contact orders, and attend every court date.
6. Call a Glendale criminal defense attorney before your arraignment, ideally within 24 hours. For a DUI, you have only 30 days from the suspension notice to request an MVD hearing to protect your license.

How Attorney Davidson Builds Your Defense

Every case is different, but our defense work typically includes:

• Reviewing the stop, search and arrest. If Glendale police lacked reasonable suspicion or probable cause, or violated your Miranda rights, we file motions to suppress the evidence.
• Testing the evidence. We examine body-camera and dash-camera footage, breath and blood test records, lab reports, and witness statements for errors and inconsistencies.
• Pursuing dismissal or reduction. We negotiate directly with the Glendale City Prosecutor or Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, often using weaknesses we found in the State’s case.
• Exploring diversion. Eligible first-time offenders may qualify for a diversion program that can end in dismissal of the charges after completion of classes or counseling.
• Trying the case. When a fair deal is not offered, Mr. Davidson is prepared to take your case to a jury, where the State must prove every element beyond a reasonable doubt.
• Minimizing consequences. If a conviction cannot be avoided, we push for alternatives to jail, reduced fines, and terms that protect your license and career.

Clearing Your Record: Set-Asides and Record Sealing

An arrest or conviction does not have to follow you forever. Arizona offers two main tools after a case is over:

• Set-aside (A.R.S. § 13-905): After completing your sentence, you can ask the court to set aside a conviction. The record remains, but it shows the conviction was set aside and releases many penalties and disabilities.
• Record sealing (A.R.S. § 13-911): Since 2023, many people can petition to seal arrest, charge and conviction records after a waiting period that ranges from 2 years for lower misdemeanors to 10 years for Class 2 and 3 felonies. Sealed records are hidden from most background checks.
• Marijuana expungement (A.R.S. § 36-2862): Certain past marijuana possession offenses can be fully expunged.

We can tell you which option you qualify for and file the petition in Glendale City Court or Maricopa County Superior Court.

Glendale Criminal Defense FAQs

Will My Glendale Criminal Case Be Heard in City Court or Superior Court?

It depends on the charge. Misdemeanors committed within Glendale city limits are generally heard in Glendale City Court at 5711 W. Glendale Avenue and prosecuted by the Glendale City Prosecutor. Felonies are filed in Maricopa County Superior Court and prosecuted by the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office. Some misdemeanors filed by county or state agencies go to a Maricopa County Justice Court. Your attorney can confirm the court and next hearing date from your citation or release paperwork.

How Much Does a Glendale Criminal Defense Attorney Cost?

The cost depends on the charge, whether it is a misdemeanor or felony, the amount of evidence to review, and whether the case goes to trial. Many criminal defense firms, including ours, charge a flat fee for each stage of the case rather than an hourly rate. Davidson Criminal Defense & DUI Law Firm offers a free consultation, where you will receive a clear fee quote before you decide to hire us.

Should I Talk to Glendale Police Before Speaking With a Lawyer?

No. You have a constitutional right to remain silent and to have a lawyer present during questioning. Politely tell officers you will not answer questions without an attorney, then stop talking. Statements made to police, even ones meant to explain your side, are often the strongest evidence prosecutors use. Call a Glendale criminal defense attorney before any interview.

Can My Criminal Charges Be Dismissed or Reduced in Glendale?

Yes, in many cases. Charges can be dismissed if the stop or search was unlawful, key evidence is suppressed, witnesses are unreliable, or the State cannot prove every element of the offense. Eligible first-time offenders may qualify for diversion, which can end in dismissal. When dismissal is not possible, a skilled defense attorney can often negotiate a reduction, such as a DUI reduced to reckless driving.

Can I Seal or Set Aside a Criminal Record in Arizona?

Yes. Under A.R.S. § 13-905, you can ask the court to set aside a conviction after completing your sentence. Under A.R.S. § 13-911, many people can petition to seal arrest and conviction records after a waiting period of 2 to 10 years, depending on the offense class. Sealed records are hidden from most background checks. Some serious and dangerous offenses are not eligible.

Schedule Your Consultation With a Glendale Criminal Defense Attorney

At our Glendale Law Firm, we will be glad to answer any of the questions you may have regarding your recent arrest or criminal charges. As a previous prosecutor, Mr. Davidson dealt with cases involving misdemeanors, vehicular offenses, narcotics offenses, sex crimes and domestic violence, and his experience in handling those types of charges has helped him develop more effective defense strategies as a criminal defense attorney.

As your Glendale criminal defense attorney, Mr. Davidson will provide your case with individual attention, and will personally handle your case from start to finish. He offers serious and aggressive representation that will be extremely important in achieving positive results for your case.

Contact Glendale Criminal Defense Lawyer< Joshua S. Davidson immediately to discuss your charges.