Frequently Asked Questions

Stay calm and stop talking about your case: not to the police, not to friends or family, and not on jail phone calls, which are recorded. Ask for a lawyer. Keep every paper you were given, write down what happened while it’s fresh, and call the office or text Ty’s cell.

No. You have the right to remain silent, so use it. Anything you say can be used against you, even if it seems harmless or the officer says they just want to hear your side. Don’t contact the prosecutor or the alleged victim either. Let your attorney do the talking.

Yes. At the initial appearance, a judge decides whether the person is released and on what terms: on their own recognizance, with a bond, or with other conditions. An attorney can argue for release or a lower bond, and can ask the court to review the release conditions later if the first decision was too harsh. The sooner you call, the more we can do.

Yes. Family members often make the first call and handle the payment. The person charged is still the client, so what they tell us stays confidential, but you can get things started for them right away.

A warrant means you can be arrested at any time, even at a routine traffic stop. Don’t wait for that to happen. An attorney can often help you take care of a warrant and get your case back on track, sometimes without you having to sit in jail first. Call us before you do anything else.

In most cases, yes, unless the court excuses you. Missing a court date can lead to a warrant and new problems. For some hearings, your attorney may be able to appear for you or ask the court to excuse you. Never assume. Ask us first.

In Arizona, misdemeanors are the less serious offenses. The most serious class can carry up to six months in jail. Felonies are more serious and can carry prison time, and a felony conviction can cost you rights like voting and owning a firearm until they’re restored. Some charges can be filed either way, which is one more reason to have an attorney involved early.

A misdemeanor can still mean jail time, fines, probation, license consequences and a criminal record that shows up on background checks. Many misdemeanor cases can be reduced, diverted or dismissed, but you have to know where to push. Having a defense attorney from the start gives you the best shot at the best outcome.

It depends on the charges and the court. Many misdemeanor cases are resolved in a few weeks to a few months. Felony cases usually take longer, often several months or more. Taking the time to get the evidence and build leverage is often what leads to a better result.

Diversion is a program that lets some people avoid a conviction. You complete certain requirements, such as classes, counseling or community service, and when you finish, the charges are dismissed. Not every case or person qualifies, and the prosecutor usually has to agree, so it often takes an attorney pushing for it.

A plea deal is an agreement with the prosecutor, usually to plead guilty to a lesser charge or in exchange for a lighter sentence. Sometimes it’s the right move. Sometimes the first offer is just a starting point, or the evidence is weak enough that you shouldn’t take a deal at all. Never accept a plea without an attorney reviewing the evidence and the offer.

Not on their own. In Arizona, criminal charges are brought by the State, not by the alleged victim, so only the prosecutor can dismiss them. The alleged victim can tell the prosecutor what they want, and that can matter, but it isn’t the final word. This comes up a lot in domestic violence cases.

No honest attorney can promise a result before seeing the evidence. What Ty will do is go through every part of your case: the stop, the search, the evidence and how the police did their job. If there’s a problem, he uses it. Dismissals, reductions and diversion are all on the table, and he fights for the best outcome your case allows.

You might. A DUI arrest can lead to two separate cases: the criminal case in court and a license suspension through the Arizona MVD. If you failed or refused a breath or blood test, your license can be suspended even before your criminal case is decided. There’s a short deadline to request a hearing with the MVD, so call right away.

Most DUIs are misdemeanors, including most first offenses. A DUI becomes an aggravated DUI, which is a felony, in certain situations, such as a third DUI within seven years, driving on a suspended or revoked license, having a child under 15 in the vehicle, or driving the wrong way on a highway. Arizona’s DUI laws are known for being strict, so even a misdemeanor DUI deserves a real defense.

In many cases, yes. Arizona law allows many arrests, charges and convictions to be sealed once you’ve completed your sentence and waited the required amount of time. Sealing can help with jobs, housing and licenses. Some serious offenses are not eligible. We can review your record and tell you where you stand.

Yes. Tell us what happened and we’ll review your situation and talk through your options, at no cost and with no obligation.

Every case is different, so the fee depends on the charges and how much work your case needs. We’ll go over it during your free case evaluation. Payment plans are available.

Yes. Call the office at (602) 835-6321, or text Ty’s cell any time, day or night, at 661-309-0454.

Bring anything you were given: citations, release paperwork, bond receipts, court dates and any letters from the court or the MVD. If you wrote down what happened, bring that too. Don’t worry if you don’t have everything. We can start with what you have.

Yes. What you tell your attorney to get legal advice is protected by attorney-client privilege. That’s why it’s important to be completely honest with us, and to talk about your case only with your attorney.

Yes. You can hire a private attorney at any point in your case. Public defenders work hard, but they often handle a large number of cases at once. With a private attorney, your case gets more time and attention. We’ll handle the switch with the court.