What to Expect After an Arrest
If you or a loved one has been arrested in Arizona, it’s crucial to understand the steps in the state’s criminal justice process. The criminal procedure in Arizona follows a structured sequence designed to ensure due process but navigating it without experienced legal counsel can be overwhelming. At Rideout Law Group, our criminal defense attorneys in Scottsdale and Lake Havasu are here to protect your rights at every stage of the legal process.
Step 1: Arrest, Reading of Rights, and Booking
An Arizona criminal case begins with an arrest, either with a warrant or based on probable cause. Upon arrest, law enforcement is required to read the individual their Miranda rights, which include the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. These rights protect individuals from self-incrimination during police questioning.
The arrest is followed by booking, where the accused is fingerprinted, photographed, and placed in custody or released depending on the severity of the alleged offense. Defendants should take these rights seriously and avoid making statements until they’ve spoken with an attorney.
If you’re arrested in Maricopa County or Mohave County, contact our defense team immediately for legal support. We have deep experience defending clients in Scottsdale City Court, Lake Havasu Municipal Court, and superior courts across Arizona.
Step 2: Initial Appearance and Bond
Within 24 hours of arrest, the accused must appear before a judge for an initial appearance. The court will:
- Confirm the charges
- Inform the defendant of their rights
- Set conditions for release (bond, own recognizance, etc.)
At this point, the court may assign a preliminary hearing or set the case for grand jury review, depending on whether the charges are misdemeanors or felonies.
Step 3: Preliminary Hearing or Grand Jury Indictment
For felony cases, a preliminary hearing determines if there’s enough evidence to proceed. Alternatively, prosecutors may present evidence to a grand jury, which issues an indictment if probable cause is found.
Our attorneys aggressively challenge insufficient evidence during this stage and work to negotiate dismissals or reductions early in the process.
Step 4: Arraignment
After indictment or a finding of probable cause, the defendant attends an arraignment, where they:
- Enter a plea (guilty, not guilty, or no contest)
- Receive future court dates
We strongly advise against entering a plea without consulting a criminal defense lawyer—especially in felony cases involving DUI, assault, or drug charges common in both Scottsdale and Lake Havasu.
Step 5: Pre-Trial Conferences and Motions
This is where your defense strategy begins to take shape. Your attorney may file motions to:
- Suppress evidence (e.g., unlawful search)
- Dismiss charges
- Compel discovery
Many Arizona cases are resolved through plea negotiations during this stage. Our Rideout Law attorneys use their prosecutorial experience to secure the best possible outcomes for our clients.
Step 6: Trial
If no resolution is reached, the case proceeds to trial—either by jury or judge. During trial, both sides present evidence and witness testimony. The prosecution must prove guilt “beyond a reasonable doubt.” If found not guilty, the defendant is released. If convicted, sentencing follows.
Step 7: Sentencing and Appeals
Sentencing depends on the severity of the offense and Arizona sentencing guidelines. Some crimes carry mandatory minimums, while others allow for probation or alternative programs. Our lawyers present strong arguments for reduced sentencing or rehabilitation over incarceration.
If there are legal grounds, we can also pursue appeals or post-conviction relief.
Get Legal Help from an Arizona Criminal Defense Attorney
The Arizona criminal procedure can be intimidating—but you don’t have to go through it alone. Rideout Law Group offers aggressive and knowledgeable representation in both Scottsdale and Lake Havasu City, with decades of experience handling:
- DUIs (including Aggravated and Extreme DUI)
- Drug offenses
- Violent crimes
- Juvenile cases
- Expungements under ARS §13-911
📍 Scottsdale Office: 11111 N Scottsdale Rd, Suite 225 – (480) 584-3328
📍 Lake Havasu Office: 2800 Sweetwater Ave, Suite A104 – (928) 854-8181
Schedule your free criminal consultation today. We’re here to fight for your rights and your future.
This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this content does not create an attorney-client relationship. For legal guidance specific to your situation, please contact a licensed attorney at Rideout Law Group.