Misdemeanor Attorney in Tucson

The Danger of Prior Convictions

Arizona’s criminal laws impose enhanced penalties for repeat offenders. If you are convicted of the same misdemeanor within two years of a previous conviction, the new charge can be sentenced as the next higher class of crime. This means a repeat Class 2 misdemeanor can be sentenced as a Class 1, and a repeat Class 1 can sometimes be sentenced as a Class 6 felony, suddenly exposing you to state prison time.

Common Misdemeanor Charges We Defend in Tucson

Our firm handles a high volume of misdemeanor cases across the Tucson area, including Pima County Justice Courts and the Tucson City Court. 

We specialize in defending charges that have the most significant long-term impact on our clients’ lives:

• DUI (First Offense): We challenge the legality of the traffic stop, the Field Sobriety Tests (FSTs), and the accuracy of the breath or blood chemical tests.
• Simple assault or Disorderly Conduct (Non-DV): Even without a domestic violence designation, these offenses can result in jail time, fines, and a criminal record that affects employment and housing.
• Theft and Shoplifting (Petty Offense/Misdemeanor): We defend clients accused of stealing property valued at less than $1,000. We fight for civil compromise or diversion to keep the theft charge off your record.
• Drug Paraphernalia and Marijuana Possession: While marijuana possession limits have changed, related offenses like drug paraphernalia possession remain a Class 1 misdemeanor that warrants an aggressive defense.
• Driving with a Suspended License: Often stemming from unpaid fines or prior traffic violations, this charge can lead to additional license suspensions, fines, and even jail time without skilled representation.

Tucson prosecutors often enforce strict deadlines and follow detailed procedures for misdemeanor offenses. DUI charges may bring mandatory penalties, while other offenses may provide opportunities for alternative sentencing depending on the circumstances and your history. 

Some locations—like school or university zones—carry additional requirements or consequences. Our team works to help you understand both immediate court consequences and long-term effects. When you work with a misdemeanor lawyer in Tucson, you gain insight into what options exist and how a conviction might affect your future.

Protecting Your Future: Collateral Consequences of Misdemeanors

The direct penalties of jail and fines are temporary, but a conviction in Tucson leaves a permanent criminal record that creates severe, lasting barriers—known as collateral consequences.

• Employment: Many employers run criminal background checks. A misdemeanor conviction, particularly for theft, drug use, or domestic violence, can disqualify you from job opportunities, promotions, and eligibility for state-issued professional licenses (e.g., teaching, nursing, childcare).
• Housing: Landlords often use background checks to deny rental applications for individuals with a criminal record, potentially limiting your housing options in the Tucson area.
• Immigration: For non-citizens, a misdemeanor conviction for offenses involving drugs, domestic violence, or crimes of moral turpitude can trigger deportation proceedings or prevent you from qualifying for permanent residency or citizenship.
• Gun Rights: Any misdemeanor conviction for domestic violence assault or battery results in a lifelong ban on possessing firearms under federal law.

As your Tucson misdemeanor lawyer, we fight not just the sentence, but the conviction itself, knowing that dismissal is the only way to avoid these severe lifelong penalties.