Arrested in Arizona

Phoenix criminal lawyers

What Happens After an Arrest in Arizona?

After a person has been arrested in Arizona for a felony or other criminal offense, they are either cited and released or taken to the local jail for processing and for their initial appearance.

Initial Appearance

If arrested in Arizona for a criminal offense and booked into jail, by law, you must see a magistrate within 24 hours. At the initial appearance, the magistrate will do the following:

  1. Ascertain the suspect’s true name and address
  2. Inform the defendant of the charges
  3. Advise the defendant of his constitutional rights
  4. Determine whether probable cause exists for the purpose of release from custody. If no probable cause is found, the defendant shall immediately be released from custody
  5. Consider comments offered by the victim concerning the conditions of release. The magistrate shall permit the victim to comment orally or in writing, on the issue of the suspect’s release
  6. Determine the conditions of release in accordance with Arizona Law

The determination of release conditions is often the most critical event that happens at the Initial Appearance. Nobody wants to sit in jail, waiting for their pending criminal case. There a several different types of release:

  • Their Own Recognizance, to the supervision of pretrial services
  • Being given a bond

In Maricopa County, Initial Appearances are held at the 4th Avenue Jail every three hours. This means a person can have their appearance late at night or early in the morning. At the close of the hearing the judge will advise you of your next court date.


When to Contact a Phoenix Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you or someone you know has been arrested call a Phoenix criminal defense lawyer with the Lerner and Rowe Law Group. Our experienced defense attorneys can appear at the Initial Appearance to challenge the finding of probable cause and also argue for the least restrictive release conditions. It’s so important to get representation in the early stages of the criminal case process. Early retention can be critical to successful representation.

For more information about what to expect after an arrest, schedule a free consultation by calling 602-667-7777. You can also get in touch with us through an online case evaluation form or through our LiveChat feature. So, don’t wait. We look forward to answering your questions and also helping you.