Arizona Criminal Defense Attorney Richard C. Bock Understands the Legal Process from Arrest to Trial

Our defense attorney has vast experience handling cases throughout Arizona and federal courts

If you are the accused, it is crucial to understand the importance of each stage of the criminal law process. Each phase can directly impact the overall outcome of your case, which can be the difference between incarceration and freedom. With almost four decades of experience defending and prosecuting criminal cases, Richard C. Bock has gained recognition as a Certified Criminal Specialist in Arizona and provides guidance through each step of the process.

Law enforcement investigation – Typically the first step in the process is an investigation that leads to an arrest or submission of evidence for prosecutorial review. This is the point to contact a defense attorney like Richard C. Bock who can assist you from the beginning.

Initial appearance – If you are taken into custody, you must be brought before a judge within 24 hours and given formal notice of the charges against you. Bail is then set based on risk of flight and danger to the community. Bail bondsmen are available to help cover costs, usually for a non-refundable down payment of 10% of the total bond amount.

Prosecutorial review – If probable cause to believe you have committed a crime is found upon review of police reports and evidence, a prosecutor will either file a criminal complaint or seek an indictment from a grand jury.

Criminal complaint or grand jury indictment – If a prosecutor files a complaint with the court, a preliminary hearing is held to determine if probable cause exists to hold the defendant for trial. However, in Arizona the general trend is to seek an indictment from a grand jury that makes the requisite probable cause determination. In both cases, if probable cause is found the case is “bound over” for to Superior Court for arraignment.

Arraignment – At this stage a plea of guilty, not guilty or no contest is entered. It is common to enter a not guilty plea and have a trial date set.

Pre-trial conferences and hearings – Once the case is set for trial, the defense and prosecution examine evidence and interview witnesses. Sometimes court hearings are scheduled to inform the court about status updates. During this time motions are filed, including motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence.

Plea negotiations – The most common way to resolve criminal cases is through a plea agreement negotiated by both sides and approved by the court. Richard C. Bock has an excellent track record as a defense lawyer who negotiates with the prosecution to obtain the best plea agreement possible for his clients. If an agreement cannot be reached, Mr. Bock is prepared to aggressively defend you at trial.

Trial – Defendants have the right to a jury trial if they desire or try the case before a judge. The prosecution has the burden of proof and must supply evidence that proves the defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Defendants can choose to remain silent and do not have to take the stand.

Sentencing – At the conclusion of trial, a verdict of guilt or acquittal is issued. If convicted, a pre-sentence report is conducted by the county probation department. Arizona follows the Criminal Code Sentencing Provisions, which provide the judge with a range within which to sentence.

Appeals – If a defendant is unsatisfied with the results of trial, he or she can seek to have the sentence overturned by a higher court, either by direct appeal or a Post-Conviction Relief Petition filed with the Superior Court.

Contact criminal defense attorney Richard C. Bock to represent you through each step of the legal process

It is essential to have an experienced attorney guide you through the difficult and frustrating criminal law process. Attorney Richard C. Bock knows the Tucson and southern Arizona court systems and is available to meet with you during the week, evenings and weekends. Our answering service is available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, and we accommodate the Spanish-speaking community. If you have any questions, contact us for a free initial consultation immediately.