Scottsdale Criminal Defense Attorney

Being charged with a crime in Scottsdale, AZ, will immediately disrupt your life. And, if you are convicted, it will forever change the course of your life as well. However, an arrest is very different from a conviction because you can’t be convicted unless the prosecution proves every element of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt—if it can.

That’s where the Law Office of James E. Novak comes in; we proudly represent clients facing serious felony and misdemeanor crimes in Scottsdale and throughout Maricopa County. With our help, you can rest assured that your case—and your future—are in good hands.

Scottsdale is widely known as an upscale area, full of fancy houses, nice restaurants, golf courses and spas. To maintain this reputation, the Scottsdale Police Department takes an especially aggressive approach to anything that resembles crime. Below is a list of the crimes that people are arrested for most often in Scottsdale:

• Simple Assault – About 14 percent of all arrests in Scottsdale were for simple assault, which involves physically injuring another person or placing them in immediate fear of physical injury.
• Theft – Roughly a third of all Scottsdale arrests involved allegations of theft, including shoplifting and other forms of larceny.
• Fraud and Forgery – Fraud and forgery are technically theft crimes; however, because they occur with such frequency, the Scottsdale Police Department considers them separately. Approximately 13 percent of all arrests in Scottsdale involve fraud or forgery charges, such as credit card fraud and identity theft.
• DUI – Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol remains one of the most common crimes in Scottsdale, resulting in just over 8 percent of all arrests.
• Drug Crimes – Narcotics violations—including possession, manufacturing, possession with intent to distribute, and trafficking—make up nearly ten percent of all Scottsdale arrests.
• Burglary and Robbery – Burglary (breaking into another’s home or business with the intent to commit a felony) and robbery (taking another’s property by force or threat of force) are among the most serious theft offenses in Arizona. Together, these crimes represent about 10 percent of all Scottsdale arrests.

Some of the other crimes that the Scottsdale Police Department specifically targets include motor vehicle theft, aggravated assault, weapons violations and sex crimes.

Police officers must create a police report anytime they make an arrest. While the information contained in a police report is limited, it can provide you with certain need-to-know facts about your arrest, such as what law you are alleged to have violated and what evidence the officer relied on when making the arrest.

Scottsdale Police reports can be obtained from the Police Records Section of the Scottsdale Police Department, located at the East end of the Police headquarters in the Lou Witzeman Public Safety Building at 8401 E Indian School Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85251.

Of course, a police report is not a substitute for complete discovery. “Discovery” refers to the evidence in the prosecution’s file that they must turn over to the defense. Your Scottsdale criminal defense attorney will receive a copy of your discovery from the prosecution, at which point they can review the evidence against you with you to determine the best possible defense to the allegations against you.

At the Law Office of James E. Novak, our Scottsdale criminal defense attorney can help with your case by:

• Evaluating the Evidence: Assessing the strengths and weaknesses of the evidence against you.
• Advanced Legal Knowledge: Applying detailed knowledge of Arizona criminal laws and legal precedents.
• A Strong Defense Strategy: Developing a tailored defense strategy to challenge the prosecutor’s case.
• Protecting Your Rights: Ensuring your rights haven't been violated during the investigation or arrest.
• Plea Bargains: For those clients who are interested, we will negotiate with prosecutors for reduced charges or alternative sentencing.
• In-Court Representation: Representing and advocating for you in court hearings and at trial.
• Expert Witnesses: When necessary, we are prepared to engage expert witnesses to provide testimony that could exonerate you or mitigate the charges.
• Jury Selection: Aiding in the selection of a fair jury if your case goes to trial.
• Emotional Support: Providing guidance and emotional support throughout the criminal proceedings.

If you were recently arrested and charged with a crime in Scottsdale, Arizona, reach out to the Law Office of James E. Novak for immediate assistance. Attorney Novak is passionate about defending the rights of his clients and helping them move on with their lives after an arrest. We take a comprehensive approach to every case we handle, investigating every possible defense to ensure your case ends in the best result possible. To learn more and to schedule a free consultation with Attorney James Novak, give us a call at 480-413-1499 or fill out our secure online contact form, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.