Frequently Asked Questions
Which court handles criminal cases from Chandler?
Misdemeanor charges arising within Chandler city limits are handled at Chandler Municipal Court, located at 55 E. Chandler Heights Road. The Chandler City Prosecutor’s Office prosecutes these cases. Felony charges from anywhere in Maricopa County, including Chandler, are prosecuted by the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office in Maricopa County Superior Court in Phoenix.
What criminal charges are most common in Chandler?"
Chandler Police Department handles a significant volume of DUI arrests along the Loop 202 (Santan Freeway), Chandler Boulevard, and Price Road corridors. Domestic violence calls in Chandler’s residential areas, assault charges from the downtown entertainment district near San Marcos Place, and theft offenses in the Chandler Fashion Center area are also frequent. Chandler’s large tech corridor and professional population also means drug charges, DUI involving prescription medication, and white-collar adjacent matters surface with some regularity.
What happens after a DUI arrest on the Loop 202 in Chandler?"
A DUI arrest on the Loop 202 or anywhere in Chandler triggers both a criminal case and an administrative license suspension process. You have 30 days from your arrest date to request an Admin Per Se hearing with the Arizona MVD to contest the suspension of your driver’s license. Missing that deadline results in automatic suspension. On the criminal side, misdemeanor DUI cases go to Chandler Municipal Court; felony DUI cases are handled in Maricopa County Superior Court. Attorney Josh handles both tracks simultaneously to protect your driving privileges and fight the criminal charges.
How are domestic violence cases handled in Chandler?"
Domestic violence charges in Chandler are prosecuted aggressively. Arizona’s mandatory arrest law requires police to make an arrest when they determine probable cause exists in a domestic situation. Once an arrest is made, the decision to prosecute rests with the Chandler City Prosecutor’s Office or the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office — not the alleged victim. Emergency protective orders are typically issued at the time of arrest, prohibiting contact with the alleged victim. Violating a protective order is a separate criminal offense. Attorney Josh focuses defense strategy on the evidence and the facts — the only approach that produces results.
Can a Chandler misdemeanor conviction affect my tech industry job?"
Yes. Many technology companies in the Chandler and East Valley tech corridor conduct thorough background checks and may be required to report certain criminal convictions under federal contracting requirements. A misdemeanor conviction — even Class 3 — can appear on background checks and complicate employment. Professional and security clearance holders face especially high stakes. Preventing conviction through dismissal, reduction in charges, or alternative resolution is always the priority. If a conviction has occurred, Attorney Josh can evaluate set-aside eligibility under ARS 13-905.
What should I do if Chandler Police want to speak with me?"
You have the constitutional right to remain silent and the right to have an attorney present during any police questioning. These rights apply whether you are a suspect, a witness, or simply someone officers want to speak with. Politely invoke your rights — state clearly that you wish to speak with an attorney before answering any questions. Do not make statements, sign documents, or agree to provide evidence without consulting counsel. Contact Attorney Josh immediately — early intervention can prevent situations from escalating into formal charges.
What is a first offense DUI likely to result in under Arizona law?"
A first-offense standard DUI conviction in Arizona under ARS 28-1381 carries a minimum of 10 consecutive days in jail (with 9 days suspended upon completion of treatment), fines and assments totaling approximately $1,500 or more, license suspension, ignition interlock device essrequirements, and mandatory alcohol screening. An Extreme DUI (.15+ BAC) or Super Extreme DUI (.20+ BAC) carry higher mandatory minimums. These penalties apply before any attorney involvement — an experienced defense attorney may be able to challenge the evidence and seek reduction or dismissal, which is why hiring counsel early matters.
Is it possible to get charges dropped before going to court in Chandler?"
In some cases, an experienced defense attorney can engage the Chandler City Prosecutor’s Office before a case proceeds to formal hearing, and may be able to negotiate a dismissal, reduction, or diversion resolution prior to trial. Early intervention matters — the sooner an attorney reviews the evidence and identifies weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, the more options are available. This is especially true in cases involving first-time offenders, questionable probable cause, or insufficient evidence.
