Chandler Criminal Defense FAQ | Attorney Josh

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Simple assault under ARS 13-1203 is a misdemeanor in most circumstances and covers intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causing physical injury, or placing someone in reasonable apprehension of harm. Aggravated assault under ARS 13-1204 is a felony and applies when the assault involves a deadly weapon, causes serious physical injury, is committed against specific categories of protected persons, or occurs in certain contexts. A fight that starts as a misdemeanor can quickly become a felony charge depending on how injuries develop or what objects were involved. The distinction matters enormously for potential sentencing and long-term consequences.

Attorney Josh serves Chandler defendants from offices in Phoenix (2601 N. 3rd Street, Suite 301) and Scottsdale (6991 E. Camelback Rd, Suite D-300). Call (480) 386-1824 for a free consultation. Attorney Josh will give you a direct, honest assessment of your case and what the Smart Defense approach can do for your outcome.