Scottsdale Criminal Defense Lawyer

Criminal charges in Scottsdale require an attorney who understands how cases are handled in Scottsdale City Court and the local factors that affect enforcement and prosecution. From Old Town entertainment district incidents to high-end residential disputes, Scottsdale presents unique circumstances that require local knowledge combined with strong defense strategy.

Attorney Josh Lopez represents clients facing misdemeanor and felony charges throughout Scottsdale. With an office located at 6991 East Camelback Road in Scottsdale, Attorney Josh provides accessible representation for Scottsdale residents and visitors facing criminal allegations.

Criminal Charges in Scottsdale

Scottsdale’s mix of entertainment venues, upscale residential neighborhoods, resort destinations, and retail centers creates distinct patterns of criminal enforcement. The Scottsdale Police Department is known for proactive enforcement, particularly in the entertainment district and during major events like Spring Training.

Common Criminal Charges in Scottsdale

DUI and Impaired Driving

Scottsdale sees high DUI enforcement, particularly around Old Town where bars and restaurants attract visitors who then drive home. DUI checkpoints and saturation patrols are common during weekends and special events. Scottsdale officers are trained in DUI detection, and cases are prosecuted aggressively.

→ See: Scottsdale DUI Lawyer

Assault and Aggravated Assault

Assault charges frequently arise from altercations in Old Town bars and clubs, disputes at events, and road rage incidents. What begins as a verbal disagreement can quickly escalate to criminal charges when physical contact occurs or threats are made.

→ See: Scottsdale Assault Lawyer

Domestic Violence

Domestic violence calls in Scottsdale often involve disputes in residential areas, sometimes following nights out in the entertainment district. Scottsdale Police follow mandatory arrest protocols for DV calls, meaning someone is typically taken into custody when officers respond to a domestic dispute.

→ See: Scottsdale Domestic Violence Lawyer

Theft and Shoplifting

Scottsdale’s high-end retail—including Scottsdale Fashion Square, Kierland Commons, and boutiques throughout the city—sees significant shoplifting enforcement. Loss prevention teams are sophisticated, and cases are routinely prosecuted. Theft from vehicles in parking areas is also common.

→ See: Scottsdale Theft Lawyer

Disorderly Conduct

Disorderly conduct charges arise frequently in the entertainment district—fighting, excessive noise, refusing to disperse, and other conduct that disturbs the peace. These charges often accompany other offenses like assault or DUI.

→ See: Scottsdale Disorderly Conduct Lawyer

Drug Offenses

Possession of controlled substances, paraphernalia, and occasionally sales charges arise in Scottsdale. While Arizona has legalized recreational marijuana for adults 21+, possession exceeding legal limits and drug impairment while driving remain criminal offenses.

Criminal Trespass

Trespass charges occur when individuals are asked to leave businesses—particularly bars and clubs—and fail to do so, or when they return to locations after receiving Criminal Trespass Warnings. Gated community and residential trespass also occurs in Scottsdale’s residential areas.

→ See: Scottsdale Trespass Lawyer

Scottsdale City Court

Most misdemeanor charges arising in Scottsdale are handled in Scottsdale City Court, located at:

Scottsdale City Court
3700 N. 75th Street
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
(480) 312-2442

Jurisdiction

Scottsdale City Court handles:

• Misdemeanor criminal offenses occurring within Scottsdale city limits
• City ordinance violations
• Civil traffic violations
• Preliminary proceedings for some felony matters

Felony Cases

Felony charges—including aggravated assault, aggravated DUI, and other serious offenses—are transferred to Maricopa County Superior Court after initial proceedings. Superior Court handles all felony trials and sentencing.

Court Procedures

Scottsdale City Court operates its own procedures for:

• Arraignment scheduling
• Pretrial conference requirements
• Plea negotiations
• Trial settings
• Probation supervision

Understanding these local procedures helps ensure effective representation. Defense strategy must account for how the Scottsdale City Prosecutor’s office handles specific types of cases and the sentencing patterns of Scottsdale judges.

Old Town Entertainment District

The Old Town Entertainment District presents unique criminal defense challenges. This area of bars, nightclubs, and restaurants attracts thousands of visitors on weekend nights, creating concentrated enforcement activity.

Common Old Town Scenarios

DUI After Nightlife: Visitors enjoy drinks in Old Town, then attempt to drive home. Scottsdale PD positions officers along routes leaving the entertainment district. A single traffic violation can lead to a DUI investigation.

Bar Fights and Assault: Crowded venues, alcohol, and late hours create conditions for altercations. What begins as a minor dispute can result in assault or aggravated assault charges. Security footage, witness statements, and officer observations all become evidence.

Disorderly Conduct: Loud arguments, fighting words, and refusal to leave when requested can all result in disorderly conduct charges. Officers may arrest to prevent escalation.

Fake ID and Underage Drinking: Minors attempting to enter venues or purchase alcohol face criminal charges, as do those who provide alcohol to minors.

Public Intoxication-Related Offenses: While public intoxication alone is not a crime in Arizona, conduct while intoxicated—urinating in public, creating disturbances, or passing out in public areas—can lead to charges.

Enforcement Patterns

Scottsdale Police maintain a significant presence in Old Town, particularly Thursday through Saturday nights. Officers patrol on foot, bicycle, and in vehicles. Undercover officers may be present inside venues.

During major events—Spring Training, bowl games, festivals—enforcement increases substantially. Temporary holding facilities may be established to process high volumes of arrests.

The Criminal Defense Process in Scottsdale

If you are arrested or charged with a crime in Scottsdale, the process generally follows these stages:

1. Arrest or Citation

Depending on the offense, you may be:

• Arrested and transported to jail for booking
• Cited and released with a court date
• Given a summons to appear

For most misdemeanors, you will be released after booking (with or without bond) and given a date to appear in Scottsdale City Court.

2. Arraignment

At arraignment, you appear before a judge who:

• Advises you of the charges
• Confirms you understand your rights
• Takes your initial plea (typically “not guilty”)
• Sets conditions of release if applicable
• Schedules future court dates

3. Pretrial Proceedings

Between arraignment and trial:

• Discovery: The prosecution provides evidence (police reports, video, witness statements)
• Motions: Defense may file motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges
• Negotiations: Defense and prosecution discuss potential resolutions

Many cases resolve during the pretrial phase through plea agreements or dismissals.

4. Trial or Resolution

If no agreement is reached, the case proceeds to trial. For misdemeanors, you have the right to a jury trial. The prosecution must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

5. Sentencing

If convicted, the court imposes sentence. For misdemeanors, this may include:

• Jail time (or suspended jail time)
• Probation
• Fines and fees
• Community service
• Treatment or counseling programs
• Restitution to victims

For detailed information on Arizona criminal procedure, see: Arizona Criminal Defense

Why Local Representation Matters

Effective criminal defense requires more than knowledge of the law—it requires understanding how cases are actually handled in a specific court system.

Knowledge of Local Procedures

Each court has its own procedures, preferences, and practices. Scottsdale City Court operates differently than Phoenix Municipal Court or the various Justice Courts in Maricopa County. Understanding these differences affects everything from scheduling to negotiation strategy.

Familiarity with Prosecutors

The Scottsdale City Prosecutor’s office handles misdemeanor cases in Scottsdale City Court. Knowing how specific prosecutors approach different types of cases—what they prioritize, what resolutions they consider, what evidence they find persuasive—informs defense strategy.

Understanding of Enforcement Patterns

Scottsdale Police have particular enforcement priorities and patterns. Understanding how Scottsdale PD handles DUI investigations, processes Old Town incidents, and approaches different neighborhoods provides context for evaluating cases and developing defense strategies.

Accessible Representation

Attorney Josh maintains an office in Scottsdale at 6991 East Camelback Road, Suite D-300. This means accessible consultations, court appearances without delay, and familiarity with the community you live or work in.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I’m arrested in Scottsdale?

Remain calm and exercise your rights. Clearly state that you wish to remain silent and that you want to speak with an attorney. Do not answer questions about the alleged offense without legal counsel present. Do not resist arrest, even if you believe it is unjustified—challenges to the arrest should be made in court, not on the street.

How long will my Scottsdale criminal case take?

Misdemeanor cases in Scottsdale City Court typically resolve within a few months, though complex cases or those proceeding to trial may take longer. Felony cases transferred to Superior Court generally take longer due to more extensive proceedings.

Can I get my Scottsdale charges dismissed?

Dismissal depends on the specific facts and evidence. Cases may be dismissed due to insufficient evidence, constitutional violations (unlawful search, Miranda issues), witness problems, or successful pretrial motions. An attorney can evaluate your case and identify potential paths to dismissal.

What are the penalties for a misdemeanor in Scottsdale?

Misdemeanor penalties depend on the classification. Class 1 misdemeanors carry up to 6 months jail and $2,500 fine. Class 2 misdemeanors carry up to 4 months jail and $750 fine. Class 3 misdemeanors carry up to 30 days jail and $500 fine. Many first-time offenders receive probation rather than jail time.

Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor charge?

While you have the right to represent yourself, an attorney is strongly recommended for any criminal charge. Even misdemeanor convictions create permanent criminal records that can affect employment, housing, professional licensing, and immigration status. An attorney can work toward reduced charges, dismissals, or alternative resolutions that protect your record.

Will a Scottsdale criminal charge affect my job?

It may. Many employers conduct background checks, and criminal convictions—even misdemeanors—can affect hiring decisions. Certain professions have licensing requirements that consider criminal history. Working with an attorney to achieve the best possible outcome helps minimize long-term impact.

Contact a Scottsdale Criminal Defense Attorney

If you are facing criminal charges in Scottsdale, contact The Law Office of Joshua A. Lopez for a consultation. Attorney Josh will review your case, explain your options, and develop a defense strategy tailored to your situation.

Scottsdale Office:
6991 East Camelback Rd, Suite D-300
Scottsdale, AZ 85251

Call (480) 386-1824 or complete the contact form to schedule your free consultation.