There are more than 70 million people who have criminal records in the United States. That number is bound to rise in the future. With a large portion of criminal defendants unable to afford an attorney of their own, it is no surprise that the United States has the largest prison population in the world. With that in mind, any person facing criminal charges must have expert legal representation. Though the attorneys that work as public defender’s office are just as educated and capable as private lawyers, they lack one of the legal profession’s most valuable commodities: time. A public defender is typically bogged down with many criminal defense cases. In some instances, public defenders handle between 80 and 100 cases per week, many of them ending in rushed and unfair plea bargains. Hiring a Glendale criminal defense attorney can dramatically increase the likelihood of a favorable outcome in your case.
Criminal Defense Attorney
Before you hire an attorney that specializes in criminal law, it is imperative that you know what a criminal defense lawyer can and cannot do. Your attorney has an overarching swath of legal maneuvers at their disposal. With regard to your particular trial, they are the player/coach, but you are the owner of the team. It is their duty to assess your case, inform you of your options and potential consequences, investigate the facts, interview witnesses, confer with the prosecution, and ultimately competently represent you in the court of law. A Phoenix criminal defense attorney that does not work as a public defender will have far fewer cases. As a result, they will be able to focus more time on your case as well as maintaining contact with their clients.
A comprehensive list of misdemeanor charges are:
- DUI
- Criminal speeding
- Racing
- Reckless driving
- Leaving scene of accident
- Shoplifting
- Theft
- Trespassing
- Criminal damage
- Disorderly conduct
- Domestic violence.
A comprehensive list of felony charges are:
- Felony DUI
- Drug possession
- Drug sale
- Unlawful flight
- Theft & criminal damage (more than $1000)
- Prohibited possession of a weapon, Leaving scene of accident
- Aggravated assault
- Fraud.
When Do You Need A Criminal Defense Lawyer?
Arizona’s criminal defense law is complex. Not only is a complete understanding of the law necessary, but your attorney must also have an understanding of the judge’s temperament, bench record, and the past cases that have set precedence. Your attorney must also be able to recognize the potential errors in the procedure that the prosecutor may be guilty of. Listed below, you will learn the circumstances that warrant intervention from an independent criminal defense attorney:
- You have been charged with a crime – Whenever you are charged with a criminal offense, we strongly encourage you to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney.
- You are guilty of the crime – Contrary to popular belief, guilty people need and deserve representation. If you have committed a crime, hiring a Phoenix criminal defense attorney can help to negotiate reduced charges or lighter punishment.
If you don’t care about the outcome of the case, it’s the only time that you wouldn’t need a criminal defense lawyer to handle your misdemeanor or felony charges.
The Sixth Amendment has given every citizen in the United States the right to legal representation. However, it does not guarantee that the public defenders will not be overworked and uncompensated. It is critical to your legal defense to work with an experienced criminal defense attorney in Glendale that has the time and know-how to appropriately represent you.
Why Choose Future First Criminal Law?
At Future First Criminal Law we have years of successful experience in the courtroom. What sets us apart; our attorneys have experienced life as both the attorney and defendant. In his youth, Zachary Divelbiss was charged with crimes and even spent time in jail. At this time he realized that there was an inordinate amount of people of color, impoverished individuals, etc. that were being convicted of crimes because they did not have appropriate representation. We started this law firm to represent the very people that have far too often been overlooked by society and are all but guaranteed to be convicted of a crime unless they work with a talented and knowledgeable attorney that specializes in criminal defense law. If you would like to receive your free consultation, contact us today.
![]() | 54+ Five-Star Google Reviews |
Allen Hsu, Attorney
“Mr. Divelbiss is a GREAT attorney, very honest and reliable. He takes his times with every client and answers all questions and concerns. It has been a pleasure working with Mr. Divelbiss and he serves his clients very well!”
Areas Served
![]() | 2999 N. 44th St. Suite 307, Phoenix, AZ 85018 |
![]() | 8650 N. 35th Ave. Suite 110, Phoenix, AZ 85018 |
Areas Served

![]() | 2999 N. 44th St. Suite 307, Phoenix, AZ 85018 |

![]() | 8650 N. 35th Ave. Suite 110, Phoenix, AZ 85018 |
We do not handle cases outside of our listed service areas but we can refer them to our trusted colleagues who do handle those out of Maricopa County areas.
