Tempe Criminal Defense Attorney

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Maricopa County is one of the most populous counties in the United States, with an estimated 2010 population of more than 3.8 million residents. As is the case with most highly populated urban areas, crime levels are typically higher than the national average.

If you or a loved one is charged with or are under investigation for a crime, you are facing a legal battle that could change the course of your life forever. You need an experienced and aggressive criminal defense attorney to defend your case and fight for your rights. Tempe Criminal Defense Attorney Adam Kent and the criminal defense team at Kent Law PLC are here to help defend your liberty.

Frequently asked questions about Criminal Defense

If you or a loved one has been arrested or charged with a criminal offense in Maricopa County, you may feel over-whelemed and unsure about your rights during this difficult time. According to the Arizona Judicial Branch, the following is a list of frequently asked questions that come up in Arizona for criminal charges*:

• How do I enter a plea for a criminal charge?
  • Option 1- Plea of No contest: The defendant denies guilt and the State must prove the criminal charges against the defendant. The State is represented by the city or county prosecutor's office.
  • Option 2- Plea of Guilty: The defendant admits that the defendant committed the acts charged in the complaint, that the acts are prohibited by law and that the defendant has no legal defense for such acts.
  • Option 3- Plea of Not Guilty: This plea, also known as nolo contendere, means the defendant is not admitting guilt and not denying it. The defendant is saying that the defendant does not wish to contest the State's charges. Upon a plea of no contest, the judicial officer may find the defendant guilty and enter a judgment of guilt.
• How do I appeal a case?
  • In superior court, you may only appeal a criminal case under certain circumstances. The party’s Notice of Rights of Review after Conviction will tell you what may be appealed. If you do not have the right to appeal, you may file for post-conviction relief. The Notice of Rights of Review after Conviction provides the procedure for filing post-conviction relief.