Being arrested or charged with a crime in Kingman, Arizona can flip your life upside down. From jail time to long-term consequences like a criminal record, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Whether you're facing a misdemeanor or a felony, having a skilled criminal defense lawyer by your side can mean the difference between freedom and a conviction.
At Big Chad Law, we defend clients in Kingman and throughout Mohave County against criminal charges ranging from DUI to serious violent crimes. If you're under investigation or have already been charged, you need legal representation that responds quickly and decisively.
What Types of Criminal Charges Do We Handle in Kingman?
Remain silent. Do not answer questions without your lawyer present.
Ask for legal representation immediately.
Do not consent to searches without a warrant.
Avoid discussing your case with others or on social media.
The police and prosecutors are trained to gather evidence against you—anything you say can be used. Contacting a Kingman criminal defense lawyer early gives you the best chance at a successful defense.
Understanding the Criminal Process in Mohave County
Each criminal case follows a sequence of stages, and knowing what to expect helps reduce uncertainty:
Investigation & Arrest
Initial Appearance & Bail Hearing
Preliminary Hearing or Grand Jury Indictment
Arraignment
Pretrial Conferences and Motions
Trial (if necessary)
Sentencing or Dismissal
Some cases can be resolved early through dismissal or diversion programs. Others require rigorous litigation. We examine every procedural and constitutional issue that could benefit your case.
Consequences of a Criminal Conviction in Arizona
Even a misdemeanor conviction can impact your life in ways you may not expect:
Charge Type
Possible Penalties
Misdemeanor
Up to 6 months jail, fines, probation
Felony
1+ year in prison, loss of civil rights
DUI
License suspension, ignition interlock, jail
Drug Offense
Mandatory rehab, jail time, record impact
Long-term effects may include:
Loss of employment opportunities
Difficulty renting housing
Immigration consequences for non-citizens
Loss of firearm ownership rights (in felony cases)
How a Criminal Defense Lawyer Builds Your Case
Every case is different, but our core strategies may include:
Challenging unlawful searches or arrests
Suppressing illegally obtained evidence
Cross-examining police testimony
Investigating alternative explanations or alibis
Negotiating reduced charges or alternative sentencing
We focus on identifying procedural errors, weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and leveraging all available evidence in your favor.
Can I Get My Charges Reduced or Dropped?
In many cases, yes. Early intervention can sometimes lead to reduced charges or full case dismissal. Factors that may influence this include:
Lack of evidence or unreliable witnesses
Police misconduct or constitutional violations
First-time offender status
Willingness to complete diversion programs
Plea deals, deferred prosecution, and pretrial diversion may be available depending on the case and your background.
What If I Have Prior Convictions?
Having a criminal record does not eliminate your right to a defense. In fact, it's even more important to hire a lawyer. Prior convictions may lead to sentence enhancements, but they can also create opportunities to challenge habitual offender allegations or explore mitigation.
We also help clients pursue:
Set-asides and expungements
Early termination of probation
Reduction of felony convictions to misdemeanors
Contact a Kingman Criminal Defense Lawyer Who Knows the System
Mohave County prosecutors are aggressive, and local law enforcement takes a hard stance on crime. You need an equally forceful defense. Call Big Chad Law or use our online form to schedule a confidential case review. We’ll help you understand your options before you make your next move.
FAQ's
If you weren’t read your Miranda rights during a custodial interrogation, statements you made may be inadmissible. This could significantly weaken the prosecution’s case.
Possibly. DUIs can be challenged on multiple grounds, such as improper traffic stops, faulty breath tests, or inaccurate police reports. A lawyer can evaluate the best defense based on your case.
No. Even if you’re innocent, it's easy to say something that could be misinterpreted. Always consult a defense attorney before making statements.
Criminal cases can take weeks to several months, depending on complexity, court schedule, and whether the case goes to trial. Your attorney can help speed up or delay proceedings strategically.
Missing court can result in a bench warrant and additional charges. Contact a lawyer immediately to file a motion to quash the warrant and explain your absence.
Within 24 hours. Arizona requires an initial appearance within 24 hours of arrest (or release). Detention/bail is addressed at or shortly after the initial appearance; if the State seeks detention under A.R.S. §13-3961(E), the court must hold that hearing within 24 hours of the initial appearance. Local criminal matters run through the Mohave County courts in Kingman.
No—ask for a lawyer first. Under Miranda v. Arizona, statements made during custodial interrogation are admissible only if you were clearly advised of your rights and then knowingly, intelligently, and voluntarily waived them. Invoke your right to remain silent and to counsel.
The court appoints one if you’re indigent. If the judge finds you can’t afford private counsel, a public defender (or conflict counsel) is appointed. Kingman contacts: Mohave County Public Defender, 318 N. 5th St., Kingman, AZ 86401, (928) 753-0734; Indigent Defense Services, P.O. Box 7000, Kingman, AZ 86402, (928) 753-0738. Counties commonly confirm eligibility via a financial affidavit at or soon after the initial appearance.
Arizona uses classes. Misdemeanors are Class 1–3; felonies are Class 1–6 with ranges that depend on priors, “dangerous” designations, and other factors. The Arizona Judicial Branch publishes current sentencing charts and links to A.R.S. Title 13 so you can see the exact ranges that may apply to your charge.
lear my record in Arizona (set-aside, sealing, expungement)? Often, yes—via set-aside or sealing; marijuana cases may be expunged. Set-aside (not a true erasure): A.R.S. §13-905 lets courts set aside eligible convictions after sentence completion. Sealing (public access restricted): A.R.S. §13-911 allows petitions to seal arrest/charge/conviction records after completing all terms and waiting a period tied to offense level (e.g., 10 years for Class 2–3 felonies; 5 years for Class 4–6 felonies; 3 years for Class 1 misdemeanors; 2 years for Class 2–3 misdemeanors).
Marijuana expungement: Prop 207 / A.R.S. §36-2862 permits true expungement of specified marijuana offenses. Arizona courts provide step-by-step packets and forms for sealing and marijuana expungement.
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