what does it mean when the county attorney decides not to file charges arizona

by Aaliyah Thompson 3 min read

Defendants who are held in custody without bond may be released after 48 hours if the County Attorney has not filed charges in a direct complaint. Status Conference A status conference provides the first opportunity for the defendant and prosecutor to resolve a case before proceeding to trial.

If the prosecutor believes that the law enforcement agency's report does not provide sufficient evidence to justify filing of criminal charges, he or she may return the report to the submitting agency for more investigation (or "further" the report), decline to prosecute ("not file"), or refer the case to a ...

Full Answer

What happens if you are arrested without charges in Arizona?

Defendants who are held in custody without bond may be released after 48 hours if the County Attorney has not filed charges in a direct complaint. Status Conference. A status conference provides the first opportunity for the defendant and prosecutor to resolve a case before proceeding to trial.

What does it mean when no charges are filed?

After the prosecutor reviews the crime report, he will determine whether or not the investigation provided enough evidence to file criminal charges. If the report is lacking in sufficient evidence, it will be returned to the detectives for continued investigation to collect more sufficient evidence to move forward with prosecution, or the prospector may not decide to press charges and close …

What happens when a case is scratched in Arizona?

When a case is “scratched”, from a court’s schedule, this does not necessarily mean that the case is closed and that charges cannot be filed in the future. An arrest without charges can be an uncertain situation to be in without the advice of a skilled Arizona attorney.

What happens when the district attorney decides to wait to file?

Jul 22, 2021 · Many hope that no charges filed means they might be off the hook. There are things you can do in the investigation stage of a case to help, but a charging decision is based on (1) the facts the prosecutor has (2) is there any immediate …

How long does the DA have to file charges in Arizona?

Misdemeanors: Generally the state has one year to bring misdemeanor charges against a person in Arizona. Felonies: Arizona prosecutors have seven years to file felony criminal charges against a person.

How long does a prosecuting attorney have to file charges?

The prosecutor must present their evidence. Prosecutors generally file criminal charges within two to three days. Because prosecutors must file so quickly, the criminal charges can change significantly over time.Nov 18, 2021

Why do prosecutors sometimes choose not to prosecute criminal cases?

No likelihood of success. Prosecutors may decline to press charges because they think it unlikely that a conviction will result. No matter what the prosecutor's personal feelings about the case, the prosecutor needs legally admissible evidence sufficient to prove the defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

What does no complaint filed mean in Arizona?

In some cases the complaint may never be filed. For those that are not, it is usually because the prosecution did not have sufficient evidence to bring formal charges. But more commonly, a case is scratched to allow for additional investigation by the Maricopa County Attorney's Office and Prosecution.

Can police decide not to prosecute?

If the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) or police decide not to charge a suspect then he will have no further action taken against him. A decision not to charge is sometimes called a decision not to prosecute or taking no further action ('NFA').

How long does the district attorney have to file charges in Wisconsin?

The prosecutor has one year after the discovery of the offense to bring charges, up to a maximum extension of five years.

What evidence do the police need to charge you?

The evidence they gather includes documentary, physical, photographic and other forensic evidence and not just witness testimony. The police arrest and interview suspects. All of this produces a file which when complete the police send to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) for review and a decision on prosecuting.Oct 12, 2020

What is the most common result if a prosecutor deliberately fails to hand over required evidence to the defense?

Which of the following is the most common result if a prosecutor deliberately fails to hand over required evidence to the defense? The court dismisses the charges against the defendant.

What happens if charges are dropped before court?

What Does It Mean When a Case Is Dismissed? Dropped and dismissed criminal charges are similar in that the case does not go to trial and the defendant does not face penalties for the alleged offense.Aug 6, 2021

Can charges be dropped at an arraignment hearing?

Although it is rare, it is possible for charges to be dropped at an arraignment. This may happen through a probable cause hearing, which typically occur during an arraignment. A probable cause hearing is made after a criminal defense lawyer Los Angeles, CA requests a judge to hold this type of hearing.Sep 2, 2021

What does a disposition of no complaint filed mean?

The disposition on a criminal record is the current status or final outcome of an arrest or prosecution. Common dispositions are: ... No charges filed/Charges dropped: means the prosecutor has declined to pursue the case.

What court in Arizona would initially hear a case in which the defendant was charged with felony murder?

Superior CourtThe Superior Court in Arizona is a state-wide wide trial court, with jurisdiction over a wide range of different types of criminal cases. The majority of criminal cases heard there are felonies. There are generally 7 stages of a criminal case heard in AZ Superior Court: Initial Appearance.

What happens if a prosecutor does not file a criminal complaint?

If the prosecutor believes that the law enforcement agency's report does not provide sufficient evidence to justify filing of criminal charges, he or she may return the report to the submitting agency for more investigation (or "further" the report), decline to prosecute ("not file"), or refer the case to a prosecutorial agency in another jurisdiction for review.

How long does it take to get a trial date in Arizona?

Defendants are entitled to a speedy trial (Rule 8; Arizona Rules of Criminal Procedure). If the defendant remains in custody, a trial date must be set within 120 days from the initial appearance.

How long does it take to get sentencing in Maricopa County?

In felony cases, sentencing will generally be held about 30 days after the change of plea or guilty verdict. Prior to sentencing, the court will request a Pre-Sentence Report on the defendant from the Maricopa County Probation Department (only for felony cases).

How to do an IA?

An IA is the first time the suspect, now referred to as a defendant, appears before a Judge or Commissioner. At the IA, four events take place: 1 The defendant is informed of the felony allegations. 2 The defendant is advised of the right to an attorney. If the court finds the person cannot afford an attorney, a public defender will be appointed. 3 Conditions of the defendant's release are established. Defendants accused of less serious or non-violent crimes, or who have sufficient community ties, are released at this time on their own recognizance (OR), a personal promise to return to court when required. Defendants accused of serious offenses, or who have criminal records or a history of not returning to court as required, are either held in jail or released after posting a cash bond. 4 A date is set for a status conference and preliminary hearing.

How long does it take to get an IPTC?

An IPTC is usually held within 45 days after an arraignment.

How many citizens are in a grand jury?

In addition to - and sometimes in lieu of - filing a direct complaint, a prosecutor may formally charge a suspect by presenting evidence to a Grand Jury comprised of at least nine citizens selected at random.

What does a deputy county attorney do?

In certain felony cases, such as homicides or vehicular collisions involving serious injuries or death, a Deputy County Attorney may come to the crime scene to assist officers with legal issues in the investigation.

What is sentencing in Arizona?

Sentencing is a court hearing where the judge determines punishment. There is often great flexibility at this stage of the process and the experienced criminal defense attorneys at Arentz Law Group PLLC, who serve the Phoenix, Tempe, and other areas of Arizona can help you make the most of your situation.

How long can a suspect be held in Arizona?

The police are permitted to hold a suspect for up to 24 hours after the arrest before seeing a judge or hearing officer at an initial appearance. The suspect may be entitled to see criminal defense attorneys if he/she requests. If your loved one is in custody, contact one of their criminal defense attorneys in Phoenix, Arizona to discuss representation.

What is parole in prison?

Parole is a conditional release from prison that entitles the defendant receiving it to serve the remainder of the term outside the prison, but technically the defendant will still be under the Department of Corrections. Typical conditions of parole can include:

What is the purpose of an appeal?

The purpose of an appeal is to ensure that the trial court did not make any legal errors throughout the trial process. Appeals may result in the reversal of a defendant's trial court conviction.

What happens if the prosecuting attorney believes there is enough evidence?

If the prosecuting attorney believes there is enough evidence, he/she will file a document with the Superior Court which notifies that the State is "charging" the defendant with a particular crime.

What happens if you make a mistake during arrest?

If a mistake is made during an arrest, the criminal defense attorneys atArentz Law Group PLLC in Phoenix, serving Tempe and other Arizona communities may be able to use the mistake to your advantage. Contact them to discuss your case.

What is the best time to hire a criminal defense attorney in Phoenix Arizona?

The pre-arrest investigation stage of the process is the best time to hire a criminal defense attorney in Phoenix, Arizona to take control and defend the case. Pre-arrest investigations are done after the defendant has been contacted by a law enforcement agency but before charges have been filed. At this point in the process, the defendant has not been arrested.

What happens after a crime is reported in Arizona?

After a crime is reported in Arizona, a police officer will respond to the scene to investigate the report. The first job of the police is to assess whether or not anyone needs medical attention and call for an ambulance. After this, the officer or officers will interview any witnesses to help create a report of the crime. Detectives and crime scene investigators may also be called to the scene to document the crime through photographs, fingerprints, and other additional evidence. If the crime is considered a felony, especially having resulted in serious injury or death, the Deputy County Attorney may also be called to the scene to assist. If there is a possible suspect and there is enough evidence for the police to find probable cause, the suspect will be arrested on the spot.

What happens when a plea agreement cannot be reached?

When a plea agreement cannot be reached, the case proceeds to trail. Everyone involved in the case will be summoned in advance to testify. This includes witnesses for both the prosecution and the defense. Again, victims have the right to be present at the trial.

What happens after a defendant is sentenced?

The defense may choose to challenge the conviction with an appeal or a petition for Post-Conviction Relief. An appeal is a formal request submitted by the defense attorney that asks for an appellate court review of the case. The reason for this is to determine if all of the defendant’s rights were adhered to during the trial. Most cases are reviewed in writing. However, some cases receive an oral argument in front of the court. Testimony from victims is not allowed during an appeal.

What happens after a direct complaint is filed?

After a direct complaint has been filed by the prosecution, the preliminary hearing determines whether or not the defendant goes to trial. The prosecution presents the evidence to the judge who then decides whether the evidence presented includes probable cause to bring the case to trial. If probable cause is not found, the judge will dismiss the case. Sometimes, a prosecutor decides to secure a Grand Jury indictment before the scheduled preliminary hearing. When this happens, the hearing is canceled, and the case goes to trial.

What happens during initial appearance proceedings?

During the Initial Appearance Proceedings, four things take place. First, the defendant is notified of the felony allegations against them. Secondly, the defendant is advised of their right to an attorney. If they cannot afford an attorney, a public defender will be assigned to their case. Thirdly, conditions of release will be made. If the crime committed was non-violent and the defendant has enough community ties to not be considered a flight risk, they can be released on their own recognizance. However, they must agree to appear at future court dates.

How long does it take to get sentencing for a felony?

When a defendant pleads guilty, the judge then sets a date for sentencing. When it comes to felony cases, the sentencing hearing is typically held within thirty days after the plea of guilty has been formally entered into the court system. Before sentencing, however, the court requests a Pre-Sentence Report for felony cases. This report details the offenses committed and the defendant’s criminal history. A probation officer may contact the victim who can provide a written statement that can include a request for restitution. A special sentencing hearing may also take place where the victim is allowed to make a verbal statement to the court that the judge takes into consideration before sentencing the defendant.

How long does it take to get an arraignment?

Ten days after filing a direct complaint or Grand Jury indictment, an arraignment is held unless the suspect is still at large or has negotiated a plea bargain. The purpose of an arraignment is to inform the defendant of the charges against them, advise them of their right to an attorney, and ask them to enter a plea of guilty or not guilty and to set a pretrial conference and trial date.

What happens if you are accused of a sexual offence?

Accusation of Sexual Offense. Once charged with a sexual crime, life can change drastically. Even if charges and a trial do not lead to a conviction, a simple accusation can be damage enough to a person’s reputation for the rest of their life.

How many hit and run crashes in Arizona?

Arizona Motor Vehicle Crash Facts’ latest statistics reports that there were 13,018 Hit and Run crashes, 2,530 of which caused injury and of those, 56 were fatal. Hit and Run cases such as these can range from a Class 3 Misdemeanor up to a Class 2 Felony.

How to contact Jackson White?

Call JacksonWhite Attorneys to review your arrest and possible charges for free by calling (480) 818-9943.

What happens if you are questioned by police?

If you have been questioned by police informally, in an interview, or they have tried to come in contact with you, there is a chance that they are investigating a possible crime and that they believe that you are involved in some way. It is important that immediately after you know that the police want to speak to you that you

Can a sexual assault charge change your life?

Once charged with a sexual crime, life can change drastically . Even if charges and a trial do not lead to a conviction, a simple accusation can be damage enough to a person’s reputation for the rest of their life. If there is reason to believe that someone would make these accusations, it is important to contact an attorney to review your situation and understand how to move forward with the authorities.

Can a white collar criminal be charged?

Something that may be surprising is that innocent co-owners or business partners can be charged with crimes that were committed by another person in the business. This is a very vulnerable position to be in, and you shouldn’t go through this process without the guidance of an attorney that is knowledgeable in White Collar Pre-File Investigations.

Can JacksonWhite represent you in court?

JacksonWhite can continue to represent you in court and fight for your rights .

What does it mean when a case does not get filed?

The fact that a particular case did not get filed quickly does not mean that someone will not be charged with a crime, though this is possible. It is also equally possible that the prosecuting attorney did not see your case as a priority and is getting to it.

How long can you file a criminal charge in Washington?

Almost every kind of criminal charge in Washington has a limited time in which charges can be filed. This concept is called the Statute of Limitations and there are only 6 serious crimes that do not have such a time limit (murder being one of them which is why you hear of charges being filed 30 years later). The statute of limitations varies from 1 year for misdemeanors, 2 years for gross misdemeanors or longer depending on the type of felony alleged. If you know the particular crime you may be charged with, you can look this up in this statute. So, technically, prosecutors have until the end of this time period to file; however, there are motions that can be filed to dismiss charges if the delay was unfair and prejudicial to the defendant. Also read the statute carefully, this period of time does “not run during any time when the person charged is not usually and publicly resident within this state”.

Why do people not go to jail after 72 hours?

People avoid arrest, speak with an officer and are not arrested, or are arrested and taken to jail but then released after 72 hours because no criminal charges were filed. Many hope that no charges filed means they might be off the hook.

How long is the statute of limitations for a misdemeanor?

The statute of limitations varies from 1 year for misdemeanors, 2 years for gross misdemeanors or longer depending on the type of felony alleged. If you know the particular crime you may be charged with, you can look this up in this statute.

What is the charge based on?

There are things you can do in the investigation stage of a case to help, but a charging decision is based on (1) the facts the prosecutor has (2) is there any immediate need to file and (3) the statute of limitations of the crime.

What is Robert Rhodes' background?

With a successful background in law, courtrooms, wrestling, rugby and jujitsu, Robert Rhodes’s nature is well-suited for argument and litigation. Mr. Rhodes knows how to talk clearly and directly to his clients, adversaries and to the Court. His common sense, straight talk and experience put his clients immediately at ease. Mr. Rhodes does not do anything half way and you will sense this when you meet him. Read more >>

Does not filing a case mean someone will not be charged?

The fact that a particular case did not get filed quickly does not mean that someone will not be charged with a crime, though this is possible. It is also equally possible that the prosecuting attorney did not see your case as a priority and is getting to it.

What does it mean if the DA is not filing charges?

If the DA is not filing charges on your DUI it means that your record does not shod a conviction for the DUI. The DA may be waiting for the lab results or for some other evidence that is being processed. They have a year in which to file. If you contact me we can discuss the facts surrounding this incident and I can give you a more complete answer.

What does it mean when a D.A. declines to file a criminal case?

When the D.A. declines to file it means you were not charged with a crime, and of course not convicted. However the arrest still is there. It may be possible for you to have the arrest removed by asking the police agency that made the arrest to make a finding of innocence. If that fails you are allowed to ask a judge to do it. It is a good idea to have a lawyer at that stage

Why did the DA write a letter?

The DA wrote that letter because after a review they did not feel they had sufficient evident to convict you of a dui. You will have no record of a conviction however you will have a record of an arrest.

Can you file charges if you have no criminal record?

Yes, not filing charges means, you have no criminal record. Nothing will show up in a records check by employers, who are only entitled to conviction records (not arrest records).

Commission of The Crime

  • There are two types of crimes, felonies and misdemeanors. The criminal defense attorneys at Arentz Law Group PLLC in the Phoenix and Tempe area have extensive experience handling both felony and misdemeanor crimes. Contact them to discuss representation. A felony is a crime punishable by one year or more in State Prison. Felony cases begin in lower courts and then ca…
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Retaining An Attorney

  • A defendant may retain a criminal defense attorney at any stage of the case, whether it is during the investigation or the night before court dates. Criminal defendants have the right to an attorney and will be appointed one (Public Defender) if they can not afford one. However, criminal defendants may be responsible for paying the costs of their court appointed lawyer if it is later d…
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Pre-Arrest Investigations

  • The pre-arrest investigation stage of the process is the best time to hire a criminal defense attorney in Phoenix, Arizona to take control and defend the case. Pre-arrest investigations are done after the defendant has been contacted by a law enforcement agency but before charges have been filed. At this point in the process, the defendant has not been arrested. During this sta…
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Arrest

  • If a mistake is made during an arrest, the criminal defense attorneys atArentz Law Group PLLC in Phoenix, serving Tempe and other Arizona communities may be able to use the mistake to your advantage. Contact them to discuss your case. To make a felony arrest, police must have probable cause, which may be conceptualized as a "good reason" to arrest. For a misdemeanor, …
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Booking

  • All felony defendants and most misdemeanor defendants will be required to go to the police station for booking. If our criminal defense attorneys are called in time, an attorney can meet you at the police station. When a suspect is booked the following occurs: 1. The suspect is taken to the law enforcement station. 2. The suspect is asked a series of routine questions. 3. The suspe…
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Post-Arrest Investigations

  • Post-arrest investigations are done after the arrest, but before charges have been filed by the prosecutor. It is not required that the arresting agency release the police report before the defendant goes to court. However, sometimes a criminal defense attorney can talk the police into releasing the report. back to top
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Decision to Charge

  • Sometimes, if their criminal defense attorneys become involved in the case early enough, they can stop charges from being filed or have less serious charges filed. If you are the subject of a criminal investigation, contactArentz Law Group PLLC even if charges havent been filed. Our criminal defense attorneys serving the Phoenix and Tempe areas may be able to help you. If ther…
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Filing The Complaint

  • The prosecuting attorney files a document called a complaint with the court. The complaint describes the charges that are being filed against the defendant. back to top
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Arraignment/First Appearance

  • The police are permitted to hold a suspect for up to 24 hours after the arrest before seeing a judge or hearing officer at an initial appearance. The suspect may be entitled to see criminal defense attorneys if he/she requests. If your loved one is in custody, contact one of their criminal defense attorneys in Phoenix, Arizona to discuss representation. At the initial appearance, the d…
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Preliminary Hearing

  • Preliminary hearings only occur in felony offenses. In most states, a preliminary hearing is necessary for the Judge to determine whether or not there is sufficient evidence or probable cause to support the charges against a defendant and bind the case over to Superior Court for trial. Preliminary hearings can be waived for strategy reasons.Arentz Law Group PLLC will discu…
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