Arizona Criminal Charges — Know Your Rights
Arizona recognizes the same federal rights — the right to remain silent and the right to counsel — and provides a public defender if you can't afford one. The early steps happen quickly after arrest, so knowing the process and getting organized matters. We educate and help you prepare for counsel; we don't represent you.
Your rights: The Fifth and Sixth Amendments — silence and counsel, with Miranda warnings on custodial questioning. Arizona provides appointed counsel (a public defender) if you're indigent.
How the case moves: Arrest → initial appearance (release conditions set) → preliminary hearing or grand jury → arraignment on the charges → disclosure → trial (Arizona Rules of Criminal Procedure).
First appearance: Your initial appearance should occur within ~24 hours of arrest — that's the first deadline that matters.
First move: Stay silent, ask for a lawyer, and don't discuss the case; request appointed counsel if you can't afford one. We help you organize the disclosure and a timeline for your attorney.
Charged in Arizona? Get organized for your lawyer.
HWS helps you understand your rights and organize the discovery, dates, and a clear timeline for the attorney who defends you. We do not represent you.
This is general know-your-rights education, not legal advice, and Health Wealth Stealth is not a law firm and does not represent you or provide criminal-defense strategy. Retain a licensed Arizona criminal-defense attorney; in an emergency call 911.