What happens when a felony case begins?
A felony case can involve several court events before any trial. Arizona's court overview describes an initial appearance, possible preliminary hearing or grand jury proceedings, arraignment and later trial stages. I start with the documents and the point your case has actually reached, rather than assume that every file follows the same route.
At an initial appearance, the court explains the charges and addresses matters including representation and release conditions. I want to understand what orders have already been made and what date comes next. When you call, tell me whether you are under investigation, have recently been released or already have a case pending.
Where are felony charges heard?
The Arizona Judicial Branch identifies felony criminal cases within the Superior Court's jurisdiction. My practice includes Maricopa County Superior Court as well as the other courts and Arizona counties identified in my background. I look at the court, the charging document and the particular offenses before discussing the work a case may require.
A felony is not one uniform allegation. Assault, homicide, drug, theft and weapons charges raise different questions. The linked practice pages explain those topics separately. I need to read the specific charge and the evidence behind it, including any allegations that change what the prosecution is asking the court to consider.
Arizona Judicial Branch: Superior Court jurisdictionChris's confirmed client inputs, October 22, 2026
How I handle a felony case
After I am hired, I get the police report and discovery and begin checking the state's account. I look for legal issues, conduct interviews and consider motions when appropriate. A motion is a request for the court to decide an issue. I explain what the review shows and where information is still missing.
I also present defenses and mitigation and discuss the prosecution's position with you. A plea agreement and a trial involve different decisions. I take time to explain the options so you can consider the advice. If sentencing becomes necessary, I use mitigation to seek the lowest sentence possible in the circumstances, without predicting what the court will do.
Chris's confirmed client inputs, October 22, 2026Arizona Judicial Branch: criminal case process
What information can matter in a felony case?
The charging document, reports, witness accounts and other discovery form the starting point. I consider the connection between each allegation and the evidence offered for it. Where several charges appear in the same case, I review their individual facts instead of treating the list as a single conclusion about what happened.
Your circumstances also deserve to be heard. Mitigation can explain relevant information about you alongside the legal work. I will be upfront about the difference between something that helps me understand the case and something that changes the available options. The first call is a place to begin that honest conversation.
Chris's confirmed client inputs, October 22, 2026Arizona Judicial Branch: criminal case process
General information only. This practice-page draft requires Chris's review before publication.
