Protective orders can restrict where a person lives or works before any conviction. A lawyer can challenge or modify these orders at a court hearing.
Fees depend on charge severity and case complexity.
Most criminal defense attorneys charge flat fees.
As of 2025, criminal defense attorney fees in Tucson typically range from $1,500 to $5,000 for misdemeanors and $5,000 to $25,000 or more for felony cases, depending on complexity and whether the case proceeds to trial in Pima County Superior Court.
Most attorneys charge flat fees for misdemeanors and higher flat or staged fees for felony cases. Trial preparation significantly increases cost because it involves jury selection, expert witnesses, pretrial motions, and multiple court appearances.
Edward F. Cohn, a Tucson criminal defense attorney, structures fees based on charge severity, anticipated court time, and whether the case remains in municipal court or advances to Superior Court.
After an arrest in Tucson, the following typically occurs:
Booking into the Pima County Jail
Initial appearance before a judge within 24 hours under Arizona Rule of Criminal Procedure 4.1
Determination of release conditions or bond
At the initial appearance, the judge decides:
Release conditions
Bail amount (if applicable)
Next court date
Under Arizona law, the court must consider community safety and flight risk when setting release conditions.
Edward F. Cohn advises clients that the first 24 to 48 hours after arrest are critical for protecting constitutional rights, preventing self-incrimination, and preparing a defense strategy.
Yes. Criminal charges in Arizona can be dismissed if:
The prosecution lacks sufficient evidence
Police violated constitutional rights (e.g., unlawful search under the Fourth Amendment)
Witness testimony is unreliable
A diversion program is successfully completed
Prosecutors may file a motion to dismiss or agree to dismissal after negotiations.
In Pima County, dismissal can occur before trial if legal or evidentiary weaknesses are identified.
Edward F. Cohn evaluates every case for procedural violations, evidentiary defects, and constitutional issues that may justify dismissal.
Early intervention increases the likelihood of dismissal before a case reaches trial.
The difference between a felony and a misdemeanor in Arizona is the severity of punishment and court jurisdiction.
A misdemeanor:
Punishable by up to 6 months in jail (A.R.S. § 13-707)
Handled in municipal or justice court
Maximum fine of $2,500 plus surcharges
A felony:
Punishable by more than 1 year in state prison
Prosecuted in Superior Court
Can result in long-term probation, prison, and loss of civil rights
Felonies in Arizona are classified from Class 1 (most serious) to Class 6 (least serious).
Edward F. Cohn defends both felony and misdemeanor cases in Tucson and represents clients in Pima County Superior Court and local courts.