Any person who is facing a criminal charge, no matter how minor, will benefit from consulting a qualified criminal defense lawyer. Unlike civil court cases, where money or property may be at stake, a person suspected of committing a criminal act is in jeopardy of losing their fundamental freedom, and should act quickly to protect their rights by contacting an experienced criminal defense attorney. An experienced criminal defense lawyer can identify important pretrial issues and bring appropriate motions which might significantly improve a defendant's case.

Unlike civil law, which involves private law suits between two or more private entities, criminal law involves defendants who are being prosecuted by the state or federal government. Criminal defense Attorneys Kaiser, James & Wilson, P.L.L.C., represent individuals who are being prosecuted by the state of Arizona for an act that has been classified as a crime. Crimes are generally classified as:

• Misdemeanors- less serious offenses that are normally punishable by a fine like some traffic violations, petty theft cases, or possession of a small amount of marijuana, or
• Felonies- more serious offenses that warrant imprisonment of one or more years, such as rape, grand theft, assault with a deadly weapon, or homicide/murder.

Criminal defense Attorneys Kaiser, James & Wilson, P.L.L.C., have successfully negotiated and litigated both misdemeanor and felony crimes and are experienced in defending Arizona clients against state criminal charges.

Another important distinction between civil law and criminal law is the standard of proof that is required by the law. In order to prevail in a civil case, the plaintiff must demonstrate by 51% that the defendant is responsible for the plaintiff’s injuries. In criminal law, the prosecutor must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the person charged with the crime actually committed the crime. This standard is much higher than the civil standard, and requires the skilled legal representation of a qualified criminal defense Attorney to fight for a defendant’s exoneration.