Welcome to Defense Advocates

The dedicated public defender contracted by the City of Yuma to represent indigent persons charged with misdemeanor crimes. Our mission is to provide high-quality legal defense to those who cannot afford private counsel, ensuring that every individual receives fair representation within the criminal justice system.

Contact Us to Schedule Your Appointment

If you have been charged with a misdemeanor offense and our office has been appointed to represent you, please set up your initial appointment.

Remember, attorneys will meet with you by appointment only, and scheduling will be at least two weeks after your arraignment. This timeframe ensures we have all necessary documentation to provide you with the best possible defense.

You can schedule of appointment by clicking here for access to our online calendar. You can also contact our office at (928) 259-7088.

Understanding the Criminal Justice Process for Misdemeanor Offenses

Navigating the criminal justice system can be overwhelming, but we’re here to guide you through each step. Here’s an overview of the process for misdemeanor offenses in Yuma, Arizona:

1. Arrest and Citation

After being arrested or cited for a misdemeanor offense, you will receive a court date for your arraignment.

2. Arraignment

The arraignment is your first court appearance. During this hearing, you will be formally charged, and you will have the opportunity to enter a plea (guilty, not guilty, or no contest). You will also be asked if you are going to hire a private attorney, represent yourself, or ask that a Court-appointed attorney (Defense Advocates) be assigned to represent you at little or no cost to you.

3. Contact Defense Advocates

After your arraignment, it is crucial to contact our office to set up your initial appointment with one of our attorneys. We understand the urgency of your situation, and our team is here to help you.

4. Initial Appointment

By Appointment Only: To provide the best possible service, our attorneys are available by appointment only. This ensures that we can give each case the attention it deserves.
Scheduling: Your appointment will be scheduled at least two weeks after your arraignment. This allows us sufficient time to receive all charging documents and thoroughly review them before discussing your case with you.

5. Pretrial Proceedings (Discovery)

During this phase, we will investigate your case, negotiate with the prosecution, and prepare for trial if necessary.
During this time, the prosecution may make an offer to resolve the case, including a plea offer, or a deferred prosecution. If one is made, we will immediately present it to you and discuss it, to see if you want to accept it or have us try to negotiate a different resolution of the case.

6. Pre-Trial Conference

At your Pre-Trial Conference, we will inform the judge whether the case is going to be resolved (either through a negotiated Change of Plea, Deferred Prosecution Agreement, or through a Trial).

7. Trial

If your case goes to trial, we will represent you in court, presenting your defense and advocating on your behalf.

8. Sentencing

If you are found guilty after trial, the judge will determine your sentence based on the circumstances of your case and the applicable laws.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How can I get an appointment with you?

If Defense Advocates has been assigned to represent you, you can make an appointment online here or call us at (928) 259-7088.

How can I get Defense Advocates to represent me?

Defense Advocates must be appointed by the City of Yuma Municipal Court. If you are charged with a criminal offense being prosecuted by the City of Yuma, you can make a request for counsel to the Court. We can only represent you after we have been specifically assigned to do so by the Court.

Where do I need to go for my court appearance?

If you are being prosecuted by the City of Yuma (not the County), your court appearances will be held at the Yuma Municipal Court – 1515 S 2nd Ave, Yuma, AZ 85364. Parking is free in front of the courthouse. Remember to arrive 15 minutes before your court time to allow enough time to go through security.

What is a Deferred Prosecution agreement?

A Deferred Prosecution agreement in Arizona is a legal arrangement where prosecution is postponed for a specified period while the defendant meets certain conditions, such as not having any new charges brought. If the defendant successfully complies with the terms, the charges may be dismissed, avoiding a formal conviction.

What is a Plea Agreement?

A Plea Agreement is when someone accused of a crime makes a deal with the prosecutor. They agree to plead either no contest or guilty, and in return, they have a negotiated punishment and/or dismissal of some charges.

What is a Trial?

A trial is a process where people go to court to decide if someone accused of a crime is guilty or not. In a trial, lawyers present evidence and call witnesses to tell what they know about a case. Then, a judge or jury listens to everything and makes a decision.

Do I get a jury trial?

In Arizona, misdemeanor jury trials are only allowed for seven (7) different types of cases: DUI, Shoplifting, Theft, Prostitution, Solicitation of Prostitution, Public Sexual Indecency, and Indecent Exposure. These are all known as “moral turpitude” crimes (i.e., the most serious misdemeanors).

What is a bench trial?

A bench trial is a type of trial where there is no jury. Instead, the judge listens to the evidence and makes the decision about whether the person is guilty or not. It’s different from a jury trial because only the judge decides the outcome.

How do I make a payment on fees owed to the Court?

You can make payments to the Court in person, or make payments online here using the instructions on this website: https://wmq.etimspayments.com/pbw/include/arizona/newinput.jsp