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Scottsdale Criminal Defense Lawyer

Scottsdale Criminal Defense Attorney

Woodrow C. Thompson is a top Criminal Defense attorney serving Scottsdale, AZ.

602-962-4436
Best Lawyers in America®, Criminal Defense: General Practice, 2017-2023
Member of the National College for DUI Defense
Recognized by The Best Lawyers in America in three separate disciplines – Criminal Defense, White Collar, and DUI Defense – over the last 4 years.
Phoenix Magazine, Top Lawyer, 2022
LLA Badge

Woodrow C. Thompson is our recommended Scottsdale Criminal Defense attorney. 602-962-4436

Disclosure: We may receive compensation from this attorney.

About Woodrow C. Thompson

Woodrow Thompson, also known as Woody, is a criminal defense attorney for Gallagher and Kennedy. Woody has dedicated his practice to representing individuals facing criminal offenses ranging from misdemeanor DUI to Homicide, Sex offenses, and Federal Investigations for nearly two decades. Woody graduated with B.B.A. in Mathematics in 1998 and his J.D. from Arizona State University in 2001. As a trial advocate, Woody has successfully handled and resolved thousands of criminal cases, such as DUIs and Vehicular Crimes, Sex offenses, Aggravated Assaults, and Homicide. As a highly skilled trial attorney who is dedicated to providing the finest defense to anyone accused of a DUI or criminal offense, the combination of Woody’s years of experience and his Math and Science education enables him to effectively analyze and evaluate the many scientific details of DUI and forensic data in criminal cases.

BAR & COURT ADMISSIONS

  • Arizona
  • U.S. District Court, District of Arizona

ASSOCIATIONS & MEMBERSHIPS

  • Federal Bar Association, Phoenix Chapter, Member, 2019
  • National College for DUI Defense, Inc., Member
  • Maricopa County Bar Association, Member

HONORS & AWARDS

  • Best Lawyers in America®, Criminal Defense: General Practice, 2017-2023; Criminal Defense: White-Collar, 2020-2023; DUI/DWI Defense, 2019-2023
  • Phoenix Magazine, Top Lawyer, 2022
  • Arizona Foothills Magazine, Best of Our Valley, Criminal Defense Attorney, 2013

What it's Like Working With Our Recommended Criminal Defense attorney serving Scottsdale, AZ

Contact Scottsdale
Criminal Defense Attorney

Woodrow C. Thompson

602-962-4436

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2575 E Camelback Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85016

Understanding When to Contact a Criminal Defense Attorney in Scottsdale

If you or your loved one is facing a criminal charge in Scottsdale, Arizona, it can be a nerve-wracking and intimidating time. Given the complexity of criminal laws and the potentially severe consequences, an experienced Scottsdale criminal lawyer is essential to navigating through this uncertain time. Below, we provide some basic information about criminal law, including when and how a top Scottsdale criminal attorney can be most useful.

What are Criminal Charges?

At its simplest, an individual faces criminal charges when they have committed a crime; a crime is any act committed or omitted that violates a public law. The laws of each state will define these forbidden acts. Crimes will generally fall into one of the following categories:

  • Felony: Felonies are the most severe level of crime, generally punishable by imprisonment for more than a year, in addition to any fines. Examples of crimes that are considered felonies include murder, arson, and sexual assault.
  • Misdemeanor: Misdemeanors are lesser crimes, generally resulting in prison sentences of less than a year and lesser fines. Examples of misdemeanors include trespassing and vandalism.
  • Infraction: Infractions are minor or petty crimes that normally do not result in jail time. Examples include moving violations such as speeding or running a red light.

While each of the above categories of crimes come with different potential punishments, each can have a significant impact on an individual's life.

How an Attorney Can Help

If you are facing criminal charges, you should contact a criminal defense attorney in Scottsdale, as soon as possible. Regardless of whether you have committed some wrongdoing or if you are completely innocent, a licensed legal practitioner will be an invaluable resource throughout the criminal process.

A criminal lawyer in Scottsdale can assist in all facets of the criminal process. They can help you:

  • Ensure Your Rights are Protected. You may have heard the recitation of Miranda rights in movies or TV shows – including the right to an attorney. This is considered an essential right to those facing criminal charges, because a lawyer can ensure a charged individual receives all the rights they are due under the law.
  • Understand the Legal Process. Criminal attorneys know the ins and outs of the legal process for criminal cases. They can assist you in any preliminary hearings, ensure your bail is set at a reasonable amount, and confirm that all legal procedures are being properly followed by the police and the prosecutor.
  • Create Defense Strategy. Lawyers who work in criminal law have significant experience strategizing the most effective way to handle a case. This often includes striking deals with the prosecution and securing lesser sentences.
  • Understand Case Precedent. One important tool in a successful criminal case is past case law. If there are past cases where a similarly-situated defendant overcame criminal charges, an attorney can use this to persuade a judge or jury that you should see the same result.

As you or your loved one determines the next steps for handling criminal charges, the best Scottsdale attorney will be an invaluable asset. The criminal legal process can present unexpectedly complicated twists and turns, where a wrong step could result in serious limitations on your personal liberty.

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Woodrow C. Thompson

602-962-4436

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