Pre-Charge Investigation Stage in Phoenix, AZ

If Phoenix police or another law enforcement agency has contacted you for questioning, told you that you’re under investigation, or arrested and released you without a citation or formal charges, you are likely in the pre-charging or investigative stage of a criminal case. This is one of the most critical moments to hire a criminal defense attorney—because early legal intervention can sometimes prevent charges from ever being filed.

We know that it’s far better to avoid criminal charges altogether than to face the lasting consequences of an arrest. Even if that arrest later results in a dismissal. Once charges are filed, they often show up on background checks and can follow you for years. But if we can intervene early and prevent those charges, your record remains clean.

Phoenix criminal defense attorney

How Our Attorneys Help with Pre-Indictment / Pre-Charging Representation

We specialize in Pre-Indictment and Pre-Charging Representation for individuals under investigation in Phoenix and surrounding areas. This stage—before formal charges or an indictment—is one of the most critical points in any criminal case. The decisions you make now can shape the entire outcome of your case.

Communicate Directly with Law Enforcement

Our attorneys act quickly to shield you from law enforcement pressure. If detectives are contacting you for questioning or requesting your cooperation, you have the right to remain silent and to have an attorney present. We handle all communication on your behalf and ensure your rights are protected from the moment you learn you’re under investigation.

Take Immediate Action to Prevent Charges

Our pre-charging criminal defense strategy is proactive and aggressive. We gather evidence, consult experts, locate key witnesses, and build a defense narrative—before a prosecutor or grand jury makes a decision. In many cases, early intervention during the pre-indictment phase can lead to no charges being filed at all.

Engage with Prosecutors to Influence Charging Decisions

We don’t wait for charges to hit. As part of our pre-indictment representation, we reach out to prosecutors before a case is filed, presenting any exculpatory evidence that could weaken the State’s case. By controlling the narrative early, we often persuade the prosecution to reject charges, file reduced charges, or divert the case entirely.

Avoid Embarrassing or Public Arrests

If the State insists on moving forward with charges, we can request to receive a direct complaint—allowing you to appear voluntarily instead of being arrested unexpectedly. This is one of the many advantages of having legal counsel during the pre-charging stage.