About Elizabeth Sawyer
Elizabeth Sawyer is a criminal-defense attorney at Elizabeth Sawyer, Attorney at Law representing clients in Arizona, Arizona. Criminal defense practice in Arizona involves charges under Title 13 of the Arizona Revised Statutes, ranging from misdemeanors (Classes 1-3) to felonies (Classes 1-6), with each class carrying different sentencing exposure and collateral consequences. Contact information appears below.
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Education
- Law School: U of Denver
Common questions about Criminal Defense in Arizona
Answered by Arizona Attorney Search Network
Can I represent myself in criminal court in Arizona?
Yes, under both the U.S. and Arizona constitutions you have the right to represent yourself (Faretta v. California, 1975), but the court must ensure your waiver of counsel is knowing, intelligent, and voluntary. For anything beyond minor traffic infractions, self-representation is strongly discouraged. If you cannot afford an attorney, ARS § 13-4013 entitles you to court-appointed counsel for any case carrying potential incarceration.
What is the statute of limitations for crimes in Arizona?
Limitations periods are set by ARS § 13-107. There is no statute of limitations for Class 1 felonies (including murder). Most other felonies have a 7-year limit; misdemeanors have a 1-year limit. The clock is tolled (paused) during periods when the defendant is absent from Arizona or when their identity is unknown.
Can a criminal record be sealed in Arizona?
Yes, under ARS § 13-911 (effective January 2023), many Arizona criminal records can be sealed after a waiting period and full completion of the sentence. Class 1 misdemeanors and Class 4 felonies require a 5-year wait; Class 2 or 3 felonies require 10 years; certain violent and sexual offenses are not eligible. Sealed records are treated as if they never existed for most purposes, though law enforcement retains access.