About Jose Padilla
Jose Padilla is a criminal-defense attorney at Yuma County Public Defender representing clients in Yuma, 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: Arizona State
Common questions about Criminal Defense in Arizona
Answered by Arizona Attorney Search Network
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.
What is a plea bargain and how common is it in Arizona?
A plea bargain is a negotiated agreement between the prosecutor and defendant for a reduced charge, reduced sentence, or both, in exchange for a guilty or no-contest plea. Roughly 90-95% of Arizona criminal cases resolve by plea rather than trial. The judge must accept the plea (Rule 17, Arizona Rules of Criminal Procedure) and confirm that it is knowing, intelligent, and voluntary.
What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony in Arizona?
Arizona criminal offenses are classified by severity under Title 13 of the Arizona Revised Statutes. Misdemeanors fall into Classes 1-3 (maximum 6 months in jail and $2,500 fine for a Class 1 misdemeanor under ARS § 13-707). Felonies fall into Classes 1-6, with Class 1 (homicide) the most serious and Class 6 the least; felony convictions carry prison exposure and the potential loss of civil rights including firearms ownership.
Q&As answered by Jose Padilla
Practice Areas
Notable Case Results
Office Location
Yuma County Public Defender
241 S MAIN ST
Yuma, AZ 85364
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