Joseph Ricks

About Joseph Ricks

Joseph Ricks is a criminal-defense attorney at Katsarelis Law, PLLC representing clients in Tucson, 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: Brigham Young

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.

How long does a criminal case take in Arizona?

Misdemeanors typically resolve within 60-180 days from arraignment. Felonies most commonly take 6-18 months from filing to resolution; complex or multi-defendant cases can run 2 or more years. Defendants have speedy-trial rights under Rule 8 of the Arizona Rules of Criminal Procedure: in custody felony cases must be tried within 150 days of arraignment, out-of-custody within 180 days, with limited extensions.

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.

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