About Karla Calahan
Karla Calahan is a criminal-defense attorney at Law Office of Karla L. Calahan 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: WMU Thomas M Cooley
Common questions about Criminal Defense in Arizona
Answered by Arizona Attorney Search Network
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.
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.