Matthew Poirier

About Matthew Poirier

Undergrad: Rice University, Occidental College, University of Arizona, Pima Community College

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Education

• Law School: U of Arizona

Common questions about Criminal Defense in Arizona

Answered by Arizona Attorney Search Network

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 rights do I lose with a felony conviction in Arizona?

A felony conviction results in loss of voting rights (until completion of the sentence; restored automatically for first-time felons under ARS § 13-907), the right to possess firearms (ARS § 13-3101), the right to serve on a jury, and certain professional licenses. Some rights are restored automatically; others require a petition to the court under ARS § 13-908.

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.

Q&As answered by Matthew Poirier

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