Robert McMurtrie
About Robert McMurtrie
Robert McMurtrie is a criminal-defense attorney in solo practice 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 Oregon
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 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 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.