About Suzette Leonardo
Suzette Marquez Leonardo is a native Spanish speaker and graduate from The University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law. Post-graduation, Suzette was hired as the judicial law clerk for then-presiding family law Judge James E. Marner and clerked on both the family law bench as well as the criminal law bench. Suzette has worked as a city attorney in Tucson and deputy county attorney in Pima County. Suzette is admitted to the State Bar of Arizona and the District of Arizona.
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Education
- Law School: U of Arizona
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 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.
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.