Thomas Dorsey
La Paz County Attorney
Phone pending
About Thomas Dorsey
I have accepted a position with the La Paz County Attorney’s Office as a Deputy County Attorney.
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Education
- Law School: Arizona Summit Law School
Common questions about Criminal Defense in Arizona
Answered by Arizona Attorney Search Network
What is an arraignment in Arizona criminal court?
An arraignment is the first formal court appearance after charges are filed - typically within 24-48 hours of arrest. The defendant hears the charges, enters a plea (almost always 'not guilty' at this stage), and the court addresses bail or release conditions. For felonies, the equivalent first appearance is the Initial Appearance, with arraignment in Superior Court occurring after preliminary hearing or grand jury indictment.
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.