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Future First Criminal Law

Top-Rated Arizona Defense Lawyers Dedicated to DUI & Criminal Law

Top-Rated Arizona Defense Lawyers Dedicated to DUI and Criminal Law

DEFENSE ATTORNEY INVESTIGATIONS

54+ Five-Star Google Reviews

“Attorney Divelbiss is bright, hard-working, and well-versed in criminal law. His legal writing is superb, and his commitment to his clients is outstanding. He will fight for you and offer you the best defense possible. Additionally, he is a pleasure to work with. I fully endorse this lawyer.”


J.S.

54+ Five-Star Google Reviews

“I hired Zachary after I found myself charged with a felony. He put me at ease right away and during the whole process he explained each step to where I understood everything and was always available for any questions I had. ”


S.N.

54+ Five-Star Google Reviews

“Attorney Zachary is a brilliant attorney, I highly recommend his company to resolve any legal/criminal matter satisfactorily. He still continue to work on my case to tie some loose ends. He is intelligent , prompt and a problem solver. I thank him a million times to protect my dignity and reputation.”


D.G.

54+ Five-Star Google Reviews

“I have had the pleasure of working with Mr. Divelbiss in the past and know him to be a hard working professional. His attention to detail and care for his clients set him apart from the rest!”


Joshua Black, Attorney

54+ Five-Star Google Reviews

“Attorney Divelbiss is a hard worker and will advocate for his clients with an attention to detail that you don’t see very often these days.”


Brandon White, Attorney

54+ Five-Star Google Reviews

“Attorney Divelbiss is bright, hard-working, and well-versed in criminal law. His legal writing is superb, and his commitment to his clients is outstanding. He will fight for you and offer you the best defense possible. Additionally, he is a pleasure to work with. I fully endorse this lawyer.”


Josephine Hallam, Attorney

54+ Five-Star Google Reviews

“Mr. Divelbiss and I worked in the same office, although we were at different law firms. He was eager to learn and developed a reputation for honesty and zealous advocacy.”


Kristopher Califano, Attorney

54+ Five-Star Google Reviews

“Mr. Divelbiss is a GREAT attorney, very honest and reliable. He takes his times with every client and answers all questions and concerns. Is been a pleasure working with Mr. Divelbiss and he serves his clients very well!”


Allen Hsu, Attorney

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DEFENSE ATTORNEY INVESTIGATIONS

 

A complete defense of any criminal case requires a thorough investigation of the facts, both to learn what the prosecution witnesses will say and to find and bring to court evidence and witnesses for the defense. Let’s review some basic investigative techniques your attorney will use to build your defense.

DEVELOP A THEORY OF THE CASE

The investigation will be guided by your lawyer’s theory of the case, which may evolve and develop as the investigation unfolds. For example, your alibi witnesses may prove to be unworthy of belief, but the eyewitnesses to the alleged crime might admit that their observations were fleeting and their identification is unreliable. In this situation, your attorney might abandon the alibi theory of defense and emphasize other evidence instead, e.g., photographs, maps and videotapes of the scene, showing the obstacles to the witnesses’ view.

OBTAIN AND REVIEW DOCUMENTS AND OTHER PHYSICAL EVIDENCE

Visit the Scene

One of the first things your attorney will do is visit the scene of the crime to get a feel for the location – to walk it, photograph it, and observe the lines of sight. This will be especially important if you are charged with a “street” crime because key evidence can be lost. In a vehicular homicide case, for example, skid and yaw marks will wear and wash away over time. In an assault or drug case, witnesses who used to frequent the bar or street corner where the alleged crime occurred may suddenly decide to stay away.

Obtain 911 tapes

This will need to be done promptly because police departments typically destroy or record over 911 tapes in 30 to 60 days.

Obtain the Criminal Histories of Prosecution Witnesses

The prosecution is required to disclose its witnesses’ criminal records, but most prosecutors provide only the rap sheets. A smart defense attorney will work to obtain the rest of the court file, which may be rich with impeaching material, including, for example: court transcripts from a plea hearing, trial and/or sentencing hearing; victim impact statements; discovery; police reports; letters from the defendant; and letters from the prosecutor.

Investigate Civil Filings by Prosecution Witnesses

Your lawyer will investigate civil filings by the witnesses e.g., civil lawsuits, bankruptcy filings, and divorce proceedings, as these may contain evidence of fraud or deceit by the witness.

 

54+ Five-Star Google Reviews

“Attorney Divelbiss is a hard worker and will advocate for his clients with an attention to detail that you don’t see very often these days.”


Brandon White, Attorney

Experienced Phoenix DUI Attorney

Our mission is to help keep good people out of jail by balancing the criminal justice playing field so that each of our clients has a fighting chance to achieve realistic outcomes for their individual legal situations.

INTERVIEW WITNESSES

Work with a Private Investigator

During the course of the investigation, your attorney may enlist the help of a private investigator. Using an investigator has several advantages, particularly when it comes to finding and interviewing witnesses. Specifically:

• A private investigator will be more efficient and cost-effective. While the investigator deals with potential prosecution witnesses, your lawyer can focus on researching the law, drafting court documents, preparing witnesses and attending hearings on your behalf.
• Investigators may have contacts with law enforcement agencies and access to government and online databases that your lawyer could develop, but at great time and expense.
• If a witness changes his story at trial, your lawyer can call the investigator to testify about what the witness said to him during the interview.
• Most investigators are retired law enforcement officers, so your attorney can match the type of investigation to the investigator’s background. The investigator can rely on his experience and expertise to guide the interview and, possibly, uncover details that your attorney, alone, could not. For example:
• If you are charged with a street crime, your attorney might rely on a former narcotics or
homicide detective.
• If you are charged with financial crime, your attorney might retain a former IRS agent or Postal Inspector.
• If you are facing charges for vehicular homicide or DUI, then someone with accident
reconstruction training and experience would be a good choice for an investigator.

Interview Your Family, Close Friends and Associates

Interviews with these individuals can help your lawyer understand you as a person (not just a criminal defendant) and learn the story behind your alleged offense, including possible motives and your relationship to the victim, if any. These interviews also help your lawyer flesh out and refine his theory of your defense, and may lead your lawyer to other witnesses or valuable evidence that can work in your favor during plea negotiations, or at trial or sentencing.

Your Attorney’s Role

Even if a private investigator conducts some (or most) witness interviews, your attorney likely will attend the interviews of adverse witnesses – that is, those who may testify against you. Being in the room during these interviews will give your attorney a feel for the witnesses’ confidence, hostility, eloquence, and ability to think on his or her feet.

These witnesses are free to refuse to talk to your defense team, but the prosecutor and the police cannot discourage any witness from doing so. If the prosecution interferes with your attorney’s investigation in this way, your attorney can ask the court to intervene by either (a) issuing a written order that lets prosecution witnesses know they are free to talk to the defense team, or (b) in some cases, ordering the witnesses to appear for a deposition (a formal interview, at which the witness is sworn to tell the truth).

54+ Five-Star Google Reviews

“Attorney Divelbiss is a hard worker and will advocate for his clients with an attention to detail that you don’t see very often these days.”


Brandon White, Attorney

Experienced Phoenix DUI Attorney

Our mission is to help keep good people out of jail by balancing the criminal justice playing field so that each of our clients has a fighting chance to achieve realistic outcomes for their individual legal situations.

KNOWLEDGEABLE PHOENIX DUI ATTORNEY

We help keep GOOD people out of jail — Future First Criminal Law is your top choice for competitive criminal defense and DUI law firms. Our practice is limited to a small number of criminal defense clients to best devote all of our time and attention to EVERY client’s needs. We understand that your future is at risk and our team will work diligently to develop an unwavering defense in court.

  • Clients Are Our #1 Focus
  • We only serve the “Phoenix Area” because we do not go outside of Maricopa county
  • Dedicated To Criminal Defense
  • We Educate & Advocate
  • Request A FREE Consultation
  • Payment Plans Available

 

Have you been involved in DUI? Contact an attorney today to protect your rights and freedoms. They can help you gain an understanding of the criminal defense legal process and learn about the options available to you. Create a thorough defense strategy to give you your best chances — Schedule a free consultation.

 

 

Find The Right Phoenix, AZ DUI Attorney For Your Case

If you need a DUI attorney in Arizona, Look for an experienced criminal defense law firm that can dedicate all of their time and resources to helping clients with criminal charges. Find a knowledgeable DUI attorney who is willing to educate and advocate through every step of the legal process. Future First Criminal Law will get to know your case and develop a strategy that will work best for you. Request a free consultation today.

54+ Five-Star Google Reviews

Allen Hsu, Attorney

“Mr. Divelbiss is a GREAT attorney, very honest and reliable. He takes his times with every client and answers all questions and concerns. It has been a pleasure working with Mr. Divelbiss and he serves his clients very well!”

grev dark

 

Areas Served

2999 N. 44th St. Suite 307, Phoenix, AZ 85018

8650 N. 35th Ave. Suite 110, Phoenix, AZ 85018

Areas Served

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2999 N. 44th St. Suite 307, Phoenix, AZ 85018

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8650 N. 35th Ave. Suite 110, Phoenix, AZ 85018

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54+ Five-Star Google Reviews

“Attorney Divelbiss is bright, hard-working, and well-versed in criminal law. His legal writing is superb, and his commitment to his clients is outstanding. He will fight for you and offer you the best defense possible. Additionally, he is a pleasure to work with. I fully endorse this lawyer.”


J.S.

54+ Five-Star Google Reviews

“I hired Zachary after I found myself charged with a felony. He put me at ease right away and during the whole process he explained each step to where I understood everything and was always available for any questions I had. ”


S.N.

54+ Five-Star Google Reviews

“Attorney Zachary is a brilliant attorney, I highly recommend his company to resolve any legal/criminal matter satisfactorily. He still continue to work on my case to tie some loose ends. He is intelligent , prompt and a problem solver. I thank him a million times to protect my dignity and reputation.”


D.G.

54+ Five-Star Google Reviews

“I have had the pleasure of working with Mr. Divelbiss in the past and know him to be a hard working professional. His attention to detail and care for his clients set him apart from the rest!”


Joshua Black, Attorney

54+ Five-Star Google Reviews

“Attorney Divelbiss is a hard worker and will advocate for his clients with an attention to detail that you don’t see very often these days.”


Brandon White, Attorney

54+ Five-Star Google Reviews

“Attorney Divelbiss is bright, hard-working, and well-versed in criminal law. His legal writing is superb, and his commitment to his clients is outstanding. He will fight for you and offer you the best defense possible. Additionally, he is a pleasure to work with. I fully endorse this lawyer.”


Josephine Hallam, Attorney

54+ Five-Star Google Reviews

“Mr. Divelbiss and I worked in the same office, although we were at different law firms. He was eager to learn and developed a reputation for honesty and zealous advocacy.”


Kristopher Califano, Attorney

54+ Five-Star Google Reviews

“Mr. Divelbiss is a GREAT attorney, very honest and reliable. He takes his times with every client and answers all questions and concerns. Is been a pleasure working with Mr. Divelbiss and he serves his clients very well!”


Allen Hsu, Attorney