Florence criminal defense attorney

If you or someone in your family was arrested, cited, or given a court date in Florence or anywhere in Pinal County, you need a clear picture of where the case is going and what comes next. Not scare tactics, and not empty promises.

We represent people whose cases are in Pinal County courts, including Pinal County Superior Court in Florence. This page explains, in plain English, why Florence matters for so many Pinal County cases, how a case usually moves after an arrest, and how to reach us for a free consultation. Nothing here guarantees a particular result. Every case turns on its own facts, the evidence, and the court.

Free Consultation (602) 654-3005

Who this page is for

This page is for people charged or cited in Florence, and for people anywhere in Pinal County whose felony case is heading to the Superior Court in Florence. That includes arrests in San Tan Valley, Apache Junction, Casa Grande, Coolidge, and the city of Maricopa. It is also for families of someone held in custody in Florence who want a private lawyer involved.

We practice criminal defense only. We do not handle civil lawsuits, family court custody cases, or business disputes.

Why Florence matters for Pinal County cases

Florence is the Pinal County seat. Pinal County Superior Court, the county prosecutor's office, and the county public defender are based at the county complex in Florence. Because the Superior Court hears felony cases for the whole county, a felony arrest in San Tan Valley or Casa Grande often ends up in a Florence courtroom.

That means many people searching for a Florence lawyer do not live in Florence at all. Their case simply lands there. Your paperwork names the court. Bring it so we can confirm where you need to appear.

Lower courts that serve Florence

Misdemeanors and many traffic related criminal cases start in a court of limited jurisdiction instead of the Superior Court.

Florence Municipal Court is the Town of Florence court. It hears misdemeanor criminal cases and violations of town ordinances that happen inside town limits.

Central Pinal Justice Court is the Pinal County justice court that serves Florence, along with Coolidge and Eloy. Some misdemeanor cases from the Florence area are filed there instead of the town court.

Which of these courts gets your case depends on where the incident happened and which agency wrote the citation. Do not guess. Read the court name on your citation or summons, then call us with that paperwork.

What usually happens after a Pinal County arrest

Every case is different, but many Pinal County criminal cases follow a similar path at a high level:

Initial appearance. After an arrest, a judge reviews the charge and sets release conditions. Those conditions can include no contact orders, check in requirements, or a bond.

Arraignment. You enter a plea of not guilty and receive future court dates.

Case management and pretrial hearings. The lawyers exchange evidence, raise legal issues, and talk about whether the case should go to trial or be resolved another way.

Trial or resolution. Some cases go to trial. Others are resolved through negotiation, a diversion program when one is offered, or dismissal. We will not predict which path your case will take before we see the evidence.

Timing varies from case to case. Do not treat any schedule you read online as a fixed rule. Show up to every court date unless your lawyer confirms in writing that you do not need to.

Charges we handle for Florence and Pinal County clients

At a high level, we handle driving under the influence, domestic violence, drug crimes, assault, theft, weapons charges, probation violations, and record relief. Your complaint or citation controls the exact charge. For charge specific depth, use these pages, then call us with your paperwork.

Gilbert domestic violence attorney

Gilbert drug crimes attorney

Gilbert assault attorney

Misconduct involving weapons lawyer

Arizona set aside vs record sealing

If your arrest happened in San Tan Valley, read our San Tan Valley criminal defense attorney page too. Many San Tan Valley felony cases are heard in Florence.

How we work with Florence clients

Sun Valley Law Firm is based in Gilbert. We do not have a Florence office. Meetings are by appointment at our Gilbert office, or by phone and video when that fits. When your case is set in a Pinal County court, we appear in the court named on your documents.

How we approach these cases

Our work typically includes listening first; reviewing the complaint, police reports, and video early; checking release conditions and court dates right away; explaining options in plain English; and preparing for negotiation or a hearing when the case calls for it. We will not promise dismissals, reduced charges, or any result we cannot control. Past results for other clients do not guarantee a similar outcome for you.

Frequently asked questions

Will my Pinal County case be heard in Florence?
Felony cases in Pinal County are usually heard at Pinal County Superior Court in Florence, even when the arrest happened elsewhere in the county. Misdemeanors often stay in a local justice court or city court. Check the court named on your paperwork and call us with it.

Do I have to drive to Florence for every hearing?
Not always. Some hearings may allow a remote appearance and some require you in person. The court decides, not the lawyer. We will tell you what each hearing requires once we are on the case. Never skip a hearing because you assumed it was remote.

Can I hire a private lawyer if a public defender was already appointed?
Yes. You can hire a private lawyer at any stage of the case. The private lawyer files a notice with the court, and the public defender then steps out. Call us with your case number so we can review the file.

How fast should I call a lawyer after a Pinal County arrest?
As soon as you can. Early contact gives us time to review release conditions, preserve evidence, and prepare before key court dates. Do not wait until the week of a hearing.

Do you handle driving under the influence cases from Pinal County justice courts?
Yes. We handle driving under the influence cases in Pinal County justice courts and city courts, along with felony driving under the influence cases in Pinal County Superior Court. Bring your citation and any paperwork from the Motor Vehicle Division.

Talk with Brian Garner

If you or a family member is facing a criminal charge in Florence or anywhere in Pinal County, call (602) 654-3005 or email office@sunvalley.law to schedule a free consultation. Bring your citation or complaint, court date, and any release conditions. We will review what you are facing and discuss next steps. We will not promise a result we cannot control.

Sun Valley Law Firm · Brian Garner, criminal defense attorney · 1525 S Higley Rd, Suite 104, Gilbert, AZ 85296 · Serving Maricopa County and Pinal County.

Free Consultation (602) 654-3005

Attorney advertising. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. This page is general information, not legal advice for your case.