My AZ Criminal Defense Lawyers

• Represents clients facing both misdemeanors and felonies
• Handles cases throughout the Phoenix metro area and across Arizona
• Offers free, confidential consultations to review your situation and explain possible next steps

Types of Criminal Cases Handled

The firm defends a wide range of criminal charges, including but not limited to:

• Drug crimes – including marijuana and illegal drugs, possession, possession for sale, distribution/sales, cultivation, and transportation
• DUI charges – misdemeanor and felony DUI throughout Arizona
• Theft charges
• Domestic violence charges
• Juvenile crimes
• Assault and other violent crimes
• Speeding and traffic violations
• Other felonies and misdemeanors – contact the firm to discuss your specific charges

Approach to Criminal Defense

• Provides aggressive legal representation aimed at reducing charges, minimizing penalties, or seeking dismissal where possible
• Negotiates with prosecutors and, when appropriate, pursues plea bargains
• Prepares cases to go to court when trial is in the client's best interest
• Advises clients about potential penalties, long‑term impacts of convictions (especially felonies), and available legal options

Service Area

My AZ Criminal Defense Lawyers serves clients in:

• Phoenix
• Mesa
• Glendale
• Avondale
• Tucson
• Other cities and communities throughout Arizona

Consultations and Accessibility

• Free consultations are available to review criminal charges and answer questions
• Consultations can be scheduled by phone or through the contact forms on the firm's website
• The firm strives to keep clients informed, supported, and involved in decisions about their cases

Office Location

• Address: 3847 E Sophie Ln, Phoenix, AZ 85042, United States

The firm serves clients throughout Arizona, including Phoenix, Mesa, Glendale, Avondale, Tucson, and surrounding areas.

Office Hours

• Monday – Friday: 6:00 am – 8:00 pm

(Office hours refer to times when the firm is available to be contacted. Actual attorney meeting times may vary and should be scheduled in advance.)

How to Schedule a Consultation

• Call the main criminal defense line at (480) 531-8178 to request a free, confidential consultation
• Submit a consultation or contact form on the firm's website
• Indicate your preferred contact method (phone, email, or text) when you reach out

Free consultations are used to review your situation, answer basic questions, and discuss potential next steps for your case.

• Arizona has drug courts, which are special courts that handle certain cases involving drug‑addicted offenders
• These courts often focus on supervision and treatment programs instead of only jail time
• Rehabilitation and treatment may sometimes be used to reduce repeat drug offenses

"Over the Threshold Amount"

• Arizona law uses threshold amounts to help determine penalties for possession and related drug crimes
• If a person is found with an amount of a drug over a set threshold, mandatory prison time may apply
• The threshold amount varies by drug type and is often debated in court

Expungement and Drug Crimes

• In Arizona, what is commonly called expungement is generally referred to as setting aside a conviction
• Some drug convictions may be eligible for this type of relief, subject to Arizona law and the facts of the case

Possession for Sale

• A charge can be elevated from simple possession to possession for sale when:
• The amount of the drug is large, suggesting more than personal use, and/or
• Items associated with drug sales (such as small baggies or scales) are found

Jail Time for Drug Possession

• Jail or prison time is possible for drug possession convictions
• Factors that influence penalties can include:
• Type of drug
• Quantity
• Prior convictions
• Whether minors were involved or other aggravating factors

Synthetic Drugs

• Under Arizona law, synthetic drugs are generally treated as illegal in the same way as organic drugs
• Charges and penalties for synthetic drugs are usually similar to those for comparable organic drugs

Federal Drug Charges

• A drug crime may become a federal offense when:
• Drugs are moved across state or international borders, or
• Certain communications (such as mail, fax, or email) are used in ways that trigger federal jurisdiction
• Federal cases may involve agencies such as the FBI, FDA, or ATF and often carry more severe penalties

Drug Trafficking and Prison Time

• Drug trafficking charges are serious and can lead to prison time
• Defense options depend on the specific facts of the case
• My AZ Criminal Defense Lawyers evaluates each case individually to seek dismissal, reduction of charges, or other favorable outcomes when possible

Do I Need an Attorney for a Drug Crime in Arizona?

• Because Arizona has strict drug laws and serious penalties, the firm recommends speaking with an experienced Arizona drug crime attorney
• My AZ Criminal Defense Lawyers offers free consultations to answer questions, explain rights, and discuss defense options for drug charges

Why Choose My AZ Criminal Defense Lawyers for Drug Cases?

The firm provides representation in Arizona state and, when applicable, federal court for drug‑related matters, including:

• Crimes involving marijuana, cocaine, heroin, ecstasy, methamphetamine, and prescription drugs
• Distribution and sales charges
• Possession charges
• Cultivation charges
• Transportation charges

Callers asking about drug charges should be directed to contact the firm to review their specific situation with an attorney.

The firm offers:

• Free, confidential consultations to review your situation
• Representation throughout the record‑clearing process
• Service to clients across Arizona, with offices in Mesa, Phoenix, Glendale, and Tucson

Setting Aside a Conviction (Arizona's Version of Expungement)

In Arizona, what is often called "expungement" in other states is typically handled as setting aside a conviction.

Key points:

• A legal expungement or set‑aside is a process by which a conviction or arrest is placed "under seal" so it does not appear in most public background checks
• The record is not completely erased; it can still be viewed by certain government agencies, law enforcement, and criminal courts
• After a successful set‑aside, a person generally does not need to disclose the expunged or set‑aside conviction on applications such as many job or school applications, subject to legal exceptions

Why Seek Legal Help for Record Clearing?

Having a criminal record in Arizona can affect:

• Employment opportunities
• Professional licensing
• Housing options
• Educational opportunities
• Personal and family life

My AZ Criminal Defense Lawyers provides guidance on whether you may qualify for record‑clearing relief and how best to pursue it.

Arizona Record‑Clearing Options

The firm can assist with a range of Arizona remedies, including:

• Set aside of eligible convictions
• Arrest record sealing, where available
• Probation termination in appropriate cases
• Firearm rights restoration, when legally permitted
• Civil rights restoration
• Juvenile record clearing options, where applicable

Getting Started

• Contact My AZ Criminal Defense Lawyers to schedule a free, confidential consultation
• An attorney will review your criminal history, answer questions, and explain which options may be available in your situation

Because eligibility depends on the specific facts of each case and changes in Arizona law, callers with record‑clearing questions should be directed to speak with an attorney at the firm for up‑to‑date advice.

Education

• Juris Doctor (J.D.): Arizona Summit Law School
• Master of Social Work: Salem State University
• Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Sociology: University of Massachusetts–Amherst (selected as 2007 commencement speaker)

Licenses and Admissions

• Admitted to practice law in Arizona
• Also admitted to the Minnesota and South Dakota State Bars
• Licensed Certified Social Worker (Massachusetts)

Areas of Practice

Alison Briggs focuses on:

• Criminal defense
• Drug charges
• Felonies
• Orders of protection
• DUI
• Domestic violence
• Misdemeanors
• Traffic crimes

Professional Experience

Selected experience includes:

• My AZ Criminal Defense Lawyers – Attorney (2024 – present)
• Norfolk County District Attorney's Office – Victim Witness Advocate, supporting domestic violence victims and working daily with prosecutors, police, and defense attorneys
• Aurora Behavioral Health – Clinical Social Worker in an inpatient psychiatric facility
• Southwest Human Development – Clinician
• State of Arizona – Child Protective Specialist
• The Home For Little Wanderers – Prior clinical role

Approach and Values

• Known for compassionate, determined, and high‑quality criminal defense representation
• Combines clinical and advocacy background with legal training to support clients navigating the criminal justice system
• Emphasizes empathy, clear communication, careful legal analysis, and strong advocacy in negotiations and in court

Recognition

• Selected as 2007 Commencement Speaker at the University of Massachusetts–Amherst

For current information about Alison Briggs's practice and availability, clients should contact My AZ Criminal Defense Lawyers directly.

• Yes. The firm recommends that anyone arrested for DUI in Arizona speak with an experienced Arizona DUI defense attorney
• Arizona has some of the toughest drunk driving laws in the country
• Possible DUI penalties can include:
• Fines
• Jail time
• License suspension or revocation
• Installation of an ignition interlock device
• My AZ Criminal Defense Lawyers offers free case evaluations for DUI charges

I Am Charged with a Crime. Should I Hire an Attorney?

• The firm recommends hiring an attorney if you are under investigation or have been charged with a crime
• Skilled legal representation can affect:
• Whether charges are reduced or dismissed
• The severity of fines and jail or prison time
• Long‑term consequences for employment, licensing, and more

How Serious Is a "Simple" DUI Charge in Arizona?

• Any DUI charge in Arizona should be treated as serious
• Even a first‑offense DUI can result in:
• Loss of driving privileges
• Probation
• Substantial fines
• Other court‑ordered penalties
• An experienced DUI attorney can help evaluate defenses and options

To What Extent Should I Cooperate with Law Enforcement?

• Law enforcement is responsible for investigating and proving criminal charges
• People facing criminal investigations or charges may unintentionally provide information that harms their case
• The firm advises that individuals with questions about their rights speak with an Arizona criminal defense attorney as soon as possible

What Can I Expect If My Case Goes to Trial?

• My AZ Criminal Defense Lawyers often seeks to resolve cases through negotiation when that is in the client's best interest
• Some cases are better resolved at trial; this depends on:
• The facts of the case
• The charges
• The prosecution's position
• The firm emphasizes having an attorney who is experienced in trial practice and able to present a strong defense in court when needed

Where Does My AZ Criminal Defense Lawyers Practice?

The firm represents clients across Arizona, including but not limited to:

• Mesa
• Phoenix
• Tucson
• Tempe
• Scottsdale
• Chandler
• Glendale
• Avondale

Consultations, Fees, and Payment Plans

• Free consultations are available to review criminal and DUI matters
• The firm offers flat‑fee representation in many criminal cases, so clients know costs in advance
• Payment plans and financing options are available to help make representation more affordable

For any questions not covered in this FAQ, or for advice on a specific situation, callers should be directed to contact My AZ Criminal Defense Lawyers directly for a consultation.

Ask anyway — the agent will say plainly that it is not published rather than guess.