There is No Substitute For Experience.

"I learned a long time ago if you do things like everyone else does, you will end up average. We do not strive to be average, we strive to be exceptional. I encourage you to call me directly to discuss your case.”

-Arizona Criminal Attorney Dwane Cates

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Phoenix Misdemeanor Defense Attorneys

Charged with a Misdemeanor? We Can Help.

While many mistake misdemeanor crimes as relatively minor offenses, Arizona law treats them with significant severity. A conviction creates a permanent criminal record, threatens your future opportunities, and frequently mandates jail time, probation, and steep fines.

These adverse outcomes do not have to be inevitable. At Cates & Reed, PLLC, we have over 25 years of experience, and our criminal defense attorneys understand how to effectively approach a wide range of misdemeanor charges. One of our founding lawyers, Dwane Cates, is also an Arizona board-certified specialist in Criminal Law. We can work tirelessly to seek reductions or dismissals of the charges brought against you or pursue the most favorable result possible at trial. Protecting your freedom and future is our priority, and you can expect to work closely and directly with our attorneys every step of the way.

Our Phoenix misdemeanor defense lawyers are prepared to represent Arizonans in Kingman, Yuma, Prescott, Florence, Holbrook, Lake Havasu City, Scottsdale, and the surrounding areas. We answer phones 24/7, so call (480) 864-3807 or contact us online to schedule a consultation now.

What Should I Do After Being Charged with a Misdemeanor Crime?

Exercise your right to remain silent immediately. Law enforcement officers often attempt to solicit incriminating statements under the guise of “clearing things up,” but anything you say creates evidence for the prosecution. Politely but firmly decline to answer any questions or consent to any searches until you have legal counsel present.

Then, contact our firm as soon as possible. Early intervention gives us the opportunity to preserve important evidence, locate witnesses, and advise you before you make costly mistakes that could compromise your defense.

Maintain strict confidentiality regarding the details of your case. Do not discuss the incident with family, friends, or jail inmates, and avoid posting about it on social media platforms, as prosecutors can and will use these communications against you. Additionally, write down everything you remember about the arrest and the events leading up to it while the memories remain fresh. We may be able to use this information to investigate and identify potential procedural errors, such as invalid traffic stops or Miranda violations, to build a defense strategy that puts you in the best possible position.

Types of Misdemeanor Criminal Cases We Handle

Since 1997, we have leveraged our extensive legal knowledge and courtroom experience to defend clients against a broad spectrum of misdemeanor charges. We recognize that a successful defense requires a deep understanding of statutory interpretation, evidentiary rules, and local court procedures. Regardless of the nature of the allegation, we can construct and pursue a tailored defense strategy designed to protect your rights and challenge the prosecution at every available opportunity.

Don’t wait to discuss your defense options with our team if you have been charged with any of the following types of criminal offenses:

Misdemeanor domestic violence
Misdemeanor DUI/DWI
Misdemeanor drug crimes
Misdemeanor federal crimes
Misdemeanor sex crimes
Misdemeanor theft crimes
Misdemeanor violent crimes, including assault and battery
Misdemeanor weapon charges
Misdemeanor white-collar crimes

How Can a Misdemeanor Defense Lawyer Help?

Attempting to navigate the criminal justice system without experienced legal counsel leaves you vulnerable to a prosecution team that knows the law better than you do. We can intervene immediately to level the playing field and protect your interests.

When you choose Cates & Reed, PLLC to represent you in your misdemeanor case, you work directly with our attorneys, who can:

Investigate your case. We can conduct our own independent analysis of the facts rather than relying on the police report. Our team can interview witnesses, review body camera footage, and examine physical evidence to uncover inconsistencies in the prosecution’s narrative.
Protect and enforce your constitutional rights. Our lawyers can rigorously evaluate law enforcement’s conduct during your stop, search, and arrest. If officers violated your Fourth Amendment rights against unreasonable search and seizure or failed to provide Miranda warnings, we can file motions to suppress that evidence and potentially seek a dismissal of the charges.
Aggressively negotiate. We can utilize our knowledge of Arizona law and relationships with local prosecutors to negotiate from a position of strength whenever possible. Our lawyers can pursue every avenue for a favorable resolution, including case dismissal, reduced charges, or participation in diversion programs that keep your record clean.
Provide fierce courtroom advocacy. We can stand by your side at every hearing and speak on your behalf. If the state refuses to negotiate a fair resolution, we are fully prepared to present your case at trial, cross-examine state witnesses, and argue the facts before a judge or jury to fight for an acquittal.
Work to mitigate your sentence. In the event of a conviction, we can make every effort to minimize the impact on your freedom, finances, and future. We can present mitigating factors to the judge to argue for leniency, seeking alternatives to jail time like community service or probation.

Put experienced advocates on your side when you are facing misdemeanor charges. Call (480) 864-3807 or contact us online now.

Our Client

Testimonials

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10/10 would recommend.
“Aaron is an excellent lawyer. Every bit of information he said was always clear and concise he explained everything to where it made sense, and never left me guessing about what’s going on.”

- Former Client
The Best Legal Representation I Could Ask For.
“Working with Aaron Reed was the best decision I could have made. From day one, he listened to me, explained everything clearly, and guided me through each step of the process.”

- Former Client
I can definitely recommend Dwane Cates and his team of very professional lawyers to represent you.
“He, Brooklyn and Hayley guided our family through the legal process with expertise and kindness when we had no idea how to proceed. Thank you to the whole team!”

- Former Client
I’ve had multiple cases that I’ve hired Dwayne Cates law firm. Aaron Reed and Sam Chase were God Sent.
“From Showing up to Court Dates when I was absent, to going the extra mile to help me across state lines from Alabama to Arizona to handle my case like I had family in Phoenix helping me.”

- Former Client
Aaron was amazing honestly.
“He set me up for success and got me a deal we didn’t think was possible. He was emotionally supportive as well as informative about my case.”

- Former Client
I highly recommend Mr. Cates for his exceptional legal services.
“Mr. Cates patiently addressed all my questions, no matter how trivial, with clarity and professionalism. Even during challenging moments, he remained empathetic and supportive, accommodating my emotional needs with kindness.”

- Former Client
DWAYNE WAS Great.
“got all charges drop and the Staff was great. Samantha was always There when you need them.”

- Former Client
Aaron Reed and Sam Chase were God Sent.
“From Showing up to Court Dates when I was absent, to going the extra mile to help me across state lines from Alabama to Arizona to handle my case like I had family in Phoenix helping me.”

- Former Client
Best of the Best!!! 2nd to none!!! Fights for you!!!
“Aaron was available 24/7 via phone or text he never once made me feel that I was wasting his time or that my questions were not relevant. You cannot go wrong hiring Aaron to represent you, Aaron will put 110% into your case and it shows.”

- Former Client

Meet Our Team

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28+ Years of Experience
Board-Certified Specialist in Arizona Criminal Law
24/7 Availability

Your Defense Is Our Priority Your peace of mind is our top priority, and we’re committed to being there for you around the clock.

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