Criminal Defense Attorney Serving Gilbert & Maricopa County

When you’re facing criminal charges in Gilbert, who represents you matters. At Knowles Law Firm, PLC, our founding partner Anthony Knowles spent more than 20 years working inside the Arizona criminal justice system as a police officer. Our team also includes former prosecutors who know how the other side builds its cases. That combination of law enforcement and prosecution experience gives us a perspective many Gilbert criminal defense attorneys don’t have.

We handle criminal defense cases throughout Gilbert and Maricopa County, representing clients in Gilbert Municipal Court and in Maricopa County Superior Court for felony matters. Our firm is licensed to practice at all levels of Arizona courts, including federal courts.

If you’re facing criminal charges in Gilbert, don’t wait to get legal counsel on your side. Call Knowles Law Firm, PLC today at (602) 702-5431 for a free consultation, with no commitment required.

What Sets Knowles Law Firm Apart for Gilbert Criminal Defense

Anthony Knowles’s background as a former Arizona police officer means he knows where procedural errors occur during arrests, how law enforcement conducts investigations, and what mistakes can surface in the process. That inside knowledge isn’t available at most criminal defense firms.

Our former prosecutors add another layer. They understand how a Gilbert or Maricopa County prosecutor assembles a case, what evidence they prioritize, and how they anticipate defense arguments. We use that insight to prepare thorough, individualized strategies for each client we represent.

• Top 100 Trial Lawyers in Arizona: Our firm and attorneys have earned this recognition, reflecting the caliber of advocacy we bring to every case.
• Hundreds to thousands of cases handled: Our attorneys have collectively represented clients in criminal, DUI, and personal injury matters throughout their careers.
• Personalized strategy: We don’t apply a one-size-fits-all approach. Your case gets a defense built around its specific facts.
• Free initial consultations: You can discuss your situation, ask questions, and assess whether we’re the right fit before making any commitment.

Criminal Charges We Defend in Gilbert

Arizona classifies criminal offenses under Title 13 of the Arizona Revised Statutes as petty offenses, misdemeanors, or felonies. Each category carries different penalties and is heard in different courts. We represent Gilbert clients across a broad range of charges at every level.

DUI & Traffic Offenses

DUI is one of the most frequently charged offenses in Gilbert Municipal Court. Even a first-offense DUI in Arizona carries mandatory jail time, fines, and license suspension. Extreme DUI (BAC of 0.15% or higher) and aggravated DUI bring substantially enhanced penalties. Criminal speeding over 85 mph is also a criminal charge in Arizona, not a civil fine, and results in a misdemeanor record if convicted.

Domestic Violence Charges

Arizona’s mandatory arrest policies mean domestic violence charges move quickly. A conviction can result in orders of protection, loss of firearm rights under both state and federal law, and immigration consequences. Early intervention is critical.

Drug Offenses

Drug charge severity depends on the substance, quantity, and whether the allegation involves possession, sales, or trafficking. Felony drug charges are heard in Maricopa County Superior Court and carry the potential for significant prison exposure.

Assault & Aggravated Assault

Assault charges in Arizona range from Class 1 misdemeanor simple assault to Class 2 felony aggravated assault. Felony assault carries mandatory prison exposure and lasting consequences on your record.

Theft, Firearms & Other Charges

Theft of property valued above $1,000 is charged as a felony in Arizona. Misconduct involving weapons and other firearms charges can result in a felony conviction and permanent loss of gun rights. We also handle disorderly conduct, trespassing, and other misdemeanor charges heard locally.

Gilbert Courts: Where Your Case Will Be Heard

Gilbert Municipal Court handles misdemeanor criminal cases arising within Gilbert city limits, including DUI, assault, domestic violence, theft, and disorderly conduct. Class 1 misdemeanors carry a maximum penalty of six months in jail and a $2,500 fine plus surcharges.

If you were arrested by the Arizona Department of Public Safety or the Maricopa County Sheriff rather than Gilbert PD, your case may be heard in Highland Justice Court, which is co-located in Gilbert’s Civic Center complex but covers unincorporated Maricopa County areas. Felony charges, regardless of arresting agency, are heard in Maricopa County Superior Court. We appear in all of these courts on behalf of Gilbert clients.

Why Acting Early Matters

A criminal conviction in Arizona, even a misdemeanor, appears on background checks and can affect your ability to find employment, rent housing, or maintain a professional license. A felony conviction results in the loss of voting rights and the right to possess firearms. Depending on the number of convictions and other factors, restoring those rights may require a formal court process. Certain domestic violence convictions trigger permanent federal firearm prohibitions under the Lautenberg Amendment regardless of misdemeanor classification.

A charge is not a conviction. Early involvement by a criminal defense attorney can affect whether charges are reduced, diverted, or dismissed before any conviction occurs. The sooner you have counsel, the more options you may have.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Knowles Law Firm, PLC handle both misdemeanor and felony cases in Gilbert?

Yes. We represent clients facing misdemeanor charges in Gilbert Municipal Court and felony charges in Maricopa County Superior Court. Our firm is licensed at all levels of Arizona courts, including federal courts.

Do I Have to Appear in Court for Every Hearing?

In many Arizona misdemeanor cases, a criminal defense attorney may be able to appear in court on your behalf without requiring your presence. Whether that applies to your specific charge is something we can advise on during your consultation. For felony cases, defendants are generally required to appear in person.

What Happens During a Free Consultation?

You’ll have the opportunity to describe your situation, ask questions about the process and potential outcomes, and get a sense of how we’d approach your defense. There’s no obligation to retain us. It’s a chance to understand your options before making any decision.

Speak With a Gilbert Criminal Defense Lawyer Today

Charges filed in Gilbert move through a defined process: arraignment, pretrial conferences, potential hearings, and possibly trial. Having an attorney who understands how law enforcement and prosecution operate from the inside can make a meaningful difference at every stage. Your constitutional rights begin at arrest; your defense should, too.

Contact Knowles Law Firm, PLC now at (602) 702-5431 to schedule your free case review with a criminal defense lawyer serving Gilbert and Maricopa County. We’re ready to listen and ready to work.