Mesa Criminal Defense Attorney

Knowledgeable Maricopa County Criminal Lawyer Dedicated to Securing the Best Possible Result in Even the Toughest Cases

Mesa police take a no-nonsense approach to crime. And, while an aggressive stance against crime sounds like a good thing, police often overreach, acting beyond the scope of their duty. So, when police say they are surveying “hot spots” of criminal activity, they are often just profiling in low-income neighborhoods. Or, when police conduct “routine traffic stops,” they are often going on fishing expeditions. The result is that countless people are arrested without a basis each year in Mesa.

At the Law Office of James E. Novak, we’re here to help good people who have been charged with serious crimes. Our role isn’t to pass judgment on what you did (or didn’t) do but to ensure that your recent arrest has as little impact on your future as possible.

Types of Cases We Handle

At the Law Office of James E. Novak, our Mesa criminal defense attorney handles all types of serious felony and misdemeanor offenses. Regardless of the nature of the charges, your criminal history, or the evidence against you, we can help by developing a compelling defense strategy. Some of the cases we handle most often on behalf of our clients include the following:

Property Crimes

Each year, property crimes make up a significant portion of the reported crimes in Mesa. These offenses can include:

Burglary: Burglary involves breaking into a home, business, or other structure with the intent to commit theft or another crime while inside.

Larceny / Theft: This encompasses a broad range of theft activities, from shoplifting to stealing from a yard or open garage. Essentially, it's the taking of someone else's property without their consent and with the intention of depriving them of it permanently.

Motor Vehicle Theft: Stealing cars, motorcycles, or other motor vehicles.

Fraud and Identity Theft: With the rise of digital technologies and online transactions, fraud and identity theft have become increasingly common.

Violent Crimes

Assault: Violent crimes like assault are quite prevalent in Mesa. Assault is the intentional infliction of bodily harm or the threat thereof on another individual. Levels of severity range from simple assault, where minor injuries or mere threats are involved, to aggravated assault, which might involve weapons or result in serious injury.

Domestic Violence: These are crimes that happen within familial or romantic relationships. Domestic violence offenses usually involve physical injury rather than emotional or psychological abuse.

Drug and Alcohol Offenses

Drug Offenses: Arizona is at the center of the nationwide opioid crisis. Arizona also shares a border with Mexico, where a significant amount of the illegal drugs brought into the United States originate. Common Mesa drug offenses include possession of controlled substances, narcotics trafficking and manufacturing illicit drugs.

DUI (Driving Under the Influence): DUI offenses are extremely common in Mesa, with thousands of people being arrested for DUI each year. However, DUI offenses can also be very hard to prove for the government, opening the door for many possible DUI defenses.

Don’t Roll the Dice When it Comes to Your Future

If you were recently arrested and charged with a crime in Mesa, AZ, it is imperative that you seek out an experienced criminal defense attorney to protect your rights and ensure that your case doesn’t turn into a worst-case scenario. At the Law Office of James E. Novak, our Mesa criminal defense lawyer has more than 25 years of hands-on experience successfully resolving cases on behalf of clients from all walks of life. And, as a former prosecutor, Attorney Novak knows how prosecutors think, which gives him an edge when developing defense strategies. We offer free consultations to all Mesa residents, during which we will answer your questions and explain how we can help you fight your case. To learn more, and to schedule a free consultation today, give us a call at 480-413-1499. You can also connect with us through our secure online contact form.

Client Reviews
★★★★★
I was facing criminal charges with three priors in my history. Mr Novak was very helpful and got me a lighter sentence than I probably deserved. He is a great attorney and I would highly recommend him. A. T.
★★★★★
James worked tirelessly behind the scenes with the prosecution, to decrease my son’s charges to a more reasonable penalty. I could not have asked for a better, more professional attorney. He treated my son with the utmost respect and walked him through every step of a very difficult situation. S. G.
★★★★★
Attorney Novak did an outstanding job defending my son. Due to his extensive professional background within the court system, he was successfully able to defend my son during a very difficult time for my family. I highly recommend Attorney James Novak for your legal needs. T. G.