If you ever watch police or legal dramas on TV, you have probably seen scenes of police patting down suspects and finding drugs on their bodies. You may have also watched scenes where the police discover drugs somewhere else entirely, such as in a backpack near a suspect. This may raise the question of whether […]
DUI with a Child in the Vehicle: Laws, Penalties & Defenses
In most cases, driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs (DUI) is charged as a misdemeanor in Arizona. However, there are situations where a DUI charge can be elevated to a felony. This includes driving under the influence with a child under the age of 15 in the vehicle. Under Arizona law, you can […]
Consequences of DUI Charges Against Foreign Citizens/Immigrants in Arizona
Arizona has some of the harshest DUI laws in the country. If you are convicted of driving under the influence with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08% or higher, you will face a mandatory jail sentence. If you are a foreign citizen or immigrant, getting a DUI conviction could also lead to deportation. In […]
When Police Fail to Follow Proper Procedures in Arizona
In the criminal justice system, it often feels like the police and prosecutors have all of the power. In reality, they do wield an enormous amount of power. At the same time, they are required to follow certain laws to protect the constitutional rights of people accused of crimes. Despite these requirements, law enforcement often […]
What to Do If You’re Falsely Accused of a Sex Crime in Arizona
Statistics collected by sexual violence nonprofits show that false accusations of rape are relatively rare. That being said, they DO happen. And when it happens to you, the impact can be devastating. Prosecutors often build sex crime cases largely on the testimony of the accuser, without any forensic evidence. This means that it is possible […]
What Happens If Sexual Assault Charges Are Dropped Before Court?
Being charged with sexual assault or another sex crime can be devastating. Not only will you face the possibility of prison time, but you may also be required to register for life as a sex offender. The simple fact of the accusations can also be incredibly embarrassing if they become public. In some cases, prosecutors […]
Statutory Rape in Arizona: Understanding the Age of Consent Laws
Teenagers often believe that they are adults (and act like it!). Yet teens are still children, without fully formed frontal lobes to aid them in decision-making. For this reason, a teenager in Arizona cannot legally consent to sexual activity until they are 18 years old. Under these laws, anyone who has sex with a person […]
Legal Consequences for a Minor in Consumption Charge in Arizona
As parents, we all want what is best for our kids. As they get older, however, they start to make choices that are often outside of our control. This may even include things like drinking alcohol before they are 21. In Arizona, anyone who possesses or consumes alcohol before the age of 21 can be […]
Underage DUI in Arizona: Zero Tolerance Laws Explained
When you’re a teenager, a lot of things may seem like a good idea…or at least not like a terrible idea. Our brains aren’t fully developed until our mid-twenties, which can often lead to rash decision-making. Sometimes, this includes the choice to drink before the age of 21 or even to get behind the wheel […]
Signs of a Weak DUI Case in Arizona
Being charged with a DUI can be devastating. Arizona has strict DUI laws that include a mandatory minimum jail sentence. Arizona also allows prosecutors to charge a person with driving under the influence if they are even slightly impaired by drugs and/or alcohol. If you are charged with a DUI, you might believe that your […]