Library

How to Report Police Misconduct in Arizona

Police officers are entrusted to enforce the law and stop or detain suspects as necessary. When a law enforcement official attempts to search you or asks you to stop, you ...

How The Three Strikes Law Works for Felony Crimes in Arizona

“Three strikes, you’re out” laws impose a mandatory life sentence for defendants who are convicted of three felony crimes on separate occasions. Washington enacted the first three strikes law in ...

Who is Entitled to a Public Defender in Arizona?

Whether you’re facing criminal charges or simply educating yourself, it’s important to understand your legal rights as an American citizen and Arizona resident. When it comes to the judicial system, ...

Tampering With Evidence Laws and Consequences in Arizona

Think back to when you were a child cartwheeling around the house, which inevitably led to breaking something important — a vase, picture frame, or worst of all, the family ...

When is Being Read Your Miranda Rights Not Required?

Anyone who has watched a cop movie probably already knows the Miranda warning: “You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a ...

Challenge Your Imprisonment With a Writ of Habeas Corpus

A writ of habeas corpus is a legal rule that gives a prisoner the right to request court assistance and show that they’ve been wrongfully imprisoned. In other words, if ...

Advantages and Disadvantages of Plea Bargaining in Arizona

Worried for the outcome of your potential trial? You’re not alone. Dozens and dozens of defendants, defense attorneys, and prosecutors all attempt to avoid going to court due to a ...

Arizona’s Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor Laws

What are the laws surrounding contributing to the delinquency of a minor in Arizona? Is it a misdemeanor or a felony crime to give alcohol to an underaged person? Parents ...

ARS 13-105: Absconder Warrant for Probation and Parole Violations

Arizona law defines an absconder as a person who received probation and moved from their residence without consulting their probation officer. It also refers to an individual who received parole ...

Can Police Tap Your Phone Without Your Knowledge?

Can the police tap your phone or look at your text messages? If you’re under investigation by law enforcement, do you still have a right to privacy? In some situations, ...

How to Check for Warrants in Arizona for Free

There are four ways to check if you have a warrant for your arrest in Arizona. Best Way to Check for Arizona Warrants The easiest option is to search the ...

What are Arizona’s Extradition Laws?

Extradition cases are serious matters. Regardless of whether the underlying charge is a misdemeanor or felony, you may be immediately incarcerated upon detainment — even if you’re innocent of the ...

Types of Manslaughter Under Arizona Law

There are many levels of classification or types if you are ever charged with manslaughter under the provisions of Arizona (A.R.S.) §13-1103. Arizona does not follow the two broad types ...

How Long Can Police Hold Evidence Without Charges?

When the police seize property as evidence, they can hold the property without filing charges until the applicable statute of limitations expires. In Arizona, the general statute of limitations is ...

How Long Do Misdemeanors Stay on Your Record?

In Arizona, misdemeanor and felony convictions will remain on your record until you turn 99. Arizona law does allow you to request that that the court set aside qualifying convictions, ...

What is the Punishment for Check Fraud in Arizona?

Credit card fraud and identity theft may be more pervasive than check fraud in today’s digital economy, but the penalties for check fraud are just as severe today as they ...

What Happens When a Case is Dismissed in Court?

When charged with a crime, most people have the same initial reaction. How do I make this go away? While it’s certainly possible to get your case dismissed, and you ...

How To Quash a Warrant in Arizona Without Going To Jail

Having an outstanding warrant for your arrest can be a harrowing experience. Until the warrant is cleared up, you have to go through each day with the threat of an ...

What Do Police See When They Run Your Name in Arizona?

Police officers often scan license plates for red flags while they’re cruising through town in between calls. Sometimes it’s a quick glance to see if the registration tags are valid, ...

How Does The Bail Bond Process Work in Arizona?

We’ve all heard about bail and bail bonds, whether it’s in the news, movies, or neighborhood gossip. Bail bonds take on a different tone, however, when a family member calls ...

Arizona Knife Laws

If you’re a knife enthusiast in Arizona, it’s time to break from your self-induced constraints and let your hair down; there are no restrictions stopping your fun in the Grand ...

Is It Illegal To Lie To a Cop in Arizona?

At some point in your life, you may have an interaction with an Arizona police officer. If you are doing something illegal and the police officer questions you about it, ...

Can Police Question a Minor Without the Parent’s Consent?

Many parents in the state of Arizona share the same concern: will police question my child without my consent? Minors can often be unaware of their rights and may not ...

How to Contest an Order of Protection in Arizona

An order of protection is a document obtained from the court. An order of protection is also referred to as a restraining order. It’s issued to order the abusive person ...

Get a Felony Reduced to a Misdemeanor in Arizona

Having a felony on your record can negatively impact your life in significant ways. Arizona may classify crimes as Class 6 undesignated felonies, meaning you can potentially have the felony ...

Places That Hire Felons in Arizona

A criminal record in Arizona makes it difficult to find a well-paying, permanent job. But, that does not mean you cannot find a job at all. There are agencies that ...

Arizona Castle Doctrine

Self-defense is justified in cases where a person feels it necessary to stand up for themselves against burglary, kidnapping, murder, or great bodily harm. This could be one’s business, residential ...

Is Phoenix a Sanctuary City?

One of the areas of contention between the federal and the state agencies in Arizona today is whether Phoenix is a sanctuary city. Recently, Attorney General Mark Brnovich ruled that ...

Can Domestic Violence Charges be Dropped in Arizona?

If you’re facing domestic violence charges in Arizona, your first instinct may be to try to talk with your accuser. You may reason that most domestic violence cases involve close family ...

Criminal Littering and Polluting Laws in Arizona

Littering may not seem like a serious offense, but in Arizona, it’s a charge that can lead to significant consequences. So litterbugs take note: there are several ways you can ...

What Happens During Pre-File Investigation?

When investigating a reported crime, police begin an investigation to understand who perpetrated a crime and what transpired. Witnesses point to others as suspects. Although police do not file charges ...

How to Send Money to a Maricopa County Inmate’s Trust Account

In Maricopa County, jails do not allow inmates to carry cash with them while they are serving their sentence. Because of this, inmates are provided trust accounts that can hold ...

Can I be sentenced to jail if I can’t afford my court fine in Arizona?

Yes, failure to pay the fines and court fees associated with being in the criminal justice system can lead to jail time. However, the courts do offer defendants an option ...

11 Reasons an Attorney Would Withdraw from a Case

A high profile example of why an attorney would withdraw from a case can be seen in the court proceedings involving Arizona’s most notorious Sheriff. In 2014, the court proceedings ...

Is it Illegal to Deny Someone Water in Arizona?

In Arizona, there is no statute that states it is illegal to refuse water to someone else in the state. This myth grew because of lack of formal information, and looking ...

Resisting Arrest Laws in Arizona

Resisting arrest is a serious crime in Arizona, carrying class 1 misdemeanor or class 6 felony consequences depending on the situation. Worse, resisting arrest (by definition) accompanies other criminal charges, ...

How Do I Get My Property Back After Search & Seizure?

Search and seizure laws have been coming under intense scrutiny because of the many abuses that have caused considerable inconvenience to average citizens. In many cases, these citizens get caught ...

Criminal Forfeiture Laws in Arizona

Criminal forfeiture laws allow law enforcement to seize property that they believe is involved in a crime. This makes sense when property, such as cars or homes, is purchased using funds ...

Arizona Asset Forfeiture Lawyer

Reports of illegal searches and asset forfeiture abuses have become more common in the news, and many people are beginning to wonder how they can protect themselves against unauthorized actions ...

Arizona Drinking Laws

In addition to having some of the strictest DUI legislation in the country, Arizona also has many laws that regulate the sale and consumption of alcohol. Learn more about Arizona ...

How Long is a Natural Life Sentence in Arizona?

Many people get confused when distinguishing a life sentence from a natural life sentence, as they sound extremely similar. Countless people think that they mean the same thing. However, that ...

Second Degree Burglary Laws in Arizona

In Arizona, there are three degrees of burglary. Second degree burglary is defined as the act of entering or remaining unlawfully in or on a residential structure with the intent ...

White Collar Crimes

White collar crimes can involve a wide variety of charges, like embezzlement, fraud, tax evasion, and more. Since they’ve become much easier to commit due to the internet, white-collar offenses ...

Underage Drinking: Minor in Consumption Laws in Arizona (MiC)

The legal age to consume alcohol in Arizona is 21, and anyone under the age of 21 found guilty of drinking alcohol can be charged with minor in consumption. The ...

Arizona’s Reckless Driving Laws

Reckless driving, like criminal speeding, is a common offense in Arizona. Because it does happen often, some drivers believe it won’t have much of an impact, but this isn’t the ...

How to Get Your Criminal Record Expunged in Arizona

A conviction for a crime can make life difficult – you may find it harder to get a job, secure housing or get access to things that are available to ...

Can a Felon Own a Gun in Arizona?

Unless your conviction has been expunged, set aside, vacated, or your gun rights have been restored, anyone convicted of a felony in any jurisdiction across the country is a prohibited ...

Filing a Motion to Set Aside a Conviction in Arizona

There are certain steps you can take that will help put your conviction in the past, leaving you free to focus on your future. One option to consider is filing ...

Obstruction Laws in Arizona

The state of Arizona has extensive laws defining obstruction. This is due to the wide variety of ways a person can commit this crime along with charges that range from ...

Conspiracy Laws in Arizona

Even if there is no actual crime committed, the state of Arizona can prosecute the intent and preparation to carry out a crime. In court, planning a crime can be taken ...

Arizona Animal Cruelty Laws

Most animal abuse cases involve cats and dogs, but Arizona’s animal cruelty laws extend to all domestic pets, service animals, working animals, livestock, and poultry. It’s a serious crime that ...

When and Why Would an Attorney Withdraw from a Case?

Finding the attorney fit for you.   The court proceedings involving Maricopa County Sheriff, Joe Arpaio may be old news, but the fact that his attorney has recently withdrawn himself ...

How Can I Report Police Misconduct in Arizona?

There is a form you can fill out online that you can then email, fax, or mail to the Arizona Department of Public Safety. You can also file a complaint ...

The Difference Between Robbery and Armed Robbery

Robbery and armed robbery are both serious theft crimes. In Arizona, there were nearly 6,500 cases of robbery recorded in 2013. Of those, more than 2,500 involved a firearm, 656 ...

What is a Ward of the State in Arizona?

A ward of the state is usually a minor who has no parents and lives under protective custody of the state. In court, they’re appointed a legal guardian to uphold ...

Hit and Run Laws in Arizona

In 2012, there were more than 103,000 car accidents in the state of Arizona. A majority of these – over 84,000 – involved multiple vehicles. When accidents have more than ...

Class 1, 2 and 3 Misdemeanors in Arizona

Knowing the difference in misdemeanor classes is a helpful step to finding your best legal path. Here’s where to start. In Arizona, misdemeanors are less severe than felonies, but a ...

Miranda v. Arizona: The History of Miranda Rights

This historic case from 1966 subsequently changed routine police procedure. Ernesto Miranda was arrested on March 13, 1963 by the Phoenix Police Department because he was linked to a rape ...

Child Endangerment Laws in Arizona (A.R.S. 13-705)

The type of abuse may fall into one of two categories, and that will determine what kind of punishment the offender may face. In the first category of felony child ...

A.R.S. 11-593: Failure to Report a Death in Arizona

Failure to report death is usually illegal in Arizona. The law states that any person who knows that a human being (or fetus) passed away under certain circumstances is required ...

Order of Protection Violations in Arizona

An order of protection is often referred to as a “restraining order” and it’s outlined in A.R.S. 13-3602. Its purpose is to prevent further harassment, domestic violence, or assault between ...

Charges for Being an Accomplice to a Crime in Arizona

We all understand that those who commit the crimes are charged for that offense.  But, what about the accomplices that assist others in committing crimes? Accomplice Definition According to A.R.S. 13-301, an ...

What to Expect When Paying Restitution in Arizona

Crimes often cause a negative financial situation for the victims affected by the offense. Restitution is a way for people to seek restoration for the losses suffered during and after ...

Arizona’s Obstructing Governmental Operations Laws (A.R.S. 13-2402)

According to A.R.S. 13-2402, you can get arrested for obstructing governmental operations by interfering with law enforcement duties or by using physical force or violence or threatening to do so. ...

Arizona’s Unlawful Flight Laws

According to A.R.S. 28-622.01, it’s illegal to attempt to elude or willfully flee from a law enforcement vehicle that’s signaling you to pull over. To qualify as unlawful flight, the ...

Arrest Warrants in Arizona: What You Need to Know

Every year, warrants are issued in Arizona in order to seek arrest for those who have been suspected of committing crimes. Having a warrant out for your arrest can be ...

Defend Against Theft Charges in Arizona

If you’re having trouble with a theft charge in Arizona, get the superior legal counsel you deserve at JacksonWhite Law. Our criminal defense attorneys are committed to defending adults and ...

Manslaughter Laws in Arizona (ARS §13-1103)

In Arizona, there are four classifications of homicide: first degree murder, second degree murder, negligent homicide and manslaughter. The definitions and penalties for manslaughter are outlined in Arizona Revised Statutes 13-1103. ...

Can a Grandmother Be Arrested for Kidnapping a Grandchild?

A person can receive a kidnapping charge if they take a child without the guardian’s consent, even if the child goes with them willingly. For this reason, even a parent ...

Facilitation Charges in Arizona

In Arizona, there are preparatory crimes that can be charged to those who, while not necessarily having physically committed a crime, have facilitated crimes attempted or committed by other people. ...

What is the Difference Between a Life Sentence and a Natural Life Sentence in Arizona?

Once a defended pleads guilty or receives a conviction, the judge will choose the appropriate sentence for the criminal case. Sentencing can range from community service and probation to a ...

Arizona Felony Sentencing Information

Criminal felony offenders are classified into two different categories, first-time offenders and repeat offenders. Naturally, a repeat offender will face a more severe punishment than a first-time offender even if ...

Conspiracy Charges in Arizona

The saying, “don’t do the crime if you can’t do the time,” should really say, “don’t plan on doing the crime if you can’t do the time.” An individual can ...

Computer Tampering Laws in Arizona

Computer hacking may not seem like a serious crime in comparison to others dangerous acts, but illegally accessing a computer system with the intent to alter, destroy, or damage it ...

Aggravated Criminal Damage in Arizona (A.R.S. 13-1604)

Also known as vandalism, criminal damage refers to a person defacing or destroying another individual’s property without permission. Criminal damage crimes, including graffiti, damage to a vehicle, broken windows, or ...

Second Degree Burglary in Arizona

Second degree burglary is considered a class 3 felony in Arizona. Under Arizona law, a class 3 felony is punishable by a term of 2.5 to 7 years in prison. ...

What Should I Do if I’m Facing Criminal Damage Charges in Arizona?

If you've been charged with criminal damage anywhere in the East Valley, you could face potentially serious consequences if you are not properly prepared for your defense in court. As ...

Arizona’s Misdemeanor Crimes

In Arizona, a crime can be classified as either a felony or a misdemeanor. Felonies are more serious crimes such as murder or rape. Misdemeanors are considered less serious crimes, ...

Phoenix Violent Crime Attorney

Arizona defendants convicted of committing a violent crime can be punished with a mandatory prison sentence. As such, the stakes are much higher for defendants facing these types of criminal ...

Phoenix Felony Defense Lawyer

Felonies in Arizona encompass the more serious crimes. A wide range of unlawful acts make up felony crimes, and they are processed through the legal system in a number of ...