As a parent, you may assume that you have the discretion to decide when and where your underage child tries alcohol for the first time and/or consumes adult beverages. Like many other parents, you would be wrong. According to Britannica ProCon.org, 45 states have...
A basic overview of ignition interlock devices
People in Arizona may think nothing of having a drink at happy hour after work or while at a party. However, if a person drinks alcohol and then gets behind the wheel of a car, they could find themselves facing drunk driving charges, and if convicted, serious...
Inaccurate alcohol breath tests are being challenged
As part of due process, there must be evidence that a crime was committed in order for it to be prosecuted. Evidence can include testimony from the arresting police officer or a witness as well as police reports. For cases involving a DUI, the results of an alcohol...
Four alternative penalties for repeat DUI offenders
We all make mistakes at times, and sometimes a person in Tempe who already has a DUI on their record is charged with a second or subsequent DUI later on down the road. When a person is a repeat offender, judges in Arizona have the discretion to order alternative...
Understanding your rights if stopped by the police
Seeing the lights of a police car behind you is always unsettling. Whether you did something wrong or not, you may be wondering what rights you have. Handling encounters with the police in a respectful manner helps avoid things from turning bad quickly. However, if...
When does drug possession become “presumption of sales?”
When it comes to drug crimes in Arizona, the difference between possession and trafficking determines how severe the charges and possible sentence will be. There is a threshold under which the law considers possession to be simple possession, and over which the law...
How does the Arizona bail system work?
When a Tempe area resident has been arrested for a crime it can be a scary situation. The criminal justice system is tough on crime and not very clear to those who are accused of them. It can be an incredibly confusing time for a defendant who just wants to understand...
Spotlighting Arizona DUI checkpoints: some instructive takeaways
It can be jarring and flatly unsettling, even to a seasoned Arizona motorist who thinks he or she has experienced just about every type of traffic scenario. Today’s blog subject matter highlights DUI checkpoints (also referred to in other ways, such as sobriety...
Does Arizona punish speeding as a criminal violation?
It is natural to think that speeding will not land you in much trouble with the law. You may only pay a $150 fine and move on without giving the matter additional thought. But sometimes law enforcement looks at speeding more harshly. To your surprise, you could end up...
Getting where you need to go following a DUI
If your driver’s license was suspended due to a DUI you may have one major concern, “How am I going to get where I need to go?” Fortunately, Arizona allows some of those with a DUI to obtain a special restricted driver license that addresses some of these issues. Who...
