Typically, when you receive a traffic citation, you have multiple options for taking care of it. You can pay the fine, request a hearing or attend driving school. In the case of a criminal traffic citation, according to the Maricopa County Justice Courts, you have...
Bill would create drug trafficking homicide offense
Anyone who sells or shares drugs connected to overdose deaths could serve up to 25 years imprisonment under a bill introduced in the Arizona legislature. Drug charges could be elevated to murder if the proposed House Bill 2779 becomes law. House Bill 2779 The bill is...
Is it over okay to permit underage drinking in Arizona?
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...
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...
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...
Miranda Rights—what they are and why they’re read
When an individual is apprehended by law enforcement on suspicion of a crime, they may be too caught up in the stress and anxiety of the moment, especially if this is a first occurrence, to realize that they still have rights. Being chased by a police officer, tackled...
Witness credibility could be key to your criminal defense
Regardless of the type of criminal charges your facing, the prosecution has witnesses lined up to testify against you. This means that if you don’t take a plea deal and instead opt for trial, then the judge or jury is going to hear those witnesses and determine for...
What to expect during the arraignment
When someone is facing criminal charges, one of the first legal actions after arrest is an arraignment, also known as the initial hearing. Due to the stress of being in jail, the person of interest may feel confused and not fully understand everything that is going...
