Theft is one of the most common criminal charges that are charged. However, it is often called by many names. Theft, robbery, larceny, embezzlement, and fraud are just a few of the names associated with a theft charge. So, what is the difference in each of these crimes? That is a very important question, especially if you have been charged with the crime. Read More
Most states have taken a strong stance against drunk/intoxicated driving in the past two decades, and the enhanced penalties mean that a conviction for driving under the influence can create both short and long-term problems after the fact. Even a first conviction for DUI can result in automatic jail time and a license suspension, as well as significant fines and expenses related to court ordered drivers education. In addition, the conviction record generally stays on the defendant’s criminal history for up to 10 years in many states, and any subsequent arrests and convictions will lead to even harsher penalties. This is especially true when there are aggravating circumstances. When all things are considered, it can be vital to retain an experienced and aggressive criminal defense attorney to represent your case even in an apparently simple case because evidence can often be contested. Read More
In Arizona, being charged with driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol (DUI) is not as simple as one set of charges and penalties. There are a multitude of factors that can lead to felony charges when you are pulled over for a DUI. A DUI in the state of Arizona can be considered “extreme” or “aggravated,” beyond just a regular DUI case.
Extreme DUI penalties in Arizona are determined according to the severity of the crime, with a DUI rated as a regular misdemeanor, an aggravated DUI or extreme DUI.
Some of the possible penalties of a conviction for driving under the influence (DUI) include: Read More
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol while your license is revoked, canceled, suspended or refused in the state of Arizona is considered an Aggravated DUI charge, as specified in Arizona Revised Statutes, ARS 28-1383(A)(1). There are a multitude of reasons why an individual’s license may have been revoked or suspended, including the below:
If you are caught driving with a suspended license while under the influence, it is very important that you immediately contact an attorney who knows Arizona law and can help you defend yourself in court. These are serious issues with serious penalties for which you will need the help of a good criminal defense lawyer. Read More
DUI vehicular crimes are considered quite serious and are classified as felonies. Some states have a Vehicular Crimes Unit that is responsible for prosecuting all felony vehicular crimes. Their goal is to effectively prosecute those charged with a DUI vehicular crime so they can reduce the number of vehicular crime incidents. Read More
Civil forfeiture, also called civil seizure, or civil judicial forfeiture, is a controversial legal process in the United States in which law enforcement officers take assets from people suspected of being involved in a crime or some sort of illegal activity. The problem with forfeiture cases is that the person suspected of being involved with a crime or illegal activity will not be necessarily charged with a crime or wrongdoing.
Civil forfeiture is a controversial legal process. Sometimes, the law enforcement officers will simply threaten to seize property, or anything of value, such as gold, cash, real estate, a boat or a house. The actual act of seizure itself also falls under forfeiture if the officers suspect that it was being used in a crime. Those in favor of civil forfeiture see it as a powerful tool to thwart criminal activities and organizations. However, critics argue that the act itself leads to corruption and misbehavior by the law enforcement. There is an ongoing debate as to whether the overall benefits of forfeiture outweigh the drawbacks. Read More
‘Pre-charge’, also called the ‘Investigation Stage’ of a criminal case is the stage when someone is under observation for a criminal offense, but no formal action has been taken. When someone is involved in such a situation, it can have a significant negative impact on different areas of their life. This initial state precedes any formal charges. Usually, a person is considered to be involved in a pre-charge stage when they have been arrested by the law enforcement and have been questioned, but later released without facing any charges. This means that the person stands in imminent danger of getting arrested anytime if police find any evidence against them.
Even if the person has not been convicted, the arrest itself may be recorded and documented, which can have a negative impact on their personal life. Their story may make it to the newspaper headline, or it may be put up on any of the news reporting websites. The individual is stuck in the pre-charge stage after being arrested, until they are actually charged with the crime. Anyone who has been arrested in connection to a crime but was later released without charges, is advised to consult a qualified criminal defense attorney. Read More
Defined as nonviolent crimes committed by an employee for personal financial gain, white collar crimes most typically involve office-based workers, business managers, fund managers, accountants or executives. There are several common types of white collar crime in which you should speak with a criminal defense attorney in Arizona. These crimes include:
FELONY IMPERSONATING a POLICE OFFICER DISMISSED – State v. Mr. H (DMC No. 7872) (Gila County Superior Court CR2007-713) Mr. H and a White Mountain Police Department Sergeant owned a dog breeding business together. At the behest of the Sergeant, Mr. H attempted to sell trained K-9’s to the White Mountain Police Department. He had identified himself in the paperwork he filled out that he was a Police Officer with the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office. In reality, he was only a Volunteer Posse Member. His partner, the Sergeant, was subsequently terminated from the White Mountain Police Department. Mr. H was charged with felony Impersonating a Police Officer per Arizona Revised Statute ARS 13-2411(A).
We were able to convince the Prosecutor that this was really his partner’s idea. The paperwork was also filled out by the former Sergeant. The Sergeant had convinced Mr. P that his Posse status was the same as being a POST Certified Police Officer. Eventually, the Prosecutor dismissed all charged against Mr. H.
FELONY IMPERSONATING a DOCTOR REDUCED to Class 6 Open/ MISDEMEANOR with PROBATION and ZERO DAYS in Jail – State v. Mr. C (DMC No. 5633) (Maricopa County Superior Court CR2005117450): Mr. C had been walking around the Thunderbird Samaritan Hospital pretending to be a medical student. Glendale Police were called out, and they made contact with Mr. C. He was wearing scrubs, a lab coat and had a stethoscope around his neck. He admitted to being in the hospital approximately 7 times prior in the doctor’s lounge and the baby nursery area because he was trying to get a feel for what it was like to be a doctor. He was subsequently arrested for Criminal Impersonating pursuant to Arizona Revised Statute ARS 13-2406. We were able to convince the Prosecutor to offer him probation without jail, and eventually the charge was reduced to a misdemeanor. Mr. C has no felony convictions on his record.