Arizona is experiencing a general decline in crime rates, according to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Report. This applies to both violent crimes and property crimes. At the same time, the states prison population continues to grow. It sounds like something must be wrong with the system, given these two seemingly incongruous facts. Here are some […]
Rising Prison Population in Arizona Read More »
It’s usually a good thing to be ranked near the top of a list – best cities to live in, high employment opportunities, etc. But last year Phoenix ranked near the top of a list that most folks would find reprehensible: hate crimes. What is the definition of a “hate crime”? As we pointed out
Phoenix Ranked Third in Hate Crimes in the U.S. Read More »
It’s fairly unusual when a person is blamed for being the victim of a crime. But that’s exactly what the Phoenix Law Enforcement Association says about the recent robbery of former Phoenix mayor and current congressional candidate Greg Stanton. The Association is the union representing the rank-and-file police officers. Their position appears to be that
Former Phoenix Mayor Blamed for Being Robbed Read More »
As most people are aware, more and more states have legalized the use of marijuana over the past several years. Some have legalized it for recreational use; others have given the okay to medical marijuana. And still others, while not legalizing it, have decriminalized the use of pot. Currently, recreational and/or medical marijuana is legal
Marijuana Legalization and Federal Law Read More »
Social Media, the Web and the Presumption of Innocence In these days of instant communication, we hear a lot about “fake news.” But apart from the jabs going back and forth in the political arena, real people are affected daily based on allegations that sometimes emanate from a single social media post or news story
Most people understand that these days any DUI charge is a serious matter. Even if it’s your first arrest for driving under the influence, and you are charged with misdemeanor DUI, you face the possibility of some fairly severe consequences, including fines, license suspension, a short time in jail, installation of an ignition interlock device
Felony DUI in Arizona Read More »
A Pima County woman was charged with kidnapping and child abuse for keeping her three children locked up for months under horrible conditions. She was found guilty and was sentenced to 20 years in prison. During the course of her trial, her attorney attempted to raise the defense of duress, which in her case consisted
Duress Defense Addressed by the Arizona Supreme Court Read More »
After reading this headline, you might think that we’ve lost our common sense and are suggesting that the members of the Arizona legislature are above the law. But that’s what law enforcement has been telling police officers. A recent example illustrates the point. Representative Paul Mosley (R – Lake Havasu City) was recently out for
Are Arizona Legislators Immune from Criminal Prosecution? Read More »
When someone is alleged to have stolen or attempted to steal something, the charge is often described as either burglary, robbery, theft, or some combination of the three. You might ask whether there is any real difference among the charges, and whether those differences affect the classification (severity) or the potential sentence the defendant faces.
Burglary, Robbery and Theft in Arizona: What’s the Difference? Read More »
Arizona, it seems, likes to be different. We’re the only place in the Contiguous United States that doesn’t observe Daylight Savings Time. We’re also one of only three states in the country that has not – so far – instituted a broad restriction on texting while driving. But if you think that gives you free
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