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It can be tempting to think of driver’s license suspensions and revocations in Arizona as two ways of saying the same thing. However, these are distinct concepts with different consequences and different procedures to restore your driving privileges.

In this post, we examine the differences between a suspended and revoked license in Arizona.

What is a License Suspension in Arizona?

A license suspension is a temporary removal of your driving privilege in Arizona. The Motor Vehicles Division (MVD) of the Arizona Department of Transportation is the agency that handles license suspensions.

Reasons for Driver’s License Suspensions

Your license can be…
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Facing a DUI charge in Arizona creates serious uncertainty about the future. For many, the first question becomes whether a jury trial offers any real opportunity for a favorable result. The chances of winning a DUI jury trial depend heavily on the facts, the strength of the evidence, and the attorney’s preparation. At The Law Offices of John Phebus Criminal and Personal Injury Lawyer, we defend Arizona drivers accused of driving under the influence and explain the factors that shape trial outcomes under current state law.
What is a Jury Trial?
A jury trial allows a panel of citizens…
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Under Arizona law, arson of an occupied structure means knowingly and unlawfully damaging a structure by causing a fire or explosion, where the structure is occupied or likely to be occupied by people at the time of the incident.

Arson of an occupied structure is a Class 2 felony offense and the most serious form of arson, which can lead to a prison sentence of up to 12.5 years upon conviction, and that’s if you do not have any prior felony convictions.

At AZ Defenders, our Arizona criminal defense attorneys represent people charged with many kinds of crimes, including arson…
Continue Reading Arson of an Occupied Structure in Arizona: ARS 13-1704

In Arizona, it is unlawful to cause a child to suffer physical injury, to allow a child to be injured, or to put a child in a situation that endangers that child’s health or well-being. These behaviors are known as child abuse.

Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS) Section 13-3623 is the Arizona law that sets forth criminal child abuse. The law applies to anyone responsible for a child’s care, regardless of that person’s relationship to the child. It covers physical, emotional, sexual abuse, neglect, exploitation, and/or abandonment.

A conviction for child abuse can range from a Class 1 misdemeanor up to…
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Under Arizona law, the crime of theft can take different forms. Depending on the specific kind of theft, the crime can be a misdemeanor or a felony.

In this post, we at AZ Defenders analyze Arizona’s theft crime statute, Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS) Section 13-1802. We identify the various types of theft, the penalties associated with each, and some possible defenses to a charge of theft.

If you are facing criminal charges for theft in Arizona, call AZ Defenders at (480) 456-6400 or contact us online to speak with one of our experienced criminal defense attorneys.

How Does Arizona…
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Under Arizona law, organized retail theft can occur in one of two ways:

  • When a person, acting alone or with someone else, takes merchandise from a retail establishment without paying for its purchase price and has the intention to sell, trade, or otherwise receive money or something of value for that merchandise; or
  • When a person uses an artifice, instrument, container, device, or other article to facilitate the removal of merchandise from a retail establishment without paying its purchase price.

Organized retail theft is a Class 4 felony in Arizona under Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS) Section 13-1819. A first-time…
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Morning After DUIs
Most people think DUI charges only happen when someone is actively out drinking and driving late at night.

A surprising number of Arizona DUI arrests happen the morning after, when someone wakes up, feels “okay,” gets behind the wheel, and then suddenly finds themselves in handcuffs.
At the R&R Law Group, we call these cases “hang-arounds.” Why? Because they’re not traditional hangovers. The issue isn’t that you feel hungover, it’s that alcohol is still hanging around in your system from the night before.
Why Morning-After DUIs Happen?
We frequently talk to clients who tell us a similar…
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Flipping off a police officer might feel risky, but the gesture itself is generally not illegal in Arizona. Courts have repeatedly held that rude, offensive, and insulting gestures toward police officers usually fall under the First Amendment’s free speech protections. That means the act of raising your middle finger, by itself, is not enough to justify an arrest. However, the protection is not unlimited. 
If the gesture is paired with threatening behavior or actions that disrupt police duties, you could still be charged with a crime. Learning about where that line is drawn before escalating to a criminal defense matter can…
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Catfishing is the act of one person using a false identity online to mislead or trick others. Sometimes it’s just a prank, but in other situations it can cause real harm. If someone uses a fake profile to commit a crime, such as stealing money or threatening another person, the act may then be considered a crime in Arizona.
There isn’t one state law that directly bans catfishing. Instead, prosecutors use other criminal laws (like fraud, identity theft, and harassment) depending on what happened. The main question is intent: what did the person intend to do, and was anyone…
Continue Reading Is Catfishing a Crime in Phoenix, Arizona?

When people talk about being incarcerated, the words “jail” and “prison” are often used interchangeably, as if they mean exactly the same thing. In reality, there are differences between the two. Understanding these differences and when a person can be sentenced to one or the other is important for defendants and their families. 
Who Goes to Jail?
Understanding exactly who may spend time in jail helps families and defendants know what to expect: 
Recently Arrested Individuals
Individuals who have been arrested and are awaiting their first court appearance typically remain in a local jail for processing and booking. Whether for…
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Wondering whether to accept a plea bargain is one of the most common questions defendants face when charged with a crime. Prosecutors often offer a deal early on in the case, promising less severe penalties in exchange for your guilty plea. 
This offer may seem tempting — especially if you’re worried about a trial or just want to put the whole incident behind you. However, accepting a plea deal is a big decision with lasting consequences. Knowing the basics can help you make an informed choice and avoid regrets down the road. 
Reasons Prosecutors Offer Plea Bargains
Many defendants wonder…
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If you or a loved one have been accused of domestic violence in Glendale or anywhere in Maricopa County, we can help defend your rights and answer your questions. While defendants often have many questions about domestic violence charges and penalties in Arizona, a common question many defendants and their families ask: can domestic violence charges be dropped once an arrest occurs in Maricopa County? That outcome hinges on several considerations: how strong the evidence is, what part the complainant plays, and which defense tactics get deployed. Our legal team at The Law Offices of John Phebus helps clients in…
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Understanding the Harsh Reality of the Criminal Justice System
One of the more difficult questions we receive at R&R Law Group is: “Why do innocent people take plea deals?”

It’s a heartbreaking question and one that sheds light on some of the toughest realities of our criminal justice system. While it might seem unthinkable that someone would plead guilty to something they didn’t do, the truth is that this happens far more often than most people realize.
The Pressure of Harsh Legal Penalties
In Arizona, criminal penalties can be severe especially for felony charges. Mandatory sentencing laws mean that if…
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The internet can be a powerful tool for connection, but it also creates new risks for personal privacy. One of the most concerning threats in the digital world today is doxing—a form of online harassment that can quickly escalate into real-world consequences. 
Whether you’re a private individual, a public figure, or just someone with a social media account, understanding what doxing is—and how to protect yourself—is more important than ever.
Doxing Defined
Doxing (also spelled “doxxing”) is the act of publicly revealing personal, sensitive, or identifying information about someone without their consent. The term comes from “dropping docs,” referring…
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Getting into a car accident in Peoria is stressful enough without having to worry about insurance companies, medical bills, and whether you’ll get fairly compensated. Between the I-10, Loop 101, and the busy surface streets around town, accidents happen more often than any of us would like.
If you’ve been in a crash recently, you’re probably wondering what happens next and how to make sure you’re protected. Let me break down the car accident claim process in a way that actually makes sense. If you need guidance or want to make sure your rights are protected, contact The Law Offices …
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If your charges were dismissed in Arizona, you might assume the issue is behind you. But unfortunately, that’s not always true—dismissed charges can still appear on your criminal record and may be seen by employers, landlords, and others during a background check.
This surprise often comes at the worst time: when you’re applying for a new job, trying to rent an apartment, or seeking a loan. Even if you were never convicted, the lingering mark of an arrest can affect your opportunities. Fortunately, Arizona law provides a process to help protect your reputation.
What Happens When You Seal a Record…
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