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Undercover Officers and Reckless Driving Charges

If you’ve been charged with reckless driving, racing, or criminal speeding in Arizona especially after interacting with what looked like another “regular driver”, your first reaction might be:
“That’s entrapment.”
We hear that all the time.
But in most cases, it’s not entrapment under Arizona law.
Let’s break down why.
Undercover Officers on Arizona Roads
Law enforcement agencies in Arizona frequently use undercover vehicles in traffic enforcement operations. These vehicles often include high-performance models like:

  • Ford Mustangs
  • Chevrolet Camaros
  • Dodge Chargers
  • Other sport-styled vehicles

To the average driver, they look like another car on…
Continue Reading Is It Entrapment? Undercover Officers and Reckless Driving Charges (ARS 28-693) in Arizona

Armed robbery is a more serious form of the crime of robbery. It involves the possession, use, or threatened use of a deadly weapon or a simulated deadly weapon, or in some cases a dangerous instrument, during the commission of a robbery.

Armed robbery is a Class 2 felony under Arizona law, the second-most severe category of crime in the state.

In this article, we discuss the details of armed robbery in Arizona, including:

  • How the law defines armed robbery
  • The penalties for armed robbery
  • Possible legal defenses to a charge of armed robbery

If you are facing an armed…
Continue Reading Armed Robbery in Arizona: ARS 13-1904

Under Arizona law, forgery involves altering a written document with the intent to defraud another person. 

A common example of forgery is trying to cash a check with a forged signature. Other common examples include creating fake prescriptions for medications or filling out unauthorized applications for credit using another person’s personal information.

Depending on the circumstances, a conviction for forgery is classified as a Class 4 or Class 3 felony in Arizona.

In this blog post, we examine forgery crimes in Arizona. Specifically, we cover:

  • The elements of the offense
  • Penalties for a forgery conviction
  • Defenses to a charge of

…
Continue Reading Forgery in Arizona: ARS 13-2002

In Arizona, committing forgery can be as simple as mimicking someone else’s signature on a check and presenting it to a bank to be cashed. In other cases, though, forgery methods can be more complex, involving a variety of tools specifically designed or adapted to forge written instruments. Possessing these kinds of tools with the intent to use them to commit forgery is a crime under Arizona law.

A conviction for criminal possession of a forgery device is a Class 5 or a Class 6 felony offense in Arizona.

At AZ Defenders, we defend clients accused of forgery-related crimes, including…
Continue Reading Possession of a Forgery Device in Arizona: ARS 13-2003

Hazing is an activity that traditionally has taken place among college students in fraternity hazing cases, but it is not limited to them. Hazing became a criminal offense in Arizona effective with the 2022 enactment of Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS) Sections 13-1215 and 13-1216. A conviction for hazing under Arizona law can be a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the physical harm done.

In this blog post, we discuss what constitutes hazing and the applicable penalties for a conviction of hazing. 

If you have been accused of participating in a hazing incident in Arizona ,AZ Defenders law firm…
Continue Reading Hazing in Arizona: ARS 13-1215

Becoming—or remaining—a firefighter in Arizona with a driving under the influence (DUI) conviction can present challenges, but they are not always insurmountable. In this blog post, we cover how firefighter candidates can deal with a prior DUI conviction during the application process and the effect of a DUI on current firefighters.

The Rosenstein Law Group represents Arizona residents charged with DUI. 

If you need help as a firefighter applicant or are presently employed as a firefighter facing a DUI charge, call our law office at (480) 248-7666, or you can contact us online to speak with one of our…
Continue Reading Can You Be a Firefighter with a DUI in Arizona?

It may seem counterintuitive at first, but if you have a past DUI conviction in Arizona, that will not necessarily keep you from becoming a police officer in this state.

In this blog post, we discuss how Arizona municipalities treat prior DUIs on your record when you apply to become a police officer.

If you are facing a DUI charge in Arizona, call Rosenstein Law Group at (480) 248-7666 or contact us online to speak with an experienced Arizona DUI defense lawyer.

What Do Police Departments Look For in Applicants?

Law enforcement officers are human beings, and human beings make…
Continue Reading Can You Be a Cop With a DUI in Arizona?

Riding a bicycle home after enjoying drinks with friends in Phoenix, Tempe, Scottsdale, or another city in Arizona might seem like a responsible alternative to driving a car. Many cyclists assume pedaling home keeps them safe from DUI charges. However, Arizona’s laws create nuances around intoxicated cycling. Understanding these nuances could save you from unexpected legal trouble. At The Law Offices of John Phebus, we regularly field the question from concerned cyclists: can you get a DUI on a bicycle in Arizona? The type of bicycle you ride has a significant impact on what charges you may face.
What…
Continue Reading Can You Get a DUI on a Bicycle in Arizona?

Arizona criminal courts prosecute certain felonies far more frequently than others. What is the most common felony charged statewide? While no single government agency officially ranks felony charges by frequency, criminal defense attorneys and court data consistently point to several categories: aggravated assault, drug offenses, theft crimes, aggravated DUI, burglary, and sex crimes. Arizona categorizes felonies into six classes, each carrying mandatory prison time exceeding one year, substantial fines, and consequences affecting employment, housing, and civil rights. At The Law Offices of John Phebus, we’ve defended clients against these common felony charges throughout Maricopa County.
Understanding Arizona’s Felony Classification …
Continue Reading What Is the Most Common Felony in Arizona?

Traffic stops in Arizona often start for minor reasons like speeding, rolling a stop sign, or a broken taillight. But if law enforcement discovers alcohol in your vehicle, that routine stop can quickly escalate. Understanding Arizona’s open container laws can help you avoid additional charges and protect your rights.

What Is an Open Container Under Arizona Law?
An open container generally refers to any bottle, can, or other receptacle containing alcohol that has been opened, had the seal broken, or has had some of its contents removed.
Common examples include:

  • An open beer can or bottle
  • A wine bottle with

…
Continue Reading Arizona Open Container Laws Explained: What Every Driver Should Know

Many people arrested in Arizona—especially those arrested for the first time—ask, “What’s the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor?” Arizona law clearly distinguishes between these two classifications, with each carrying distinct consequences for sentencing, criminal records, and long-term opportunities. At The Law Offices of John Phebus, we help clients in Arizona navigate these complex classifications and work toward the most favorable outcomes possible.
What Are Misdemeanors?
Misdemeanors represent less serious criminal offenses under Arizona law. Arizona classifies misdemeanors into three categories: Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3, with Class 1 representing the most serious misdemeanor level.
Continue Reading What’s the Difference Between a Felony and a Misdemeanor?

Robbery is already a serious felony offense in Arizona. When it is committed with one or more accomplices, it becomes aggravated robbery under Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS) Section 13-1903.

Aggravated robbery is a Class 3 felony in Arizona.

AZ Defenders represents people charged with robbery and aggravated robbery in Arizona. If you have been charged with aggravated robbery, call us at (480) 456-6400 or contact us online to talk with an experienced Arizona criminal defense lawyer.

How Arizona Law Defines Aggravated Robbery

ARS 13-1903 is a short statute. Here it is in full:

Aggravated robbery; classification

A. A person…
Continue Reading Aggravated Robbery in Arizona: ARS 13-1903

Under Arizona law, robbery can take different forms, including armed robbery and aggravated robbery. In this post, we focus on the basic offense of robbery, as it is defined under Arizona Revised Statutes Section 13-1902.

While theft and robbery involve taking someone else’s property without that person’s permission, an important difference between these two offenses is that robbery involves taking something from the victim directly in their presence with some kind of threat or force to coerce someone to surrender property.

If you have been accused of any kind of robbery charges in Arizona, call AZ Defenders at (480) …
Continue Reading Robbery in Arizona: ARS 13-1902

In Arizona, trafficking in stolen property means knowingly or recklessly selling, transferring, distributing, dispensing, or otherwise disposing of stolen property. Trafficking in stolen property includes buying, receiving, possessing, or obtaining control of stolen property with the intent to sell, transfer, distribute, dispense, or otherwise dispose of the property.

The Arizona law that makes trafficking in stolen goods illegal is Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS) Section 13-2307. Depending on the circumstances, a conviction under this law is a Class 3 felony or a Class 2 felony.

If you have been charged with trafficking in stolen goods in Arizona, AZ Defenders…
Continue Reading Trafficking in Stolen Property in Arizona: ARS 13-2307

Shoplifting is a common theft crime in Arizona. Under Arizona law, depending on the circumstances of the crime, a conviction for shoplifting can be either a misdemeanor or a felony offense. In either case, you could face incarceration, fines, restitution, and other legal and social consequences.

If you are facing a shoplifting charge in Arizona, AZ Defenders can help. We represent individuals in Arizona accused of all kinds of theft crimes, including shoplifting. To speak with one of our experienced criminal defense lawyers, call us at (480) 456-6400 or contact us online at any time, any day of the year.
Continue Reading Shoplifting in Arizona: ARS 13-1805

A crash on an Arizona roadway immediately creates confusion and financial strain. While you sort out repairs and recovery, strict filing deadlines move forward with no warning. Understanding how long after an accident you have to file a claim is vital because Arizona’s statute of limitation period restricts your options. Late filing can stop a lawsuit before it even begins. As a result, compensation you need may never be yours.  The Law Offices of John Phebus Criminal and Personal Injury Lawyer guides injury victims across Arizona through their legal options. We can help you take timely action to protect your…
Continue Reading How Long After a Car Accident Do You Have to File a Claim?