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Criminal damage is how Arizona lawmakers refer to the crime of vandalism. Criminal damage is a serious crime that can result in a felony charge. It is defined in Arizona Revised Statutes Section 13-1602 as many different reckless and intentional actions that damage, deface or otherwise decrease the value of the property of another person. State law describes six main types of criminal damage.
Recklessly Defacing or Damaging the Property of Another Person
The first type of criminal damage is to recklessly deface or damage the property of another person. The definition of “recklessness” in Arizona is to engage in…
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In Arizona, property owners have the right to be free from theft, vandalism, trespassers and other property-related crimes. If a property owner believes that you committed a crime against his or her premises, vehicle or owned possessions, you may receive a criminal charge or get arrested for an alleged property crime. The penalties that you might face – and your available defense options – will depend on the type of property crime involved in the accusation.
Theft
Being accused of theft or thievery means that someone believes you stole something belonging to him or her. State law (Arizona Revised …
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When you file a claim seeking financial compensation for your medical bills, property damage or other losses after an accident in Arizona, you should expect to hear back from the insurance company promptly – within a reasonable amount of time. Unfortunately, not all insurance companies obey their deadlines.
The post How Long Does an Insurance Company Have to Settle a Claim in Arizona? appeared first on The Law Offices of John Phebus.
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State laws and federal laws do not always align. This makes it possible to face one of two different types of charges when accused of a crime in Arizona: state and federal. Understanding the difference between these types of charges is important. This distinction will decide which jurisdiction applies to your case, the language of the specific law that you allegedly broke and the potential penalties that you might be facing as a defendant.
What Is a Violation of State Law in Arizona?
A state crime refers to a violation of one of the Arizona Revised Statutes. It is…
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Everyone makes mistakes. Unfortunately, some people end up with permanent criminal records because of their bad decisions. Once you’ve been introduced to the criminal justice system, it can be difficult to remove the stain that it has on your life, reputation, future and livelihood. If you wish for a fresh start, a few different options for sealing or erasing your criminal record may be available to you in Arizona.
Record Sealing vs. Expungement
Sealing a criminal record means to conceal it from the general public. The public, including individuals, employers and landlords, cannot view or access a sealed record. This…
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Did you know police officers can enter your home without a search warrant? The Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution and the Arizona State Constitution protect individuals from unreasonable searches and seizures. However, there are exceptions to the general rule that requires law enforcement officers to have a search warrant to enter your home.
Exceptions to the laws prohibiting warrantless searches include:

  • Consent – Police officers may search your home if you willingly give your consent without a search warrant or probable cause.
  • Incident to an Arrest –  An officer may search your home without a warrant if

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Continue Reading Exigent Circumstances: What Are They and How Do They Allow Police to Search and Seize Without a Warrant?