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Many sexual assault cases in Arizona involve “he said, she said” evidence, where someone is accused of a crime based on an unsubstantiated statement made by a witness or the alleged victim. Sexual assault is a serious allegation that can lead to severe consequences if you are convicted. If you are being accused of this crime, hire an experienced criminal defense lawyer to help you combat he said, she said evidence with a strong defense strategy.
Burden of Proof Beyond a Reasonable Doubt
The criminal justice system requires the prosecution to prove that the accused party (defendant) is guilty of
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If you have been accused of any crime involving or related to child pornography, it is critical to be proactive about protecting your legal rights. The first thing to do in this situation is to contact an experienced Phoenix child sex crime defense lawyer to provide you with invaluable advice and legal representation. An attorney can help you understand your options and protect your rights in this stressful situation.
Hiring an Attorney Prior to Arrest
You can and should hire a defense lawyer even before you are arrested if you hear that someone is accusing you of crimes associated with
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Navigating the legal landscape that surrounds sex crime cases in Arizona can be made easier with this Comprehensive Guide to Sex Crimes. In this guide, you will receive valuable information about the different types of sex crimes in Arizona, the potential sentences and penalties associated with sex crime convictions, and what to expect from the criminal justice system as a defendant. 
Note that this is general information and does not constitute legal advice. For legal advice, contact a sex crimes defense attorney at AZ Defenders at (480) 680-7217.
Understanding Different Types of Sex Crimes in Arizona 
The Arizona Revised Statutes
Continue Reading A Comprehensive Guide to Sex Crimes in Arizona

Being convicted of a sex crime in Arizona can have wide-ranging consequences. One possibility is becoming a registered sex offender – something that will follow you for life. As a registered sex offender, you may be barred from entering certain countries. Whether or not you can travel to an international destination depends on the rules in that country.
Approval for Entry Varies From Country to Country
Unfortunately, it is not always possible to predict whether a foreign country will allow you to enter with a sex crime conviction on your record. This is because the decision to permit or deny
Continue Reading Am I Allowed to Travel Internationally as a Registered Sex Offender?

Being charged with a sex crime in Arizona is one of the worst things that could ever happen to a person. The prospect of jail or prison time, a permanent criminal record, registration on the Sex Offender List, and significant legal fees and fines can lead to immense emotional distress for the person accused. Coping with the mental, psychological and emotional side of being charged with a sex crime may require professional help.
Talk to a Loved One or Therapist
First, talk about what you are feeling with a friend or family member. Talking it over with someone you
Continue Reading Coping With the Emotional Impact of a Sex Crime Charge

Sexual offenses are heavily penalized in Arizona, with sentences that could impact the defendant for the rest of his or her life, if convicted. Sexual assault crimes can come with a sentence of more than a decade in prison, for example, as well as lifetime registration on Arizona’s Sex Offender List. Aggravated sexual assault is an even more severe charge (with more extreme consequences) than simple sexual assault in Arizona.
Sexual Assault vs. Aggravated Assault in Arizona
In Arizona, the crime of sexual assault is defined in Arizona Revised Statutes Section 13-1406 as intentionally or knowingly engaging in sexual intercourse
Continue Reading How Do Sexual Assault Cases Differ From Aggravated Assault?

Indecent exposure is the crime of exposing an individual’s private parts with a reckless disregard as to whether a person who was present at the time would be offended or alarmed by the act. If you are convicted of indecent exposure in Arizona, you could face a variety of potential consequences that can have a major impact on your life.
Misdemeanor Indecent Exposure Penalties
According to Arizona Revised Statutes Section 13-1402, it is a misdemeanor crime to expose the genitals, anus, or areola or nipple of the breast while another person is present if the defendant is reckless about
Continue Reading What Are the Consequences of Indecent Exposure in Arizona?

Disorderly conduct, often referred to as disturbing the peace, is a crime in Arizona that may be charged on its own or stacked on top of other charges, such as drug and alcohol crimes. During a disorderly conduct case, the prosecution has the burden of proving that the defendant committed the elements of this offense beyond a reasonable doubt, meaning with clear and convincing evidence.
A Disorderly Act Was Committed
The two main elements that are required to prove a disorderly conduct case are an act recognized as disorderly and intent to disturb the peace. Arizona Revised Statutes, Section
Continue Reading What Type of Evidence Is Needed to Establish Disorderly Conduct?

If you are facing a misdemeanor charge in Arizona, you may be curious as to what the future of your case looks like. Although each case is unique, the state typically processes misdemeanor cases in much the same way. Most misdemeanor cases are given to city prosecutors, unless the defendant is under the age of 18, in which case it will go through the juvenile court system.

Investigation
If an alleged crime is reported to the police, law enforcement patrols will travel to the scene to investigate. An investigation may involve interviewing witnesses, searching for physical evidence and reviewing surveillance
Continue Reading Timeline of a Misdemeanor Case in Arizona

There are three categories of criminal charges in Arizona: minor offense, misdemeanor and felony. The potential penalties for a conviction increase with the classification of the crime. Having a misdemeanor reduced to a minor offense or dropped entirely could protect you from serious criminal consequences. If you have been charged with any type of misdemeanor crime, contact AZ Defenders to find out how our Phoenix misdemeanor defense attorney can help.
When Will the Courts Agree to Reduce or Dismiss a Misdemeanor Charge?
In Arizona, the courts may reduce or dismiss a misdemeanor charge in a few different circumstances. There are
Continue Reading How Likely Is It That Misdemeanor Charges Are Reduced or Dropped?

Drug trafficking is a serious crime that is highly prevalent in the United States. It is a complex and criminal enterprise that involves the manufacturing, distribution, and sale of illegal drugs – such as heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine, marijuana, and others. In recent years, drug trafficking has become a major concern for law enforcement agencies as approximately 61.2 million Americans aged 12 and older used illicit drugs in 2021. It is a widespread issue, and the impact of drug trafficking can be felt across the United States 
What is Drug Trafficking vs. Drug Possession?
Drug trafficking and drug possession are
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Aggravated assault is a very serious charge that can have devastating consequences for the rest of your life. This is a felony charge in Arizona that can remain on your criminal record forever. A felony conviction can make it more difficult to find a job and/or housing, as well as take away your right to join the Armed Forces or own a firearm. Having this offense on your criminal record can also influence future cases against you. It is critical to contact a Phoenix assault defense lawyer right away if you are facing an aggravated assault charge.
What Is the
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Every year, thousands of on-campus crimes are reported to college and city police departments, many of which result in arrests. These crimes may involve students, professors, faculty members, administrators or strangers that enter campus. They can take place in parking lots, dorm rooms, classrooms or stadiums. A review of the most recent available statistics can help put on-campus crime in perspective, both nationally and on a statewide level in Arizona.

On-Campus Crimes: Recent Trends and Data
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, a total of 27,300 college criminal incidents were reported to police and security agencies in
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Assault is the crime of intentionally, knowingly or recklessly causing or threatening to cause physical injury to another person. In Arizona, there are two classifications of assault: simple and aggravated. Simple assault is a misdemeanor, while aggravated assault is a felony. Learn the differences between these two crimes to better understand your situation if you have been placed under arrest.
What Is Misdemeanor Assault in Arizona?
Misdemeanor assault is defined in Arizona Revised Statutes Section 13-1203 as intentionally, knowingly or recklessly causing physical injury to another person, placing another person in reasonable apprehension of imminent harm, or touching another person
Continue Reading Misdemeanor Assault vs. Aggravated Felony Assault: What to Know

When a person is accused of sexual assault in Arizona, law enforcement will assign investigators to look into the incident. Before an arrest can be made, the police must find enough evidence to provide reasonable cause to take the alleged offender into custody. Sexual assault investigations come with many unique challenges, leading to only a small percentage of cases resulting in actual arrests.
Tasks Involved in a Sexual Assault Investigation
A sexual assault investigation aims to determine whether the sexual activity or contact in question took place, the identity of the suspect, and if the suspect had the victim’s consent.
Continue Reading Challenges of Sexual Assault Investigations

Sex crimes against children are taken extremely seriously in the State of Arizona. If you find yourself accused of a sex crime involving a minor, it is imperative to hire an attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights. A Phoenix sex crime defense attorney can defend you against these life-altering charges, fighting for your rights and pursuing a positive case outcome.
Navigating Legal Procedures
You can trust an attorney to take care of legal processes and procedures for you. You will not have to navigate the complicated criminal justice system alone. Your lawyer will attend all hearings and
Continue Reading What Is the Role of a Defense Attorney in Child Sex Crime Cases?