Violating parole can have serious consequences, such as being sent back to jail or prison. Hiring an experienced Phoenix criminal defense lawyer who is knowledgeable about parole violations can help protect your rights and ensure you receive the best possible outcome in your case. If you or someone you love has been accused of violating parole in Phoenix, Arizona, contact an attorney today for a free consultation.
What Is Parole?
Parole is a form of early release from prison that’s granted to an individual who has been convicted of a crime. The purpose of parole is to allow the offender…
Continue Reading What Happens If You Violate Parole in Phoenix? What Are the Consequences?

Most people have heard of Miranda Rights, but few know exactly what they are or why they exist. In short, Miranda Rights are a set of warnings that must be given to criminal suspects prior to interrogations by law enforcement.
The goal of Miranda Rights is to protect people from self-incrimination by ensuring that they understand their rights and can make informed decisions about whether to waive them. Unfortunately, Miranda rights are often misunderstood, so it’s important to clear up a few things.
What Are Miranda Rights?
In the 1966 U.S. Supreme Court case Miranda v. Arizona, the Court…
Continue Reading Miranda Rights: What Happens If the Police Don’t Read You Your Rights in Phoenix?

Many people believe they can spot a child predator or sex offender. One researcher believes he has developed a simple, non-invasive test that can tell whether a person is a potential sex offender.
Even though the validity of the test is still up for debate, some courts have ordered individuals to take the assessment to determine if they could be potential sex offenders and whether released adult sex offenders will commit more sex crimes.
What Is the Abel Assessment?
The Abel Assessment was created by Dr. Gene G. Abel. Dr. Abel is a researcher who has studied child molestation…
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If you are convicted of a sex offense, you do not have to directly notify your neighbors and employers. However, you must register annually with Arizona’s sex offender public registry. Depending on the seriousness of the offense, the state may notify the community, local schools, and your employer.
The Arizona Sex Offender Registry
You have to register with the Arizona sex offender registry if you:

• Plead guilty to a listed sex crime (see below);
• Are convicted of a listed sex crime;
• Are found “guilty except insane”; or
• Are found not guilty by reason of insanity.

Even attempted sex crimes…
Continue Reading Are Sex Offenders Required To Notify Neighbors and Employers in Arizona?

Like most big cities in the United States, crime is an issue in Phoenix, Arizona. Whether it’s violent crimes like murder and sexual assault or property crimes such as vandalism and theft, there’s no denying that Phoenix sees its share of criminal activity.
If you’re looking to visit or relocate to Phoenix, you’ll no doubt be interested in learning which areas to explore and which to avoid.
The Safest Neighborhoods in Phoenix, AZ
Based on recent statistics, here are a few of the safest neighborhoods in the greater Phoenix area:
Paradise Valley
Paradise Valley is sometimes called the…
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You’ve probably seen it a million times on TV or in movies: someone has been taken in by police and demands their phone call. But is this really a right? What are your other rights if you are taken in by the police? Understanding your rights is an important initial step in your criminal defense, whether you’ve been charged with a drug crime, violent crime, DUI, or another type of offense.
Detention Rights
Before you can understand your rights, it is important that you understand the difference between detention and arrest. Police have the right to “detain”…
Continue Reading Your Rights When You Are Detained: Do You Really Get a Phone Call?

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

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

The outcome for a conviction of Felony 5 drug possession in Arizona depends on several factors. First, Arizona has a sentencing chart for felony convictions. That chart impacts how much time you spend in prison for drug possession.
The type and amount of drug you possess could impact whether you serve time. In addition, Arizona law provides that people convicted of possessing or using a controlled substance for personal use may be sentenced to probation.
Drug possession charges can be confusing. The possible outcome depends on many factors. Whether you face misdemeanor drug charges or felony drug crimes, treat the…
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Being arrested for an alleged crime can be one of the most stressful things in your life. In the blink of an eye, you can go from being a free person to being restrained in handcuffs, taken from your regular life, and confined in a jail cell.
Many people feel confused, helpless, and terrified. And for good reason. But, regardless of who you are and what you have been arrested for, you need to know certain things after you get arrested in Phoenix.
The Process After You Get Arrested in Phoenix
The first thing you need to know about when…
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Domestic violence is a serious crime that deeply impacts all members of a family. False allegations of domestic violence can be just as devastating. A recent national survey showed that 17% of respondents had been falsely accused of domestic violence.
The implications of a domestic violence charge are far-reaching. Someone who is convicted of the charge faces not only criminal and civil penalties but also financial consequences and damage to their reputation.
When Can I Be Charged with Domestic Violence in Arizona?
A domestic violence charge often begins when police visit a residence because of a 911 call. Officers have…
Continue Reading False Domestic Violence Allegations: How You Can Avoid Wrongful Allegations in Arizona

It is relatively easy for someone to falsely accuse you of a sexual assault. Unfortunately, these types of charges and accusations can be difficult to disprove. Oftentimes these cases are classic, “he said, she said,” situations where there are no witnesses of the events that took place and no easy way to determine exactly what happened.
It is incredibly important to defend and protect yourself against sexual assault allegations because of how negatively these kinds of crimes can impact your life. Sex crimes have an immediate negative impact from the stigma of the accusation as well as the arrest itself.
Continue Reading How to Prove Your Innocence When Falsely Accused of Sexual Assault in Phoenix

You may see an entry on the criminal court docket for a “Motion for Discovery” in your case. Your criminal lawyer generally handles filing these motions as part of your defense against criminal charges. A motion to obtain discovery is a valuable tool for a criminal defense lawyer to use to collect evidence for your defense. Continue reading to learn more.
What Is Discovery?
Pre-trial discovery is the process of gathering information and evidence to prepare for trial. The prosecution cannot use any documents, witnesses, or other evidence at trial that it failed to disclose during discovery.
Arizona Criminal Procedure …
Continue Reading What Does “Motion For Discovery” Actually Mean in a Docket Entry?