In Arizona, a bench warrant is issued by a judge, magistrate, commissioner, or justice of the peace, usually because someone has failed to appear for court, didn’t follow a court order, or neglected certain court-ordered financial obligations like fines or fees.
Once a bench warrant is active, law enforcement can arrest you on the warrant. According to the Arizona Courts, a bench warrant stays in effect until you’re either arrested or you voluntarily appear before the court that issued it, and the warrant is officially quashed or canceled by a judicial officer.
How Can I Get a Bench Warrant Quashed…
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Terroristic threat charges are incredibly serious in Arizona, but they’re also somewhat misunderstood. Many defendants believe this offense applies only to organized plots or planned attacks related to what we normally consider to be terrorism. However, this isn’t always the case. 
Understanding this charge is important so you know what you’re facing and how to handle it. 
Terroristic Threat Charges in Arizona
Under Arizona law, making a terrorist threat means threatening to commit an act of terrorism and communicating that threat to another person. The offense is complete when the threat is made and communicated. The statute also criminalizes knowingly…
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Being arrested for a DUI in Arizona can be a frightening experience, considering what is at stake in the event of a conviction. For most people, one of the first questions that comes to mind is how to get out of jail while the case is still pending. That is where bail and bond come in.
Arizona law generally allows people facing DUI charges to secure their release before trial, but the process and the cost can vary depending on the details of the case. Here is a closer look at how it works and what you should expect.
How…
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Being charged with a felony in Arizona is a serious matter under any circumstances, including when the charge technically falls into the lowest category. A Class 6 felony sits at the bottom of Arizona’s felony scale but can still lead to jail time and substantial fines, not to mention the potential collateral consequences that may impact your freedom for the foreseeable future. 
Since Class 6 felonies cover a wide range of offenses, many people are surprised to learn they are facing felony-level charges. If you are dealing with a charge like this, learning about what is at stake can help…
Continue Reading The Consequences of an Arizona Class 6 Felony Conviction

Many people use the terms identity theft and impersonation as if they mean the same thing, but under Arizona law, they are actually different crimes. Understanding how each charge works is important if you’re a defendant facing charges. 
Identity Theft
Identity theft in Arizona means knowingly obtaining and using another individual’s personal identifying information without permission. The crime has to involve the intent to defraud, cause a loss, or obtain something unlawfully. A common example would be using someone else’s SSN to open a credit card, get a loan, or claim medical benefits to which you aren’t entitled. 
Criminal Impersonation…
Continue Reading What’s the Difference Between Identity Theft and Impersonation?

If someone in Arizona believes they are being harassed, they can ask the court to issue what’s known as an injunction against harassment, or IAH. This is a court order that prohibits the accused from contacting the individual who filed it. It can also bar them from going near certain locations, such as the person’s home and workplace. 
An IAH can be issued against anyone, regardless of whether the two people involved have a personal relationship. This is what separates it from an Order of Protection, which requires that kind of connection between the parties. If you’ve been served…
Continue Reading What Is an Injunction Against Harassment in Arizona?

If you are facing criminal charges in Phoenix, Arizona, you may hear the court schedule a “status conference” in your case. A status conference is a routine court hearing where the judge, prosecutor, and defense attorney discuss the progress of the case. While these hearings are often brief, they can still play an important role in criminal court.
Understanding what happens during a status conference can help reduce uncertainty and better prepare you for what comes next.
What Is a Status Conference in a Criminal Case?
A status conference is a court hearing used to review the…
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An arrest warrant is a legal document that authorizes law enforcement to detain the person named in it. Typically, a judge issues a warrant after reviewing evidence to determine that there is probable cause to believe the named individual has committed or is likely connected to a specific crime. Once this court order is signed, police officers have the authority to arrest you.  
What Happens If You Ignore an Outstanding Warrant?
Having an unaddressed warrant can seriously complicate many aspects of your life, both personally and legally.

• Arrest During Traffic Stops: Any routine stop, like being pulled over for

…
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Domestic violence charges are serious criminal allegations that can carry lasting consequences, including jail time, fines, protective orders, and damage to a person’s reputation. However, not every case results in a conviction. In some situations, prosecutors may decide to dismiss or reduce domestic violence charges for legal or practical reasons.
Understanding why domestic violence charges get dropped can help defendants better understand the criminal justice process and the importance of having an experienced criminal defense attorney involved early in the case.
Lack of Sufficient Evidence
One of the most common reasons domestic violence charges are dropped is that the prosecution…
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A dismissal without prejudice means a criminal case is closed for now, but the prosecutor can refile the same charges later. While it may feel like a positive outcome, it is not a final resolution of the case.
By contrast, a dismissal with prejudice permanently ends the case. Once dismissed with prejudice, the State cannot bring the same charges again.
Understanding this distinction is important because the term “dismissed” does not always mean the case is over for good.
Why Would a Criminal Case Be Dismissed Without Prejudice?
A case is often dismissed without prejudice when the prosecution is unable…
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Under Arizona Revised Statutes § 44-1453, it is illegal when “a person who knowingly and with intent to sell or distribute uses, displays, advertises, distributes, offers for sale, sells or possesses any item that bears a counterfeit mark or any service that is identified by a counterfeit mark.”
 
This law applies to a wide range of products, including:
 …
Continue Reading What You Need to Know About Counterfeit Merchandise Charges

Depending on the circumstances, a person may be placed on home confinement or electronic monitoring as a condition of pretrial release, through a county home detention program, or through a state corrections home arrest program.
Understanding how house arrest works, who qualifies, and what restrictions apply can help you navigate the legal system more effectively.
What Is House Arrest and How Does It Work?
House arrest is typically ordered by a judge and monitored by a probation officer or supervising authority. Individuals must follow a structured schedule and are only allowed to leave their home for approved activities.
To ensure…
Continue Reading Everything You Need to Know About In Arizona, “house arrest” is not a single legal category.

In Arizona, police don’t have unlimited power to come onto your private property; they usually need permission from a judge in the form of a warrant, or a valid legal reason. Your property is protected by both state and federal laws, and officers can’t just walk in without meeting certain requirements. However, there are some situations where police can legally enter without a warrant, and understanding these exceptions and what to do if you find yourself in this situation is critical. 
When Officers May Still Enter Without a Warrant
While a warrant is usually required, there are important exceptions where…
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