If you get arrested by law enforcement in Arizona, it is critical to know your rights. Whether you committed the offense for which you have been arrested or not, you have the right to remain silent and have an attorney present during police questioning. You also have a variety of legal protections, including a state law that limits how long the police can hold you in custody without charging you to a maximum of 48 hours.
How Long Can the Police Hold Me in Custody?
In Arizona, state law determines how long a person can remain in police custody without…
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 If a loved one gets arrested for an alleged criminal offense in Arizona, it may be up to you to protect the detainee’s rights by hiring a criminal defense attorney. The incarcerated individual may be unable to research a good attorney or take the steps necessary to retain legal services. If this task falls to you, here’s what you need to know.
What to Do if a Loved One Gets Arrested
If you are the person that a loved one contacts with his or her one phone call to explain that he or she has been arrested, advise your…
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Every year, tens of thousands of crimes are reported to law enforcement in the city of Phoenix.  What crimes are most common? Where are they reported most often? Are there any trends in the number of crimes reported?
The city of Phoenix provides detailed crime report data in its OpenData initiative, with a database that includes homicides, rapes, robberies, aggravated assaults, burglaries, thefts, motor vehicle thefts, arsons, and drug offenses.
We analyzed the data to provide insight into those questions and provide as much information on phoenix crime statistics as possible.
When are Most Crimes Reported in Phoenix?
From 2016-…
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It is against the law in Arizona to operate a motor vehicle without a valid and current driver’s license. This means a license that is not suspended or revoked. Knowingly driving on a public roadway with a suspended driver’s license is illegal. The penalties for violating this rule can include further driver’s license suspension, fines, vehicle impoundment and even jail time. Speak to a criminal defense attorney in Scottsdale if you find yourself facing charges of driving on a suspended license. 
What Is a Suspended License?
All drivers operating vehicles on public roads in Arizona must have valid licenses. Arizona …
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A hit-and-run is a crime that occurs when a driver leaves the scene of a car accident without stopping and fulfilling his or her legal responsibilities. In Arizona, drivers have a specific list of things that they must do before leaving the scene of a motor vehicle collision. Any violation of these laws could result in an arrest or criminal charges for an alleged hit-and-run crime. A criminal defense attorney in Scottsdale may be able to guide you through the legal process as it applies to your case.
ARS 28-661: Accidents Involving Death or Physical Injuries 
The state’s hit-and-run laws…
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Embezzlement is a crime that involves taking money, property or assets from an employer or another party that has entrusted the defendant with the asset. It is a type of white-collar crime, meaning it has to do with finances and is typically committed for financial gain. Use this embezzlement FAQ page to learn more about this offense in Arizona and how a white-collar crime lawyer in Phoenix can help.
What Is the Definition of Embezzlement?
Embezzlement does not have its own designated criminal statute under Arizona law. Instead, it is part of the state’s theft law, found in Section 13-1802 …
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Racketeering can refer to any illegal activity that is performed to make a profit. It is a special criminal enterprise that often involves acquiring a business for the purpose of fraudulent, illegal or dishonest business dealings. It is a type of white-collar crime that can involve operating a business using money obtained illegally or for a coordinated scheme, such as money laundering. Arizona has two main anti-racketeering laws in place to define this crime.
A.R.S. 13-2301
Arizona Revised Statutes (A.R.S.) Section 13-2301 gives the state’s main definition of the crime of racketeering. It lists several activities that are classified as…
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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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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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It is important to understand the potential consequences that you are facing if you’ve been arrested or charged with sexual assault in Arizona. State lawmakers do not take sex crimes of any kind lightly. The punishment for sexual assault is severe and generally involves imprisonment. Learning the exact language of Arizona’s sexual assault laws can help you gain a better understanding of your charges and legal options.
What Is Arizona’s Definition of Sexual Assault?
Sexual assault refers to engaging in sexual contact or activity with a person without the individual’s consent. In Arizona, the phrase, “sexual assault” is often used…
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