If you are accused of any type of crime in Arizona, it is important to understand whether you are being charged with a misdemeanor or felony, and what this distinction could mean for your future. The language of criminal law is very specific. It is critical to recognize the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony so you can adequately protect yourself.
If you are being charged with a traffic violation, classified as either a misdemeanor or a felony, contact our Arizona traffic ticket attorney at Corso Law Group. Call (480) 471-4616 today.
What Is a Misdemeanor in Arizona?
In…
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Arizona takes potentially dangerous driver behaviors seriously. If you are accused of reckless driving or aggressive driving in Scottsdale, you could face more than just a fine or ticket – you could be looking at major criminal consequences. You can benefit from hiring our Scottsdale, Arizona traffic ticket attorney if you are facing either of these charges.
Reckless vs. Aggressive Driving Under Arizona Law
Driving in a way that could be considered reckless or aggressive are both serious traffic offenses. However, they differ in the eyes of Arizona law. Reckless driving refers to operating a vehicle in a careless, dangerous…
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If you get arrested for allegedly driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol in Arizona, a defense strategy that may be available to you is to argue that the breathalyzer test returned a false positive. Breathalyzer devices often give inaccurate readings due to issues with maintenance and use, as well as environmental factors. Work with a Scottsdale DUI defense attorney to find out if this defense is available in your specific situation. 
Contact us today by calling (480) 471-4616 for a free consultation.
What Is a False Positive Breathalyzer Test?
A breathalyzer test is a handheld device that detects the…
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It is a federal law, not just a state law, that prohibits individuals who are convicted of felony crimes from owning guns. The right to bear arms is one of multiple civil rights that a convicted felon loses in Arizona, as well as the right to vote and travel to certain countries. However, you may be able to restore your right to own a gun in Arizona by having your record expunged or set aside.
Gun Ownership Laws in Arizona
Felons automatically become “prohibited possessors” of firearms under federal law. Anyone who is convicted, or found guilty, of…
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In Arizona, state law permits certain individuals who have arrests, criminal convictions or sentences on their permanent records to have these records sealed or expunged. This law has been in effect since December 31, 2022, replacing what used to only allow for the setting aside of criminal records.
What Is Criminal Record Expungement?
Expungement is a legal process that allows someone who has a prior criminal conviction on his or her record to erase or seal it from public view. Record expungement can give an individual a fresh start, free from stigmas and challenges that are associated with having a…
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Arizona categorizes felony offenses into six different classes based on the severity of the crime. The smaller the number, the more severe the offense. A class 4 felony falls close to the middle of the spectrum. It is more severe than class 5 and 6 felonies, but less severe than class 3, 2 and 1 felonies. Many different crimes in Arizona are categorized as class 4 felonies.
Class 4 Felony Crimes in Arizona
In Arizona, there are infractions, misdemeanors and felonies, with felonies being the most serious type of crime. A felony conviction of any class can lead to a…
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In Arizona, posting a “No Trespassing” sign on your property could prevent police officers from entering to conduct a search or seizure. The United States Constitution grants individuals a right to expect privacy on their own properties. However, there are circumstances where law enforcement can bypass a “No Trespassing” sign and legally enter a property in Arizona.
The Fourth Amendment and Your Privacy Rights
The Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution protects the right of American citizens to feel secure in their “persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures.” This prevents the police from entering or searching…
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During a criminal case, the terms “arrested” and “detained” are often used interchangeably. However, these are two different situations with important legal distinctions. Whether you have been detained or arrested in Phoenix, your legal rights remain the same – including the right to remain silent and the right to have a Phoenix criminal defense attorney represent you.
What Is an Arrest?
An arrest means that law enforcement has taken a suspect into their physical custody based on probable cause that the individual has committed a crime. A person who has been arrested will not be released from police custody until…
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A “wet and reckless,” often shortened to wet reckless, is a type of plea bargain where a prosecutor in Arizona agrees to reduce a misdemeanor driving under the influence (DUI) charge down to a reckless driving charge. This can result in lesser penalties and reduced impacts on the defendant’s life, freedom and future.
What Does it Mean to Be Charged With a Wet and Reckless?
A wet and reckless charge, like a standard DUI, is a misdemeanor criminal offense in Arizona. However, it generally carries less serious penalties than a DUI. It falls under Arizona’s reckless driving statute (Arizona …
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If you receive a notice that there is a warrant out for your arrest, you may be wondering what to do. This situation can cause a great deal of anxiety and uncertainty about your future. If you opt to turn yourself in with assistance from a criminal defense attorney, you can navigate the legal process in a way that benefits you as much as possible. 
What Does it Mean if There Is a Warrant Out for My Arrest?
An arrest warrant is an order issued by a judge based on the belief that there is probable cause to suspect…
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Vehicular assault is classified as an aggravated assault charge in Arizona. This is a felony charge that can have serious consequences, including mandatory prison time. If you or a loved one is facing vehicular assault charges in Phoenix, Scottsdale, or elsewhere in Arizona, consult with an Arizona vehicular aggravated assault lawyer at Corso Law Group as soon as possible about your case.
Arizona’s Definition of Vehicular Assault
In Arizona, a vehicle is viewed as a deadly weapon. This means that an assault involving a vehicle is referred to as aggravated assault under A.R.S. § 13-1204. In Arizona, a person…
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In Arizona, law enforcement agencies are permitted to set up driving under the influence (DUI) checkpoints to look for potentially impaired or intoxicated drivers. During a stop at a DUI checkpoint, knowing your rights can mean the difference between driving away and being arrested on suspicion of DUI. This includes your right to be free from unreasonable vehicle searches and seizures.
The Fourth Amendment Protects Against Unreasonable Search and Seizure
The Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution gives the people the right to be secure in their “persons, houses, papers, and effects” against unreasonable searches and seizures. This right…
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Road rage is a relatively common issue among drivers in Arizona. It is not unusual for a driver to get upset, frustrated, or angry when another driver breaks a traffic law or almost causes an accident. Although road rage itself is not a crime in Arizona, various actions often connected to road rage could lead to an arrest.
Criminal Charges Often Associated With Road Rage 
Road rage is not technically illegal in Arizona. A driver will not get arrested simply for being angry at another driver or frustrated by traffic conditions. However, if a road rage episode escalates into aggressive,…
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