Entrapment is a legal defense that applies when law enforcement pressures someone to commit a crime they would not have otherwise committed. In Arizona, this defense protects individuals from unfair police tactics that go beyond investigation and become inducement.
If you’ve been charged with a crime and believe that police coerced you into illegal activity in some way, you may have a valid entrapment defense. Learning about how Arizona defines and applies this concept is key to protecting your rights.
Entrapment Under Arizona Law
The defense of entrapment is outlined in Arizona Revised Statutes § 13-206. Per this law,…
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If you’ve been accused of robbery in Arizona, understanding what the prosecution must prove is one of the most important steps you can take. Robbery is treated as a serious felony under Arizona law, and a conviction can lead to significant prison time as well as long-term collateral consequences. 
Before you can build a defense strategy with an attorney, it is helpful to understand the legal definition of the offense and the specific elements the state must prove beyond a reasonable doubt.
Here is what you should know about each of them.
1. Taking Property From Another Person
The…
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Finding out you’re under investigation for a federal crime is one of the most stressful situations a person can face. Federal agencies have extensive resources at their disposal and often keep their investigations secret until they believe they have enough evidence to prosecute. It means many people don’t realize they’re being targeted until it’s too late to avoid serious damage.
If you suspect that federal agents are investigating your activities, acting quickly is crucial. Here are six common signs of a federal investigation in Arizona, along with information on how you should respond to protect yourself.
1. Federal Agents Contact…
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If you have been accused of domestic violence in Arizona, one of the first questions you may have is how long the charge will remain on your criminal record. A domestic violence conviction has serious legal and personal consequences, making it vital to understand the charges and how to respond.
Here is an overview of what you should know about how long domestic violence charges and convictions can stay on your record in the state.
Domestic Violence Is Not a Standalone Charge in Arizona
Arizona law does not treat domestic violence as a single offense. Instead, it is a…
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Racketeering is one of the most aggressively prosecuted crimes in Arizona. A conviction can result in years in prison, substantial fines, and life-altering collateral consequences. If you or someone you know is under investigation for racketeering, it’s important to understand what the law requires and how Arizona courts determine minimum sentences.
How Arizona Defines Racketeering
Arizona’s racketeering laws are primarily found in A.R.S. §13-2301 and §13-2312. The Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization Act (RICO) on the federal level also often applies in these cases.
Racketeering involves committing, attempting to commit, or aiding in certain illegal acts to obtain financial…
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The holidays are meant to be a time for joyous family gatherings and year-end celebrations. However, in Phoenix, Arizona, they also bring an increase in DUI arrests. Every December, local and state police launch enhanced patrols to stop drunk and impaired driving. 
These operations often lead to high numbers of arrests statewide, many involving people who didn’t realize they were over the legal limit. If you’re pulled over this Christmas season, it’s important to understand your rights and what to expect. 
Arizona has some of the toughest DUI laws in the nation, and the penalties can be severe, including for…
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Flipping off a police officer might feel risky, but the gesture itself is generally not illegal in Arizona. Courts have repeatedly held that rude, offensive, and insulting gestures toward police officers usually fall under the First Amendment’s free speech protections. That means the act of raising your middle finger, by itself, is not enough to justify an arrest. However, the protection is not unlimited. 
If the gesture is paired with threatening behavior or actions that disrupt police duties, you could still be charged with a crime. Learning about where that line is drawn before escalating to a criminal defense matter can…
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Catfishing is the act of one person using a false identity online to mislead or trick others. Sometimes it’s just a prank, but in other situations it can cause real harm. If someone uses a fake profile to commit a crime, such as stealing money or threatening another person, the act may then be considered a crime in Arizona.
There isn’t one state law that directly bans catfishing. Instead, prosecutors use other criminal laws (like fraud, identity theft, and harassment) depending on what happened. The main question is intent: what did the person intend to do, and was anyone…
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When people talk about being incarcerated, the words “jail” and “prison” are often used interchangeably, as if they mean exactly the same thing. In reality, there are differences between the two. Understanding these differences and when a person can be sentenced to one or the other is important for defendants and their families. 
Who Goes to Jail?
Understanding exactly who may spend time in jail helps families and defendants know what to expect: 
Recently Arrested Individuals
Individuals who have been arrested and are awaiting their first court appearance typically remain in a local jail for processing and booking. Whether for…
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Wondering whether to accept a plea bargain is one of the most common questions defendants face when charged with a crime. Prosecutors often offer a deal early on in the case, promising less severe penalties in exchange for your guilty plea. 
This offer may seem tempting — especially if you’re worried about a trial or just want to put the whole incident behind you. However, accepting a plea deal is a big decision with lasting consequences. Knowing the basics can help you make an informed choice and avoid regrets down the road. 
Reasons Prosecutors Offer Plea Bargains
Many defendants wonder…
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The internet can be a powerful tool for connection, but it also creates new risks for personal privacy. One of the most concerning threats in the digital world today is doxing—a form of online harassment that can quickly escalate into real-world consequences. 
Whether you’re a private individual, a public figure, or just someone with a social media account, understanding what doxing is—and how to protect yourself—is more important than ever.
Doxing Defined
Doxing (also spelled “doxxing”) is the act of publicly revealing personal, sensitive, or identifying information about someone without their consent. The term comes from “dropping docs,” referring…
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If your charges were dismissed in Arizona, you might assume the issue is behind you. But unfortunately, that’s not always true—dismissed charges can still appear on your criminal record and may be seen by employers, landlords, and others during a background check.
This surprise often comes at the worst time: when you’re applying for a new job, trying to rent an apartment, or seeking a loan. Even if you were never convicted, the lingering mark of an arrest can affect your opportunities. Fortunately, Arizona law provides a process to help protect your reputation.
What Happens When You Seal a Record…
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Facing a sex crime charge in Arizona is one of the most serious situations anyone can experience, as the consequences could include lengthy prison terms as well as potential sex offender registration.  However, in some cases, a person’s mental health plays a major role in what happened. Arizona law recognizes that someone with a serious mental illness may not have fully understood their actions or the difference between right and wrong.
That’s where the legal concepts of insanity and diminished capacity come in. These defenses don’t apply in every case, but they can make a difference under the right circumstances.
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