Phoenix Criminal Defense Attorney Blog

Arizona authorities: man arrested on drug charges dangerous

2013-05-16T16:37:01Z

When a person is pulled over by police, they aren't likely expecting to be arrested. One man in Pinal County was recently arrested and authorities say that he was a dangerous drug dealer, who had been under surveillance by deputies and the DPS Gang and Immigration Enforcement Task Force.

The man in this case was stopped on the suspicion that he had been drunk behind the wheel. According to reports, authorities found 4 pounds of marijuana, cocaine, large amounts of cash and firearms and ammunition. Because the man has a previous criminal record, these drug charges could lead to significantly more prison time if he is convicted.

]]> When a person is stopped by police for one specific reason, but is later charged with numerous unrelated crimes, it might be very important for the person to speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney in Arizona. They can help the person understand and defend their rights.

Sometimes when multiple law enforcement agencies are involved in an investigation, there can be a lot of confusion and sometimes evidence gets compromised. This could lead to a person not receiving a fair trial and might result in a wrongful conviction.

An experienced attorney can be with a person during any questioning by authorities to make sure that their rights aren't violated and that they don't say anything that might be found to be incriminating. Arizona officials should still treat people who are accused of crimes with respect, and it is important that people are presumed innocent until they receive a fair trial.

Source: KSAZ, "PCSO announces arrest of dangerous drug dealer," May 10, 2013

Phoenix pro basketball player being investigated for assault

2013-05-08T19:22:00Z

A professional basketball player for the Phoenix Suns is being investigated by the Scottsdale Police Department in a sexual assault case. Reports indicate that the police department might be in the middle of the investigation, and haven't formally charged the player with a crime related to the case, but the information was somehow made public.

While not everyone is a professional basketball player, allegations involving Phoenix sexual assault should be taken very seriously. Just being accused of a crime such as sexual assault can lead to a person being scrutinized by the public. if a person isn't a public figure, they might not get as much attention in the media, but the allegations can still greatly impede their personal and professional lives.

]]> When a person might be facing charges, but have not been formally charged, they might still want to discuss their situation with a criminal defense attorney. Sometimes police will come to a person and try to discuss a certain situation with them. Police are likely trying to gather evidence and witnesses during their investigation before filing formal charges.

An experienced attorney can help a person facing sexual assault charges in Phoenix understand their rights and work to form a rigorous criminal defense. This defense might include conducting an independent investigation. A defense attorney can also review the work done by law enforcement agencies to make sure the accused person's right were not violated at any point in the investigation. Any violation could result in evidence being changed, leading to a wrongful conviction.

Source: Phoenix New Times, "Scottsdale Police Investigation Phoenix Suns' Michael Beasley in Sexual Assault Case," Matthew Hendley, May 7, 2013

Multiple arrests for alleged drug sales in Arizona

2013-05-02T18:14:03Z

Authorities sometimes make multiple arrests of people that they say are linked to a similar investigation. They can coordinate with many different law enforcement agencies, and make many arrests in one day across a wide area. When a large number of law enforcement agencies are utilized and many different charges are presented against people, cases can get very complicated.

This week, authorities in Arizona say they have arrested over two dozen people for drug crimes. The team of officials served 17 warrants and arrested 26 people during their operation. They say that the group of people were involved in drug sales and gang activity.

]]> These accusations are especially serious, and people who are accused of similar crimes might be wise to speak with an Arizona criminal defense attorney. An attorney can help a person understand their rights and work to understand their case. When cases involve extremely complex situations, including investigations of multiple law enforcement agencies, an attorney can help a person understand all of the evidence.

These charges can result in reputation damage, and it is important that people facing such charges understand how to handle their court proceedings. A conviction of any crime can result in consequences far beyond any sentence that is handed down.

People might face problems with their employer, in their personal and community lives, as well potential issues finding housing. If a person is a single parent, or a parent with partial custody, they could also face repercussions regarding their ability to see their children.

Source: KSAZ, "26 arrested by DPS gang task force around Arizona," May 1, 2013

Police arrest hundreds on warrants in Arizona

2013-04-24T19:54:51Z

Over 200 people were arrested last week as part of an effort by police to find and arrest people that they say had outstanding felony warrants. The charges that people might face include everything from theft to drug charges. According to a news reports, state and federal officials went to doors of places where they believe the people were, resulting in a significant number of arrests.

These types of arrests can vary in the way they are handled and the severity of the charges that people might face. When someone is faced with felony charges in Arizona, they could face significant time in jail or prison along with serious fines. These types of issues can result in a person having problem with their employer and in their personal lives. It might be a wise decision for someone facing felony charges to speak with an experienced Arizona criminal defense attorney.

]]> An attorney can help a person defend their rights. Sometimes during these "roundups" by police, the wrong people are arrested, or police use improper procedures, which could violate the rights of the accused person. Those who have their rights violated could then be wrongfully convicted.

By understand what the person's rights are, an attorney can help evaluate everything that has happened from the initial investigation all the way throughout a trial to make sure the person's rights are protected. They might be able to work to have the case dismissed, depending on the situation, if it is believed that the person's rights were violated.

Source: KSAZ, "Arizona agents arrest 231 as part of fugitive roundup," April 20, 2013

Supreme Court takes up the depth of the right to remain silent

2013-04-18T14:06:51Z

The Supreme Court heard arguments this week in a case that could have a wide-reaching impact on almost all criminal cases across the country. The case was brought by a man in another state who was accused of killing another person. When asked a question by investigators, the man remained silent. During his trial, the prosecutor suggested that the man's silence was a demonstration of his guilt.

The jury convicted the man in the criminal case. The Fifth Amendment of the Constitution says that no one must be a "witness against himself." This eventually acted as a foundation for establishing Miranda rights, which are often read to a person when they are arrested, to inform them of their right to remain silent. Many of us are familiar with these rights, whether someone has been previously arrested or has just heard the rights on a TV show or movie.

]]> So, how far should these rights extend? Does a person have the right to remain silent without implying that they are guilty? What if the person is silent before they are arrested, while police are just talking to the person? The Supreme Court will decide by June whether a person's silence can be used to help incriminate them.

If a person is arrested, they might be wise to speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney. They can help be with a person during any questioning. Even if a person isn't yet charged with a crime, police might still take note of any conversations between the person and could use these conversations as evidence in court.

Source: MSNBC, "The Supreme Court takes up the Fifth Amendment: Is silence proof of guilt?," Dominic Perella, April 16, 2013

Man arrested for arson after two Arizona fires

2013-04-11T19:24:25Z

When a person is arrested for a crime, the police, investigators and other officials will work together to try to convict that person. They will work to gather evidence, interview witnesses and form a case to put that person in jail, prison or fine them. A conviction of any crime can result in severe consequences for people that extend far beyond a person's formal sentence. A conviction can cause problems with a person's home, work and community life.

A man in Arizona was recently arrested and accused by officials of arson. The man is accused of setting two fires and now faces several charges, according to reports. A crime such as arson is rarely heard of but the affects of arson can be devastating, resulting in a large amount of media attention surrounding any accusations of this crime.

]]> Because these crimes result in a large amount of publicity, it is important that people understand their rights if they are convicted of a crime. People might not be familiar with how an arrest works, and what it means when charges are filed against them. Police might ask questions of the person and they might say things that could lead to their conviction.

An experienced criminal defense attorney in Arizona can help a person form a rigorous defense. Understanding one's rights is one of the most important things a person can do to help defend themselves against accusations and charges. The rights that people have during an arrest can help protect them from a wrongful conviction.

Source: KVOA, "UPDATE: Police arrest arson suspect," Robby Messer, April 9, 2013

-Our law firm handles various criminal defense matters in Arizona. Please visit our website to learn more.

Man freed 43 years after conviction of arson, murder

2013-04-04T14:41:56Z

A man who was convicted of arson 43 years ago has been released from prison. The man was convicted of setting the fire at an Arizona hotel that resulted in the death of 29 people. Now, after a retrial, the man pleaded no contest and was sentenced to the 43 years, which he had already served, so he was released.

After the case went to trial in 1970 and the young man was convicted at age 16, many people surrounding the case started feeling that he shouldn't have been convicted. Even the judge in the case said years later that he didn't think there was enough evidence for the conviction and sentence that the man received. Police in the case interrogated the man repeatedly, and he changed his story multiple times, which may have contributed to his conviction.

]]> An arrest can be a very scary thing, especially for a 16-year-old boy. As teenagers many people don't understand what is happening when they are being questioned, and they probably don't understand their rights. An experienced attorney can help a person understand their rights and be there with them during questioning. This can prevent unfair interrogation by police and help prevent a person from saying something that might lead to a conviction.

While the man is now free, he may have a difficult time reconnecting with the community, and has lost many years of his life that were spent in prison. Although those years can't be given back, this can be a lesson for others who are arrested for alleged felonies in Arizona to understand their rights and form a rigorous defense.

Source: CNN, "40 years after epic Arizona hotel fire, convicted man set free," Ben Brumfield, April 2, 2013

-Our law firm handles felony cases in Arizona. Please visit our website to learn more.

Man arrested for fleeing police in Arizona, faces multiple charges

2013-03-28T16:36:59Z

A man was arrested in Arizona after police say he led them on a chase through two cities. Because he allegedly went from one city into another, he is being charge in the first city as well as by the county. Police initially tried to pull the man over because they say that his vehicle matched the description given in a theft case in another city.

Cases involving multiple law enforcement agencies can be much more complicated than cases involving a single charge and single agency. The man in this case is facing charges of aggravated DUI, possession of drug paraphernalia and other charges in the county. He was also charged with unlawful flight from law enforcement and endangerment and theft by the city.

]]> People who are accused of multiple crimes in multiple jurisdictions might be wise to speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney after an arrest. They can help the person understand their rights and work to form a rigorous defense. Sometimes a conflict between police is the result of a misunderstanding. When a person is arrested they might be questioned by police. Authorities might ask the person questions that could lead to their incrimination.

Having an attorney present during questioning can help a person prevent incriminating themselves. In cases such as this one, police will work to gather evidence and witnesses to try to convict the person who is accused. Police and investigators must ensure that they don't violate the rights of the accused during their investigation.

Source: KPHO, "AZ theft suspect arrested after police chase," Phil Benson, March 21, 2013

-Our law firm handles criminal defense cases in Arizona. Please visit our website to learn more.

Man arrested for alleged illegal weapons, threats in Mesa

2013-03-21T19:58:29Z

Police were called to a man's house after they say a neighbor called police because the man was allegedly making threats from his house and talking about various weapons the man had. Police responded, but it is unclear if this was the only reason they entered the man's house. Inside, they claim to have found multiple weapons and the man was wearing war paint.

Authorities also say that the man should not have been in possession of any weapons because of a prior conviction. The man will likely now face new charges, and might have a difficult time defending himself. When someone is arrested, it is important that they understand their rights. Forming a rigorous criminal defense can ensure that a person's rights are preserved and they are treated fairly throughout the legal process.

]]> When a person faces felony charges, they might be forced to serve more than a year in a state prison instead of just a jail. Generally these charges are more serious because they carry more serious sentences if a person is convicted.

Speaking with an experienced Arizona criminal defense attorney after an arrest for a felony might be a wise decision. They can help a person understand their rights and make sure that their rights were not violated during the arrest or any questioning that took place before an attorney was consulted.

Consulting with an attorney can help prevent a person from saying or doing anything in the presence authorities that might result in their own conviction

Source: AZFamily.com, "Mesa man arrested with war paint, multiple weapons," Natalie Brand, March 19, 2013

-Our law firm handles felony charges in the Phoenix area. Please visit our website to learn more.

Supreme Court rules on drug dogs and search

2013-03-14T17:29:20Z

The Supreme Court ruled on a major privacy issue last month. The Court ruled that it was possible for police to justify searching a person's vehicle based on an alert by a drug dog. Many people might think using drug dogs for whatever reason was already okay. However, a ruling by a lower court concluded that dogs must produce information about their misses and hits on drugs.

A dog in the case before the Court detected drugs in a person's vehicle during a routine traffic stop. However, the drugs that were found in the car were not the drugs that the dog was trained to detect. So, it could have just been by coincidence that the dog alerted police incorrectly and police found evidence to arrest the person.

]]> The Court said that while they thought that the alert by the dog did provide enough probable cause for police to search the car in that case, but they ruled out the ability for police to use drug dogs at a person's door step in another case. The use of drug dogs is not always accurate, which could lead to false-positives and people being subjected to searches when the likelihood that drugs would be found is actually low.

People who are arrested for drug crimes might be wise to speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney in Phoenix. They can help the person understand their rights and navigate through the legal process. Sometimes evidence in a case is acquired illegally, which could lead to a wrongful conviction.

Source: USA Today, "Supreme Court rules in favor of drug-sniffing dog," Richard Wolf, Feb. 19, 2013

-Our law firm handles criminal defense cases for drug crime accusations in Phoenix. Please visit our website to learn more.

Two men arrested in Phoenix on murder charges

2013-03-07T18:52:28Z

When people are accused of violent crimes, they face severe damage to their reputation and potential lengthy prison sentences and fines if they are convicted. The damage to their reputation could make it difficult for them to find employment and might attach a stigma that will cause them to feel isolated from their community. Because of the potential consequences of a conviction, it is important that people who are accused of violent crimes in Phoenix understand their rights and receive fair treatment under the law.

Two men in Phoenix were arrested this week after police say they shot and killed two people in an apartment building on Tuesday. Police aren't saying why they believe the two men contributed to the people's deaths, although they say one of the people arrested is an ex-boyfriend of one of the victims. According to reports, police were responding to a call about shots fired when they found the victims.

]]> These are severe charges for both of the men. A murder charge can result in a person spending most of their life in prison if they are convicted. Having an attorney while being questioned by authorities is everyone's right. When facing violent crime related charges, a person must be careful which questions they answer and how they answer them. An experienced attorney can help a person understand the process and make sure a person doesn't say anything that could incriminate them.

It is important to be sensitive to any potential victims of a crime, but it is also important that the people accused of a crime are treated fairly and receive a trial in accordance with the law.

Source: Associated Press, "Phoenix police arrest two suspects in double homicide in Phoenix," March 7, 2013

-Our law firm handles violent crime cases in Phoenix. Please visit our website to learn more about criminal defense.

Man arrested for felony assault in Phoenix

2013-02-27T20:09:39Z

Police arrested a man on Monday after an alleged fight with a police officer. According to reports, the man was seen abusing a pit bull. When an officer tried to arrest the man, he allegedly tried to lift the officer up. The officer reportedly subdued the man and arrested him after an altercation.

The man was charged with suspicion of aggravated assault of a police officer, resisting arrest, suspicions of animal cruelty and having a dog at large. The multitude of charges can make it very confusing for a person to understand what is going on with their case, and what each charge means. When a person faces multiple criminal charges in Phoenix, they also face increased jail time. When there is a charge that is considered aggravated, the person faces a felony in Arizona. This means their potential sentence could be more severe.

]]> Felonies can sometimes lead to lengthy prison sentences, and usually lead to problems for the person even after their sentence is served. If a person is forced to disclose a felony conviction on a job application, they might be unable to even get an interview. This can be detrimental to a person and family's future.

An experienced criminal defense attorney can work with the person to understand their case, inform them of their rights and guide them through the legal proceedings. Forming a rigorous criminal defense in Phoenix can help a person maintain their reputation, clear their record of wrongdoing and hopefully avoid a prison sentence.

Source: The Arizona Republic, "Phoenix man arrested in officer assault, dog abuse," Feb. 26, 2013

-Our law firm handles aggravated assault charges in Phoenix. Please visit our website to learn more.

Man arrested for bank robberies in Phoenix using fake bombs

2013-02-21T17:17:30Z

The Federal Bureau of Investigation announced earlier this month that they had arrested a man that they accused of robbing multiple banks in the Phoenix area over the last year. They say the man used fake bombs to rob the banks. It is reported that the man is accused of cutting a whole in the roof of the banks, dropping a fake bomb into the buildings, and calling the bank when it opened the next day to demand money.

Investigators say they matched a fingerprint on an abandoned ATV to the man. When an incident like this occurs, it is likely to gain a lot of media attention. This attention can result in a person not being able to obtain a fair trial. It can also be difficult to receive a fair trial if police and investigators don't handle evidence properly. Violent crimes such as this could lead to years in prison and large fines if a person is convicted.

]]> After an arrest, a person might be confused as to what they are actually charged with. There is normally a short period of time between a person's arrest and when they are formally charged. It might be wise for a person who is arrested to speak with an experienced Phoenix criminal defense attorney.

They can help a person who is charged with violent crimes defend their reputation and hopefully defend against the charges. Being convicted of a crime could result in difficulty obtaining employment and housing after a person serves a sentence.

Source: ABC 15, "FBI arrests 'Dynomite Bandit' suspected in 4 Arizona bank robberies," Feb. 7, 2013

-Our law firm handles many different violent crime cases in Phoenix. Please visit our website to learn more.

Man accused of robbing Phoenix area pharmacies arrested

2013-02-13T20:55:59Z

The Phoenix police arrested a man they say robbed over a dozen pharmacies in the Phoenix area. They say the man possessed three weapons and a fake gun that was used during the robberies. He allegedly passed a note to the pharmacists demanding prescription pain killers.

Sometimes when a person is accused of unlawful activity, they might have underlying issues that need to be dealt with. According to reports the man that was arrested and accused of these robberies may have an addiction to Oxycontin. These types of addiction are very frequent as more people are administered very strong and addictive medications for various injuries, and doctors may not be properly monitoring those who are given prescriptions.

]]> When a person faces these charges, they could also face consequences at their job and in their personal lives. Drug charges can make it difficult for a person to obtain housing and find new employment. Violent crimes such as robbery can have similar consequences. On top of dealing with potential jail sentences, people who are convicted of these crimes might also face fines and public ridicule.

Understanding one's right can help a person clear their name of wrongdoing. Sometimes police violate laws or don't follow proper procedures when making an arrest or handling evidence. These procedures are in place to help ensure the rights of the accused. If evidence is mishandled, it might be altered and inaccurately result in a person being convicted. Speaking with an experienced criminal defense attorney can help a person understand their rights and form a rigorous defense.

Source: KTAR, "Police arrest Calligraphy Bandit, suspect in drug robberies," Martha Maurer, Feb. 11, 2013

-Our law firm handles drug charge cases in Phoenix and across Arizona. Please visit our website to learn more.

73 people arrested in Arizona and charged with various felonies

2013-02-07T16:06:04Z

Police say that a massive investigation has led to 73 people being arrested. Many of the arrests happened in one Arizona city, and the people were charges with various felony charges. The charges range from murder to armed robbery, all of which are very serious charges that could result in lengthy sentences if they are convicted.

When people are arrested after a large scale investigation, they might have many questions about the charges they are facing, and how police came to conclude that they did something wrong. An experienced criminal defense attorney in Arizona can help a person understand the charges that they face and work to form a rigorous defense.

]]> An investigation can be conducted to make sure the person's rights weren't violated during the course of the authorities' investigations. Many times when there is a very large investigation, involving multiple agencies and many people, there can be confusing facts that even the authorities don't fully understand. Because some facts remain unknown, police and investigators may try to question individuals in order to acquire more evidence. Even if the person doesn't understand what some questions have to do with their case, police can still use any information the accused person gives police against them in court.

An experienced attorney can help a person form a rigorous criminal defense in Arizona. By understanding their rights, a person can hopefully clear their name and protect their reputation. If a person's rights are violated, an attorney can help them make the situation right.

Source: AZFamily.com, "Glendale Police arrest 73 suspected gang members," Kristine Harrington, Feb. 6, 2013

-Our law firm handles felony charges in the Phoenix area. Please visit our website to learn more about these and other criminal defense topics.