Category: Criminal Defense

What happens if charges are dropped before court? 

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Suppose you’ve been charged with a crime in Arizona but before the case goes to court, the charges are dropped. You sigh in relief because you aren’t facing criminal penalties or being convicted. But what happens if charges are dropped before court? What are the potential outcomes and things to…

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How do I know if my rights have been restored in Arizona?

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Arizona is among the few states that allow you to reclaim civil rights lost after a felony conviction. This includes regaining the ability to vote, hold public office, or serve on a jury. Are you unsure if your rights were automatically restored after completing your sentence? The answer can be…

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How to choose a good criminal defense lawyer?

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Being charged with a crime is a scary and stressful experience. Luckily, with a good lawyer, you can manage the stress. A good criminal defense lawyer can make a big difference in the outcome of your case. But with so many lawyers out there, how do you find the right…

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Why Would an Innocent Person Take a Plea Deal?

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The overwhelming majority of criminal cases in Arizona are resolved through plea bargains rather than going to trial. Plea bargaining is, for better or for worse, an integral part of the criminal justice system.  Estimates suggest that over 90% of criminal cases end in a plea offer. We tend to…

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PROSECUTORIAL MISCONDUCT OFTEN OVERLOOKED IN ARIZONA

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Several months ago, The Arizona Republic submitted a public records request (“PRR”) to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office (“MCAO”) regarding one of its prosecutors, Juan Martinez, who is under investigation for serious misconduct by the State Bar of Arizona. The PRR also sought information about Martinez’s communications with a former…

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ARIZONA CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM IS ONE OF THE HARSHEST IN THE NATION

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By Josh Hamilton Arizona law imposes some of the harshest prison sentences anywhere in the United States.  Contrary to what you might believe, most of the people behind bars in Arizona are for non-violent offenses (in particular, for drug crimes).  This is according to a new report released in September…

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