Clearly, the computer age has changed the world significantly. That includes new crimes – or at least new ways of committing existing crimes – that would never be thought of decades ago. A recent example is what is known generally as “sextortion.” And according to the...
Blog
Phoenix Police Overreact to Alleged Child Shoplifter
We all know that being a police officer is bound to involve being present for, and at times legitimately using, deadly force, or the threat of deadly force. But overreactions by officers are reported daily in the news, both in Phoenix and throughout the country. And...
DUI Home Detention Law in Arizona
The consequences of a conviction for driving under the influence (DUI) are significant. Loss of driving privileges, increased insurance rates, fines, a blot on your permanent record, and more. But perhaps the most frightening aspect of a DUI is the possibility of...
Phoenix Crime Stats During the Pandemic
We have reported previously on what appear to be some changes in crime statistics that may well be the result of the COVID-19 pandemic. For example, in our May 20 blog (Domestic Violence and COVID-19), we discussed domestic violence in Phoenix. Specifically, we talked...
Unlawful Assembly vs. Riot – What’s the Difference?
With all the protests across the country of late, we hear of scores of people arrested for rioting. We believe many of the people arrested were simply exercising their constitutional rights under the First Amendment. That section of the Bill of Rights protests our...
Phoenix Jury Trials During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Trial by a jury of one’s peers is one of the cornerstones of our justice system. The U.S. Constitution says that in all criminal cases, the defendant is entitled to a trial by an impartial jury. The same right is set forth in Article VI § 17 of the Arizona...
Protesters Charged with Unlawful Assembly
We recently wrote an article in our blog (Phoenix Protest Arrests Thrown Out) about over 100 Phoenix rioting arrests that were thrown out in court for lack of evidence. In the wake of recent events, there have also been a number of arrests for unlawful assembly in...
Phoenix Protest Arrests Thrown Out
There is a lot that can be said about the arrest of those who protest against police brutality. Many of the protesters are doing just that – protesting. Some people, of course, are committing violent or otherwise illegal acts, although you would have to be all-knowing...
How COVID-19 has Changed Law Enforcement
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected all of us. And it has had a major effect not only on crime, but also on police policies and procedures. As we explained in our blog earlier this month (Domestic Violence and COVID-19), there has been a change in the level of certain...
Domestic Violence and COVID-19
A number of articles have been written on the issue of whether COVID-19 has led to an increase in domestic violence. The predominant opinion appears to be that it has. Family Violence in Phoenix As early as March, reports were circulating that the police were seeing a...
Do Harsher Sentences Really Reduce Crime?
In a recent interview, Arizona State Representative John Allen (R-Scottsdale) made a statement that we’ve heard from many conservative lawmakers over the years. The statement – that harsher sentencing reduces crime – is apparently based on the fact that crime in...
Sober Drivers Charged with DUI in Phoenix
You may be stopped at a sobriety checkpoint, on the highway, or on a lonely road at night. Whatever the circumstances, you could be charged with driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. And as most folks know, a conviction can lead to stiff penalties that are...
COVID-19 Fraud
According to the United States Attorney for the District of Arizona, there is rampant fraud related to the COVID-19 crisis. We’re not sure how many ongoing investigations there are at this point, but the U.S. Attorney, Michael Bailey, has appointed an Assistant U.S....
Arizona Executive Orders and COVID-19
Arizona Governor Doug Ducey has issued numerous executive orders relating to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic. The following is a list of some of the more significant orders issued over the last month or so. Some violations could result in a misdemeanor charge:...
New Arizona Law Bans Paper Opioid Prescriptions
Under a new law in Arizona that went into effect on January 1, 2020, all opioid prescriptions must be transmitted from a physician to a pharmacy electronically. The e-prescribing of controlled substances (EPCS) is now the law to one degree or another in about half the...