Mistake of fact is a defense that can be used in Arizona if the defendant made an error that led to committing an illegal action. This legal defense revolves around the fact that the defendant made a reasonable mistake, which resulted in an illegal action....
The Bar Association of Arizona certifies several areas of law from mediation services to worker's compensation. To become certified in an area of law, the lawyer must meet several standards. Certified criminal attorneys are lawyers who have earned a specialty in criminal defense. A certified criminal...
A warrant to search someone's property is common to hear about, especially in the news and on television shows. You might be left with questions about the legality of it, and understanding if it infringes on your Constitutional right to privacy. Keep reading to learn...
Art is beautiful and is often created to be shared. That’s why destroying, forging, or stealing a work of art is a crime. In the state of Arizona, art theft can have serious consequences that range from a misdemeanor to a felony, depending on the...
In legal terms, intent is the mental objective behind an action. Criminal intent is often the basis of establishing guilt in a case and can be broken up into four categories: acting knowingly, purposely, recklessly, and negligently. The type of action taken determines your level...
As we roll into 2024, so does Arizona’s rise in hate crimes. And when these types of crimes are publicized, they bring up debates and questions about what this charge means. What qualifies as a hate crime? When does the First Amendment apply? In this...
It may be the world’s oldest profession, but in Arizona, prostitution is illegal. Understanding the laws surrounding sex work is important because there are very fine differences between escort services and prostitution. If you have been arrested for sex work or charged with prostitution, you...
Fines are one of the most common consequences for petty crimes, misdemeanors, and traffic violations. Unfortunately, having a run-in with the law can cost you—literally. Many people wonder what happens if they don’t pay their fines. But in truth, if you ignore a fine in...
Most people think that bail is an amount of money you pay to get out of jail. However, the actual definition of bail has more to do with ensuring that you follow a set of rules before trial. In fact, a payment is not always...
There are three different types of criminal courts in Arizona: limited jurisdiction, general jurisdiction, and appellate jurisdiction. These three courts help to keep things moving and organized in Arizona’s justice system. A limited jurisdiction court is the first level of criminal court, and it handles different...