In Arizona, all sexual offense laws are based on consent. If one of the parties does not consent or is unable to consent to sexual activity, criminal charges can be filed against the other party. Sexual offenses in Arizona are typically met with harsh punishments....
Many people are familiar with the concept of warrants from movies and crime dramas, but few understand how warrants actually work. You’ve probably heard phrases like “come back with a search warrant” or “I have a warrant for your arrest,” but what exactly is a...
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...
Thanks to the signed extradition of Lori Vallow, the news is rife with talk about conspiracy to commit murder charges. But what exactly does this law mean, and what counts as conspiracy? Can you get in trouble for simply talking about murder? This quick overview...
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...
Being arrested and charged with a crime can affect your bank account right away. Arizona is one of the many states that will charge you for spending time in jail, seeing a judge, and sometimes even for your appointed public defender. Some fees can be avoided...
When an object is thrown or dropped off of an overpass, it can wreak havoc down below—it can even be deadly. Objects that fall from heights can cause serious property damage as well as serious or fatal injuries. That’s why it is illegal in Arizona...