Due process is one of the few topics that the United States Constitution covers twice. Both the Fifth and the Fourteenth Amendments state that in criminal cases, the federal government will not deprive someone of their “life, liberty, or property without due process of law.” The...
Typically when people think of violating traffic laws, they think of getting a ticket and maybe paying a fine. However, that’s only for minor traffic violations. In Arizona, several traffic offenses can have you facing criminal charges and even jail time. Criminal vs. Civil Traffic Offenses...
We have all been behind the wheel and witnessed another driver doing something completely outrageous. Sometimes it may even seem like they’re deliberately trying to provoke you. But how you react to their behavior could have consequences. Keeping your cool could mean the difference between...
In Arizona, there are two ways to interpret the law, through statutory law and through common law. Common law often refers to the “spirit of the law,” while statutory law upholds the exact “letter of the law.” Statutory law means focusing on a literal interpretation,...
There are two ways that courts in Arizona interpret the law. Statutory law follows the letter of the law, while common law is based on previous rulings. In fact, an understanding of common law frequently helps defense attorneys build a stronger case. The term “common law”...
What is a plea deal in criminal cases? Plea deals, plea bargains, or negotiating a plea—no matter how you phrase it, these terms all refer to agreements between the prosecution and the defendant. Accepting a plea deal can help you avoid a harsh sentence or...