In our previous two posts, we talked about how the landmark Miranda v. Arizona ruling extended the right to remain silent to all potential suspects upon arrest and interrogation outside the courtroom. Originally, however, this right was only applied through the 5th Amendment to a...
Lying under oath, or committing perjury, is a pretty straightforward concept in criminal law. It is, to knowingly make false statements while under oath on the witness stand, and it’s considered a Class 4 Felony in Phoenix under ARS 13-2702, punishable by a maximum prison...
When the suspect of a crime is brought into custody by law enforcement and made aware of their right to an attorney, Coolidge Law Firm (serving Chandler, Gilbert, and Mesa Arizona) ALWAYS recommends they call an experienced criminal defense attorney. The reason? There may not...
Capital punishment, or the death penalty, is a polarizing legal issue in our nation. And it’s extremely relevant to citizens of the Grand Canyon State, as we are one of 31 States in the US where the death penalty is still legal. On three separate...
Each day we’re faced with making hundreds to thousands of decisions: from what color of socks we’ll wear, to the type of toothpaste we’ll use, to what time we’ll leave for work. We may not consciously think about these smaller decisions, but they’re still choices...
If you have been arrested for a crime in Arizona, you will be expected to make a plea in court on the next business day. You can choose to plead guilty, not guilty, or no contest. Your lawyer will advise you on how they think...
No matter the circumstances, getting arrested can definitely cause some worry. Knowing what happens during the arrest process can help you protect yourself. From processing to arraignment, here’s what you can expect if you ever get arrested. What To Do If You Get Arrested Many people think...
Recently, legislators proposed a bill that calls for sentencing reform in Arizona. The bill was written to address Arizona's strict criminal sentencing statutes. For example, the “truth in sentencing law” currently requires inmates to serve a minimum of 85% of their sentences. Another example is the...