Did you know Arizona is one of only a few states in the nation that does not prohibit texting while driving? While many states, like neighboring California and Nevada, completely ban the use of hand-held cell phones, Arizona keeps its “wild west” status intact, replacing (or supplementing) six-shooters with cell phones. At the same time,…
“Unlimited power is apt to corrupt the minds of those who possess it; and this I know, my lords: that where law ends, tyranny begins.” William Pitt One person’s actions affected 24,000 guilty convictions. Annie Dookhan lied–for years. She “tested” samples in her crime lab without checking the samples out of the evidence lockers; she…
Maybe you think we sound like a broken record, but when we hear about amazing ways that Veterans Courts are helping change lives locally and in other states, we want that for all of the veterans in our community, regardless of where they live or where their charges were filed. From Phoenix to North Carolina…
The 4th of July is right around the corner and for many of us, that means partaking in one of America’s great pastimes—fireworks. Why do we celebrate with these rockets of firepower anyway? A Little July Fourth History Consider a letter written by John Adams. Before the Declaration of Independence was even signed, he envisioned…
In Arizona, the State has a right under our implied consent statute to obtain a blood/breath sample if you’re arrested on suspicion of DUI. However, there have been concerns about the language an officer uses to inform an arrestee of this law and what a suspect faces if he or she refuses to consent to a…
On March 17, 2016, Senate Bill 1228 passed with 43 AYES, 13 NAYS and on Thursday, March 24, 2016, Arizona Governor Doug Ducey signed the bill into law. The full text of the bill can be read at: http://www.azleg.gov/legtext/52leg/2r/laws/0057.pdf. The passage of this bill is a definite YAY for the criminal defense world and those…
Well, Arizona, we survived that blustering winter storm earlier this week, so it’s time to get back out and enjoy some fresh air and sunshine! The Phoenix Open, the PGA’s most entertaining tournament, is here to provide fun for serious aficionados and fans for a day. Whether you’re looking forward to the Bird’s Nest concerts…
Winter is one of the best times to be here in the Valley because there is something great going on every weekend, from the college football championships and the Barrett Jackson car auction to the Waste Management Phoenix Open and Devoured Culinary Classic. Phoenix, Scottsdale, and our other cities put their best feet forward, showing…
What’s your idea of a perfect holiday? Is it gathering together with friends and family? Cooking the perfect meal perfectly? Kicking back next to a fire with a glass of eggnog? How about listening to Wham’s “Last Christmas” 24 times on repeat? Oh, right, that last one is everyone’s perfect holiday! If you’re imbibing in…
Last weekend, approximately 6,000 non-violent inmates were to be released from federal prisons across the nation, reigniting a discussion about our justice system and how we, as a nation, address the crime we face on a daily basis. While every new politician proclaims an increasing need to be “tough on crime,” we should take a…
