When you face a criminal charge in Arizona, the pretrial conference can shape everything that follows. You use this court date to lock down discovery, set motion schedules, and position your case for either a better offer or a cleaner trial. The Law Office of James E. Novak helps you…
Resisting arrest is a serious criminal charge in Arizona that can carry lasting consequences, even if you believe the arrest itself was unjustified. Prosecutors often file this charge alongside other offenses like disorderly conduct, DUI, or assault. Understanding how Arizona law defines resisting arrest can help you avoid making your…
In July 2025, federal prosecutors announced the arrival of a high-profile foreign national charged with drug trafficking and firearms violations. After a dramatic arrest overseas, U.S. authorities transferred the accused to New York for trial. Although the case centers on international charges, it highlights several key issues that are particularly…
In June 2025, the Arizona Court of Appeals issued a detailed decision that addresses several trial rights crucial to a strong criminal defense. The court in State v. Vallejo upheld a conviction in a Pima County case, but not without clarifying how trial judges should handle voir dire, defense witnesses,…
Many people assume that if someone threatens them, they can defend themselves later on. Arizona law, however, draws a clear line. The right to use force only applies when the threat is immediate. A recent aggravated assault case from the Arizona Court of Appeals illustrates the importance of timing. Once…
If you were convicted of a felony in Phoenix and are considering filing for post-conviction relief, a recent Arizona Court of Appeals ruling makes one thing clear. Once the court rules on your petition, your opportunity to revise it is limited. After the initial decision, you must act quickly and…
If you are charged with a serious crime decades after it allegedly occurred, you may wonder how law enforcement identified you. In Arizona, courts allow DNA hits from government databases to be used in connecting people to cold cases. While this evidence can be robust, it also raises concerns about…
In serious felony trials in Arizona, the issue of what evidence is admitted or excluded can make all the difference between a conviction and an acquittal. The rules governing evidence are complex, and while they are bound by laws, the admission of evidence often involves a great deal of discretion…
In the United States, the standard of proof required to prevail in legal actions varies depending on the type of case. Criminal cases are held to the highest standard: proof beyond a reasonable doubt. This means that the prosecution must prove the defendant’s guilt to such a degree that there…
Violent crimes can be tricky to litigate and to defend in court. One source of recent conversation in the Arizona criminal legal sphere has been the crime of aggravated assault, and whether hurting multiple people through one assault counts as multiple crimes or only one crime. The answer to this…