Articles Posted in Criminal Defense

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A “mistake of fact” is a common justification defense used to challenge criminal charges.   It means that a violation of the law occurred, but only as a result of a mistaken fact.

For example, let’s say a person is on a business, and must rent a vehicle.  They then have to use valet parking for their business meeting.  At the end of the day, the valet parking attendant, inadvertently mixes up the keys, and brings you someone else’s white car, same make, model and year.  You drive the car away.  The next morning, you are contacted by police for questioning in the theft of the real owner’s vehicle.  You did not know the valet brought you the wrong vehicle; and you did not intend to permanently deprive” the real owner of their vehicle.

Therefore, in the event of charges brought against the store owner, the “mistake of fact” would be a justifiable defense.

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To obtain a copy of your Scottsdale DUI or criminal incident police report contact the Scottsdale Public Safety Records Department. You can mail your request and required payment for the police report to the following address:

Scottsdale Public Safety Records Dept.

8401 E. Indian School Road

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Motions to Suppress Evidence in DUI or Criminal Charges Gilbert AZ

The Arizona Rules of Procedure for criminal cases governs the procedures and protocol for processing DUI & criminal cases. If retained, your attorney will review your case to determine if any of your rights were violated and what defenses may be used in your case. If one or more exist, they will file a “Motion” for the court’s review.

Motions should have justifiable basis and not be frivolous. If there is cause to suppress evidence in your case, legal advocate will file a “Motion to Suppress” certain evidence that the prosecution plans to use against you. The presiding judge may grant suppression of the evidence. In many cases, suppression of material evidence may lead to a dismissal of charges.

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Why You Need Legal Representation in Chandler City Court

If you were arrested for a DUI in Chandler or other criminal charges, you are most likely required to appear in Chandler Municipal Court. It is never a good idea to go to criminal court without proper legal representation.

Currently all Arizona DUI convictions call for jail sentencing use of interlock device; license suspension; alcohol and drug counseling or treatment; probation; fines, assessments, and other penalties. You should always retain legal counsel, to represent you. They will protect your rights, and defend your charges. The prosecutors are not to help you, make sure you are treated fairly, or get a less harsh sentencing. Even if they know their evidence or case is weak, it is not their job to point it out to you. The judge is there to hear arguments and motions from both sides, not to be your legal advocate.

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Initial Appearance in Tempe City Court

Following a Tempe DUI arrest, you will be taken into police custody. The “Initial Appearance” is a brief hearing usually held within 24 hours of your detention. It is brief hearing and the first time you will appear before the court regarding the matter. The court will inform you of the charges against you. The presiding judge then sets your release conditions, if it is determined that you are eligible.

Release Conditions – What the Judge Considers

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Arizona Drug DUI – Medication DUI Charges

In Arizona, you may be charged with Drug DUI under A.R.S. § 28-1381. Under this law, a driver can be arrest for DUI even if they have not consumed any alcoholic beverage. If convicted, a person will be exposed to the same or similar penalties as those that apply to drunk driving convictions. Even the simple presence of a drug in your system is enough for the Gilbert Police to charge you, if they have  probable cause to believe you were driving “impaired to the slightest degree”. Drug DUI offenses charged as Class 1 Misdemeanors. A conviction carries penalties that include 10 days in jail; suspension of driver’s license for 90 days; probation; drug and alcohol counseling and education program participation; and fines, fees, costs and assessments that exceed $1,200.00.

Drug DUI Defenses Arizona

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“If you were arrested for DUI, you should become familiar with your rights, so you can preserve your defense options.”

An arrest is not a “guilty” verdict or conviction. It is an accusation of criminal charges, and the first stage of the criminal justice process. You have a constitutional right to defend the charges against you, and you should always invoke it. Your rights may be invoked following an arrest as follows:

  • Advise the arresting officer that you with to invoke your right to remain silent following your arrest, until your attorney can be present; If you simply remain silent, you will appear uncooperative, so you must either do so verbally or in writing;
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Portable Breath Test Unit

A Portable Breath Test (PBT) Unit is a hand-held mobile device, used by police in Arizona DUI field stops. The PBT is a preliminary DUI breath test tool used to test a person’s Blood Alcohol Content or BAC. The purpose of the PBT is simply to distinguish if a driver is under the influence of alcohol or drugs. It an early screening and detection tool only. If used to obtain a reading, it must be followed up with use of a formal breathalyzer test for alcohol, or chemical tests for drug impairment determination. Arizona prohibits use of a PBT as admissible evidence in court.

Why PBTs are not Admissible in Scottsdale AZ Courts

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Jurisdiction as it relates to criminal charges is a certain Court’s authority to hear specific types of cases. It involves both geographic elements as well as legal authority afforded by the State, County and Federal laws. Felonies and Misdemeanors have are heard in different courts. Generally, the city, county and state where a person is arrested, or accused of a crime, is the geographic location where the criminal justice court proceedings will begin. Below are some facts and guidelines for Arizona court jurisdiction for felonies and misdemeanors in Maricopa County:

  1. Felonies are heard in the Arizona Superior Courts.  AZ Superior Court is considered only one entity, but they have different locations serving Arizona, and Maricopa County.
  2. Misdemeanors are heard in the lower courts – Municipal Courts, City courts and Justice Courts in Arizona.  The Municipal Court in Mesa is located at:
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