Since the mass shooting at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado, the number of gun deaths on school campuses has increased sharply over the years. The growing frequency of campus shootings has led to a nationwide debate regarding whether teachers should be allowed to carry firearms into their classrooms in the interest of preventing a mass shooting. Regardless the turn public opinion has taken, bringing guns onto school grounds remains a very serious offense under Arizona state law. If you reside in the Scottsdale community and are facing charges due to bringing a firearm into a legally inappropriate setting, contact a Scottsdale Criminal Defense Attorney immediately.

Arizona’s Weapons Misconduct Law 

Weapons misconduct is a general term that can define a variety of weapons-related charges. Examples include gun possession by someone who is legally prohibited from gun ownership, illegally modifying a weapon, and carrying a gun without a proper permit. Weapons misconduct also includes possessing a weapon in an area that has been legally deemed off limits. For this reason, it is illegal for unauthorized persons to bring a gun onto school property. Exceptions are generally made for security personnel, military servicemen and women, and law enforcement officials. Although a significant amount of people believe they are able to remain safer by bringing a gun on campus, bringing a weapon onto school grounds may result being sentenced to more than 5 years imprisonment, depending on whether you have had prior convictions. If you are in the Scottsdale area and are being accused of weapons misconduct, a Scottsdale criminal defense lawyer can help.

Contact the Boyd-Collins Law Firm 

Arizona’s gun laws apply to residents of Goodyear, AZ, Phoenix, and Scottsdale alike. The growing concern over school shootings may cause you to feel compelled to carry a firearm to protect yourself and the people around you. While many share the heightened anxiety around the issue of school security, the law is the law. Therefore, a gun misconduct charge should be taken very seriously.

Scottsdale residents who are facing a gun charge should contact a criminal defense attorney in Scottsdale AZ and receive help from the very first stage in the criminal court process.

 

Even being charged with driving under the influence can be a serious problem for drivers in Arizona. All states have enhanced their impaired driving laws during the past two decades, with Arizona taking additional steps regarding the extent of punishment. Even a first conviction for driving under the influence is a mandatory minimum of 10 days in jail, and minimum punishment is not mandatory. Penalties can be enhanced based on the evidence, and especially if the blood-alcohol concentration is above .15. Having minor children in a vehicle while being apprehended can also be a reason for stronger punishment, not to mention potential additional charges. The sentencing can be harsh and the fallout of the conviction can last for many years, making it essential to retain an experienced Phoenix DUI attorney to represent your case.

Why You Should Call a Phoenix DUI Lawyer Immediately

Arizona is a “no tolerance” state when it comes to impaired driving and penalties can be excessive, including requiring ignition interlock devices and receiving large fines in excess of $1000. Home incarceration and work release can be authorized in certain cases after a mandatory jail term, regardless of the charge level, and jail time is assigned in each case. This means that all individuals charged with DUI in Arizona will be required to have adequate legal representation when the case goes to court. The problem is that many times this is a public defender, which usually does not end well for the defendant. Public defenders often are not as comprehensive or aggressive as a paid personal Phoenix criminal defense attorney who is focused on protecting the defendant as much s possible.

What a Phoenix DUI Lawyer Can Do

An experienced and diligent Phoenix DUI attorney can conduct an independent investigation of the arrest and evaluate all articles of evidence for valid submission to the record. Many DUI cases are prosecuted on borderline evidence in Arizona because the “no tolerance” policy also allows law enforcement officers to make arrests even when drivers register under .08 on a field sobriety test. The suspect can then be taken to the precinct for a mechanical reading that can be used in court, which could also be contested by your attorney as well as questioning the officer.

Never leave your freedom and future in the hands of the Arizona court system. Always call the Phoenix DUI attorneys at Boyd Collins Law Firm for solid criminal defense representation.

 

Marijuana laws have been changing across the United States, as some state legislatures have evaluated the type of marijuana legal restructuring that would be best for the particular state. Arizona was actually one of the first to implement a medical marijuana law during 2010, even though the measure passed by a very narrow margin. The result has been the development of a marijuana policy that works well for those who are authorized for possession through the proper channels and works aggressively against those who choose to skirt the law. This becomes a problem for Arizona residents who cannot get approved, even if they have valid medical need. And, the strict application of the marijuana laws regarding illegal use is extremely worse for those who are attempting to traffic marijuana in any amount in the state, including transporting it through the state for redistribution. The potential for severe punishment means it will be vital to have a Glendale criminal defense attorney representing a case when charges are filed.

Medical Marijuana Law Complications

The medical marijuana laws in Arizona hinge on authorization, which can include possessing the authorization ID card at all times to avoid being cited in certain situations. Possession is technically illegal without producing possession verification, and individuals are cited regularly. There is also a stipulation that allows certain individuals who live outside of a 25-mile range from an authorized distribution center to cultivate for personal use, but this too also requires proper registration. These can appear as minor technicalities, but a Glendale possession of marijuana lawyer will still be necessary to defend even a circumstantial charge.

Illegal Use

While medical marijuana laws in Arizona do allow certain individuals to legally use the medication, the punishment for non-compliance with the laws is very harsh. Every illegal marijuana possession charge in Arizona is considered a felony initially, then being evaluated through the court system for possible charge reduction to Class A misdemeanor. Jail terms can be extensive for any illegal conviction because of this strict application, making retaining an experienced Glendale possession of marijuana lawyer an investment in the future as well as freedom.

Contact a Glendale Criminal Defense Lawyer

Anyone facing a possession of marijuana charge in Arizona should contact the legal professionals at the Boyd-Collins Law Firm for a full evaluation of your criminal charge.

In Arizona, you can be charged with many crimes that may be categorized as a domestic violence offense based on your relationship to the alleged victim. The charges against you are based on the evidence alleged against you; the domestic violence, or “DV” classification is based on the relationship alleged between you and the listed victim. For example; if you get into a verbal argument with your neighbor and disturb his peace, you can be charged with disorderly conduct. If you get into the same argument with your wife, you can be charged with disorderly conduct DV.

When facing domestic violence charges, many people are confused by the number of charges they were facing or how such a categorization can be applied even if violence isn’t alleged. The domestic violence classification does not require that violence take place, only that the relationship between the accused and the victim falls into one of several categories (as set forth in A.R.S. §13-3601.A) including marriage, romantic or sexual relationship, living together or lived together in the past, a child in common or pregnant with a child in common, related by blood or law as parent/child, grandparent/grandchild, or siblings.

Domestic violence offenses require counseling if you are found guilty of the offense at trial. Before making any decisions in your case, contact The Boyd-Collins Law Firm to discuss your case and create a case strategy based on your specific circumstances. 480-447-5743.