What is a Felony DUI?
All DUIs are not viewed equally under Arizona state law. For example, a first-time DUI conviction, perhaps from a checkpoint or traffic stop, is generally classified as a misdemeanor. However, if a DUI arrest is the result of an accident causing injury or death, the driver may be charged with a felony, even if it…
DUI Drivers Beware When Driving Impaired in Arizona
With a crackdown on drunk driving in Arizona over the Fourth of July holiday weekend, 389 Arizona residents found themselves arrested for DUI. This number was a slight increase from last year’s DUI arrests of 361. However, this number is still less than Cinco de Mayo, Memorial Day or St. Patrick’s Day weekends this year.…
Arizona Ramps Up DUI Enforcement Effort for Fourth of July
With any holiday weekend, the risk of drivers drinking and driving rises exponentially. According to Alberto Gutier, who serves with the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, Arizona law enforcement will be out in full force over the July Fourth holiday weekend, including setting up DUI checkpoints and increasing DUI ‘Saturation Patrols.’ Gutier commented that “we…
Public Drunkenness Not a Crime in AZ
Being drunk in public in Arizona is not a crime, according to an Arizona Appeals Court decision. A man cited for public intoxication in Scottsdale in December 2011 appealed to the Arizona court after the municipal court decided in the city’s favor. Upon appeal to the Maricopa County Superior Court, the three-member panel unanimously ruled…
Arizona State Prison Employee Arrested for Smuggling
An Arizona State Prison employee was arrested and indicted for smuggling alcohol into the prison, according to recent reports. Tamy Kim Logan was indicted by the Mohave County Grand Jury for the felony of promoting prison contraband in connection with allegations that she sneaked alcohol into the jail in violation of the law and her…
Trust Act Would Reduce Criminal Deportations
In an interesting turn of events, the state that has gained a reputation as “hate-filled” when it comes to immigration issues may now be one of the first to buck the federal government on turning over those who are subject to deportation. Representative Juan Mendez is sponsoring a bill known as the “Trust Act” that…
Five Officers Lose Licenses in Board Sweep
The state license of five Tucson police officers were compromised recently as a result of convictions for criminal activity, according to a recent report. The Arizona Peace Officer Standards and Training Board allowed two police officers to voluntarily turn in their license, revoked two others and suspended a fifth. Under Arizona law, the board can…
Will Sharper Face Arizona Rape Charges?
Darren Sharper, a former player for the New Orleans Saints, is facing several counts of rape and other crimes for his alleged role in assaulting up to 11 women in four states, according to a recent report. Three of the incidents allegedly occurred in Tempe, Arizona, at an apartment where the victims reported they were…
What Are “Therapeutic Courts?”
“Therapeutic courts” are so-called because their primary purpose is not punitive but rehabilitative. These courts are designed to address issues that relate to mental health and other problems suffered by those who commit crimes. Not everyone is in favor of therapeutic courts, but when they address unmet needs they can perform an important function in…