Articles Posted in Arizona Criminal Defense

Arizona’s “Show me your papers” immigration provision starts now
Law Office of James Novak

On September 18, 2012, U.S. District Judge Susan Bolton released the temporary restraining order on the immigration provision in SB 1070 A.R.S. 11-1051 (B). The action was pursuant to the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling on the matter in June 2012. At the center of a two year legal batter, is the provision in the law…

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Police Brutality: Your Rights and Use of Excessive Force by Police
Law Office of James Novak

Arizona police are allowed to use some force if necessary. But only to the degree that is necessary to prevent a suspect from fleeing; or to avoid harm, or injury to others. Police are not allowed to use excessive physical or lethal force. The justifiable amount of force that can be used is dictated by…

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5th Amendment: Right to Remain Silent
Law Office of James Novak

45 years after Miranda v. Arizona – Its impact on the US Criminal Justice System Over the last 45 years, legal controversies and challenges have continued to plague the “Miranda Rights”. Yet still it is recognized by all states in country. Following an arrest, the police must inform or warn a person of their “right…

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Simulated Explosives: Prohibited Weapons Laws
Law Office of James Novak

A Simulated Explosive Device (SED) is a “Prohibited Weapons” under Arizona Law ARS § 13-3101. Misconduct with a Prohibited Weapon such as SED is a Class 5 felony. Knowing and intentional assault to a person resulting from an SED is a Class 4 felony. All felony offenses in Arizona are serious, and carry prison time.…

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Gun Laws: Who are Prohibited Possessors?
Law Office of James Novak

Prohibited Possession or Use of Firearm Laws Phoenix Arizona Under Arizona Law A.R.S. § 13-3102 a person may be guilty of misconduct with weapons if they knowingly: 1. Possess a “deadly weapon” or “prohibited weapon” and is a “prohibited possessor” as defined under A.R.S. § 13-3101; and/or2. Transfers or sells a “deadly weapon” to a…

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Clemency Laws and Proceedings in Arizona
Law Office of James Novak

Clemency Defined Clemency is a mitigation of penalties; a pardon; a discharge from prison; reduction of felony prison sentencing; a reprieve or a temporary delay or suspension of sentencing. It may be granted for the Governor of Arizona or the President of the United States. The effect does not eliminate the conviction, or mean that…

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What is an Arraignment?
Law Office of James Novak

An Arraignment is a hearing where you will provide your Initial Plea for DUI or Criminal Charges. There are three ways to plea: “Not Guilty”, “Guilty” or “No Contest.” To invoke your right to defend your charges and retain an attorney you should plead “Not Guilty”. Events that take place at Arraignment At the Arraignment…

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Arrest Warrants: What to do if there is a warrant for your arrest
Law Office of James Novak

Arrest Warrants in Phoenix AZ Never ignore an arrest warrant in Maricopa County. It is a very serious matter. An arrest warrant stays outstanding and in effect indefinitely until the warrants is “quashed” (cancelled) ; a suspect is arrested; or the matter otherwise resolved by your criminal defense attorney. You should never ignore it. If…

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Felony Charge Defense: Three Levels of Criminal Defense. Why you need qualified legal representation at all three levels for felony charges
Law Office of James Novak

Felony Charges Scottsdale AZ All felony convictions in Arizona expose a defendant to prison sentencing and other harsh penalties. If you face any type of felony charge, you should consult an experienced criminal attorney to discuss your charges and defense options. There are three critical phases in criminal justice process, where you should have legal…

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Disorderly Conduct Charges in Arizona may be unlawful: What you should know before pleading guilty.
Law Office of James Novak

“Not all Disorderly Conduct arrests are justified or lawful. You should consult a criminal defense attorney before pleading guilty. If your constitutional rights were violated, you may be able to get charges dismissed.” Disorderly Conduct Charges Disorderly conduct (also called disturbing the peace) is charged often in Mesa AZ and other cities in Maricopa County.…

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Arizona Criminal Defense Attorney Blog

How Arizona Post-Conviction Relief Petitions Are Handled After a Guilty Plea Even if you accepted a plea and started serving your sentence, you may still have legal grounds to challenge the outcome. Arizona law provides a...

Can You Demand a 12-Person Jury in Arizona Felony Cases? If you are facing felony charges in Arizona, you may assume you are entitled to a 12-person jury under the Sixth Amendment. In some cases, however...

Phoenix Appeals Court Upholds Sexual Assault Conviction Despite Objections to Police Interview If you’re facing serious felony charges in Phoenix and think certain statements made during a police interview might have tainted your trial, a...

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