Criminal Defense Blog
Diversion Programs in Arizona
Diversion is an alternative to traditional prosecution by a court. The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office provides several different diversion programs to some individuals accused of certain crimes. Those charged with specific Class 4, 5, and 6 offenses may be eligible to participate in the Felony Pretrial Intervention Program. The FPIP allows a…
Read MoreArizona appeal options
If you believe material errors existed in your Arizona trial, you may appeal to a higher court. If you use all of your rights of appeal at the state level, you may request a review of your case at the federal level. At The Nolan Law Firm, we have experience…
Read MoreHow to Avoid an Ignition Interlock False Positive
Following a DUI in Arizona, you may need to have an ignition interlock device installed in your vehicle. An IID can benefit you in some ways; it allows you to keep your license so that you retain access to transportation. This can allow you to continue to take care of…
Read MoreDrunk driving cases usually begin with a traffic stop
Most drunk driving cases in Arizona and around the country begin with a routine traffic stop. Police officers often suspect that motorists are under the influence of drugs or alcohol after observing them driving recklessly. However, they may also begin to suspect impairment after initiating a traffic stop for some…
Read MoreReport: Phoenix Cop has History of Arresting Sober Drivers for DUI
Because so much of television news is fluff, it is a pleasure to point out a recent investigative report by Phoenix’s KNXV-TV. The ABC affiliate recently aired a report on Phoenix police officer David Morris, a certified drug recognition expert. About the Investigative Report According to the report, Morris’s expertise…
Read MoreHow Accurate are “Breathalyzers”?
Arizona has some of the nation’s strictest drunk driving laws, and if authorities charge you with drunk driving and that charge leads to a conviction, you can expect to face a wide range of potentially life-altering penalties. Often, whether your driving under the influence charge ultimately winds up leading to…
Read MoreDrug Possession and Trafficking Laws in Arizona
If you receive a drug possession conviction in Arizona, the state may impose felony-level penalties. The exact consequences for this crime vary by the circumstances of your case, including any history of prior convictions, the type and amount of substance, and whether evidence exists to support the intent to distribute…
Read More3 Things to Know About Plea Bargains
Criminal cases often end with a plea bargain. This avoids going to trial and allows you to negotiate the terms of your conviction. Plea bargains can be good deals, but sometimes, they may not be the best choice. The decision to make a deal or not is up to you.…
Read MoreDo you understand how appeals work?
There may come a time when you find yourself not only in handcuffs but also behind bars in an Arizona jail cell. Should your case proceed so far that you have to go before a judge to receive a verdict, you may decide to appeal the decision. The American Bar…
Read MoreThe Appeals Process in Arizona
Finding yourself convicted of a crime in Arizona may leave you in a bind. You may face charges and consequences you never thought you would have to deal with, and contemplating it is overwhelming you. Conviction does not always mean you have to face the sentence imposed by the court. Some situations…
Read MoreAppealing a Criminal Conviction May Take a Long Time
If a judge or jury has convicted you of a felony offense in the Grand Canyon State, you have a right to appeal your conviction. Furthermore, if you are facing a death sentence, your matter has an automatic appeal to the Arizona Supreme Court. You should realize, though, that appeals…
Read MoreDoes Arizona Have a “Make My Day” Law?
Most states have some kind of legislation that protects people who are defending themselves and their property from being liable for an assault or murder charge, and Arizona is no exception. The premise of Arizona’s “castle doctrine” (or “stand your ground law” as it is sometimes called) is that if…
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