Arizona criminal defense
Guides
Short, plain-English explainers for people facing charges in the Phoenix Valley. These are general guides — not legal advice for your specific case.
What To Do After an Arrest in Arizona
The 24 hour rule, release conditions, and what you and your family can do before the first court date.
Your First Court Date at Pioneer Justice Court
What happens at an arraignment or initial appearance in San Tan Valley, from your plea and rights to release conditions and what to bring.
Arizona’s Brady List: When the Officer Was Fired or Charged
What Arizona disclosure rules require when an officer in your case is fired, charged, or put on the Brady list, and what it can mean for open and closed cases.
AI Police Reports in Phoenix (Axon Draft One)
Phoenix PD is piloting AI-drafted police reports through December 31, 2026. What it means if you are charged, and what your lawyer can request.
Arizona Court Data Breach FAQ
What the September 2026 court cyberattack means for FARE fines, restitution, and protective orders, and how to check if your data was copied.
Victim Impact Statements After the AI Video Ruling
Arizona Court of Appeals vacated a sentence after an AI recreation of the victim was used at sentencing — what is allowed now.
Arizona Felony Redesignation (HB 2749)
When a court may reduce a class 4–6 felony to a class 1 misdemeanor, who qualifies, and why 2028 matters.
Lending a Car Without an Ignition Interlock (HB 2800)
How knowingly lending a non-interlock car to a restricted driver can become a class 6 felony after a serious crash.
Lane Splitting vs Lane Filtering (HB 2941)
When Arizona motorcycle filtering is still legal, and when same-lane or between-lane riding is reckless driving.
How to Choose a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Phoenix
Five questions to ask, red flags to avoid, and a short Valley checklist.
First-DUI Jail Time & Psychotherapy
How Arizona’s 10-day first-DUI jail minimum works, and when court-ordered evidence-based psychotherapy can matter.
Should I Talk to the Police?
Why “just explaining” is risky — and what you can say instead.
Your First Court Date in Arizona
What to expect, what to bring, and why showing up matters.
What To Do After a DUI Arrest
License, paperwork, and early steps that often matter most.
Arizona Set-Aside vs Record Sealing
Plain-English differences — and where limited marijuana expungement fits.
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