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Yearly Archives: 2026

Choosing the Right Felony Criminal Defense Attorney in Arizona

Key Takeaways Experienced felony trial attorneys earn their reputations through years of difficult, hard-fought trials in the courtroom An attorney’s reputation with the State affects how seriously prosecutors take that attorney’s plea negotiations Ask how many serious felony cases an attorney has tried, including cases…

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Sending Mail to Maricopa County Jail Inmates

The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office utilizes a central mailroom for processing, searching, and sorting inmate mail, which is located at the Lower Buckeye Jail. All incoming inmate mail, including newspapers, magazines, and books must be addressed as follows, regardless of which jail the inmate is…

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What to Do When Falsely Accused of Sexual Assault in Arizona

Key Takeaways Stop answering police questions immediately and ask for an attorney before saying anything further. Contact a criminal defense attorney before any interview with detectives takes place. Never contact the accuser directly, since any outreach can look like intimidation or witness tampering. Arizona classifies…

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How to Beat an Indecent Exposure Charge in Arizona

Key Takeaways Indecent exposure in Arizona requires reckless disregard about whether a reasonable person would be offended or alarmed. A first offense against someone 15 or older is a class 1 misdemeanor under Arizona law. Prior convictions or a victim under 15 can elevate the…

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What Is Second-Degree Sexual Assault?

Key Takeaways Arizona does not use degree-based classifications; sexual assault is governed under a single felony statute. The law covers non-consensual sexual acts, including coercion, restraint, and incapacitation of the victim. A conviction carries a presumptive sentence of seven years, with higher ranges for prior…

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Is Kissing Someone Without Consent Assault?

Key Takeaways In Arizona, kissing someone without consent can meet the legal threshold for assault under ARS 13-1203. Consent in Arizona requires a voluntary, conscious agreement — silence or passivity does not qualify. Assault, battery, and sexual assault are distinct charges in Arizona, each carrying…

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What Is Chain of Custody?

Key Takeaways Chain of custody is a chronological written record tracking evidence from collection to the courtroom. The record must document every handler transfer location and test performed. Gaps in the record may cause courts to exclude evidence or doubt it. The trial exists to…

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What Is Molestation vs. Sexual Assault?

 ​​Key Takeaways Sexual assault occurs through intercourse or oral sexual contact without consent. Sexual assault is a Class 2 felony under A.R.S. § 13-1406. Molestation of a child involves sexual contact with a child under 15. Molestation of a child is a Class 2 felony…

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False Accusations of Sexual Assault: What to Do Next

Key Takeaways False sexual assault allegations occur when someone accuses another person without a factual basis, often in custody disputes, breakups, or misunderstandings. Arizona prosecutors often file charges based mainly on the accuser's statement, even with weak or contradictory physical evidence. Exercise your Fifth Amendment…

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What Is the Romeo and Juliet Law in Arizona?

Key Takeaways Arizona sets the age of consent at 18 under A.R.S. § 13-1405. Sexual conduct with a minor occurs when someone engages in sexual contact with a person under 18. Arizona’s Romeo and Juliet law provides a limited close-in-age defense to statutory rape. The…

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This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founding Attorney JosephineHallam, who has more than two decades of litigation and family law experience.