This article explains what the Lacey Act prohibits, how federal prosecutors build trafficking cases, the penalties involved, and what steps a defense attorney can take to protect your rights at every stage. Understanding these issues helps you avoid missteps and make informed decisions about your defense strategy.   Because these ...

When someone is arrested in Arizona, one of the first concerns is whether they can be released on bail while awaiting trial. Bail is a critical part of the Arizona criminal justice system, balancing a defendant's right to freedom with the court's responsibility to ensure the defendant appears for future ...

If you or a family member is under federal investigation or has been arrested in Arizona for illegal reentry after deportation, you're dealing with a serious federal crime that moves fast. Federal agents, prosecutors, and the court will focus on three core questions: whether there was a prior deportation order, ...

Being charged with illegal hunting or poaching in Arizona is a serious matter that goes far beyond a simple game violation. Under Arizona Revised Statutes Title 17, which includes the provisions of this title regarding wildlife, wildlife offenses can carry severe criminal penalties, including jail time, fines, license revocation, and ...

If you were arrested for a drug charge near a school zone in Arizona, you're likely staring at steeper penalties than the same offense elsewhere. Arizona law adds extra prison time, mandatory fines, and strict limits on probation when an alleged drug crime happens within a designated "drug-free school zone." ...

Losing the ability to own a firearm is one of the most serious and lasting consequences of a felony conviction in Arizona. The law considers anyone convicted of a felony to be a prohibited possessor who may not legally own, purchase, or carry a gun. For many, this restriction feels ...

A police stop can be stressful, especially if you are unsure of your legal rights. Many people do not know whether they are legally required to show ID, state their full name, or answer questions. In Arizona, the rules are outlined in specific statute provisions that form what is often ...

Selling a firearm in Arizona can seem simple, especially since the state is widely recognized for its strong protections on firearm ownership. Many residents assume they can freely sell guns in private transactions without concern. However, misunderstanding or overlooking certain firearm laws can lead to unforeseen criminal charges. Even a ...

Sexting-the sending and receiving of sexually explicit messages, photos, or videos electronically-has become increasingly common among teenagers in Arizona. But while many teens think of it as a private act, Arizona law treats sexting with a minor far more seriously than most people realize. Even consensual teen sexting between two ...

Driving under the influence (DUI) is always a serious offense in Arizona, but the stakes increase dramatically with each repeat offense. If you're facing a fourth DUI conviction, you could be charged with a felony, resulting in a lengthy prison sentence, steep fines, and a permanent mark on your criminal ...

Arizona has legalized recreational marijuana for adults under state law, but that doesn't mean you can bring cannabis across state lines without consequences. Many people misunderstand what Arizona's legalization covers and how it interacts with federal law and interstate transportation.    Even though marijuana may be legal in your home ...

Bank robbery is often portrayed as a crime committed by masked individuals storming into a bank, demanding cash at gunpoint.   But in reality, you can be charged with bank robbery without ever stepping foot inside the bank.   Under both federal and Arizona law, simply participating in the planning, ...

The rise of consumer DNA testing services like Ancestry.com and 23andMe has changed the way millions of people explore their heritage. But beyond discovering long-lost relatives and ethnic origins, these genetic databases are now playing a role in solving criminal cases - including decades-old cold cases in Arizona.   If ...

Using a fake ID might seem like a harmless decision, especially for college students hoping to get into a bar or buy alcohol. But in Arizona, possessing or using a fake identification card is a criminal offense. Whether you're caught at a liquor store with a borrowed ID or presenting ...