Criminal Law in Phoenix
The Arizona legislature frequently passes new laws and amends existing laws, requiring lawyers to stay apprised of new or amended laws. Effective legal representation by a lawyer who knows criminal laws in Phoenix is vital in any criminal case. Billar & Donald, P.C. works diligently to keep up to date on changing Phoenix criminal law.
Changes in sex offense law
When the Florida legislature passed Jessica’s law in response to a sexual abduction, murder of a young girl by a repeat sex offender, this law triggered changes across the United States at state levels that stiffened laws governing sex crimes. Arizona law was amended and signed into effect in 2006—Sec. 2. Section 13-604.01, Arizona Revised Statutes. This amendment called for sentencing to life imprisonment with no eligibility to suspend sentence, put on probation, pardon or release from confinement any person (18 years or older) convicted of a dangerous crime against children in the first degree involving sexual assault of or with a minor twelve years or younger.
For Extreme DUI cases (blood alcohol content .15 percent or higher) in first or second offenses, the court may no longer suspend any portion of the minimum required jail sentence. Also, interlock ignition devices are required to be used on vehicles, even after a first DUI offense.
Sentencing for serious, or violent or aggravated felonies
Phoenix criminal laws were affected by the Arizona legislature passing stiffened sentencing in 2006 for individuals convicted as adults for serious, violent, or aggravated offenses with two previous serious offenses committed on separate occasions. Sentencing is for life in prison with no eligibility for sentence suspension, probation, pardon, or release until the sentence is commuted or the person has served 25 years.
A long list of crimes qualifies as serious felonies, some of which include:
Examples of violent aggravated felonies include:
- Assault with intent to incite or participate in riot
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- Continuous sexual abuse of a child
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- Firearm discharge in an occupied structure
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- Criminal street gang participation
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- Unlawful introduction of disease or parasite
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Contact Billar & Donald, P.C. today
We can answer your questions and advise you regarding Phoenix criminal law.