Blog Articles – Criminal Defense & DUI

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Recent Blog Posts

What is Aggravated Harassment in Arizona and How is it Charged?

Being accused of aggravated harassment in Arizona is a serious matter that can lead to felony charges, especially if there is a prior conviction for domestic violence. If you’re facing allegations of violating a protective order or repeated acts of harassment, it’s critical to understand the legal implications and what you’re up against. Arizona law treats aggravated harassment differently from simple harassment, and the consequences can include years in prison.

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Will a DUI Conviction Prevent You From Renting an Apartment in Arizona?

Facing a DUI conviction can be life-altering, and the consequences often extend beyond the courtroom. One area where this can have a serious impact is housing. If you’re asking yourself, “Will a DUI prevent me from renting an apartment in Arizona?”—you’re not alone. Landlords do consider criminal records, and a DUI can raise red flags, even if it seems unrelated to housing or tenancy.

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Charges for Filing a False Police Report in Arizona

Filing a false report in Arizona is a criminal offense that can carry serious consequences. Under Arizona law, it is illegal to knowingly make a false statement or provide false information to law enforcement agencies, which includes the crime of false reporting. This includes creating a false police report about a crime that never happened or falsely accusing someone of a crime they didn’t commit. These charges are more common than many people realize and are often tied to disputes, misunderstandings, or efforts to gain an advantage in civil or family matters.

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Can Police Search Your Cell Phone Without a Warrant in Arizona?

Cell phones hold a significant amount of private information, including text messages, emails, call logs, and location data. Because of this, law enforcement often seeks access to cell phone data during criminal investigations. However, the Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution protects individuals from unreasonable searches and seizures, meaning police generally need a warrant to search a phone.

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Impaired to the Slightest Degree: What It Means Under Arizona Law

Arizona has some of the strictest DUI laws in the country, including the state’s standard for impairment. One of the most confusing aspects for many Arizona drivers is the term “impaired to the slightest degree.” This standard allows law enforcement to arrest and prosecutors to charge you with a DUI even if your BAC, or blood alcohol concentration, is below the legal limit of 0.08. Understanding how this works is essential if you are facing DUI charges in Arizona for a DUI.

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Impact of DUI on Security Clearance and Background Checks

If you’re facing a DUI arrest in Arizona, you may be wondering how it will affect your security clearance and background check results. Whether you work in government, the military, or in private industry for jobs that require clearances, even a single DUI conviction can raise concerns about your reliability, trustworthiness, and eligibility for a security clearance. Since security clearance holders undergo strict reviews, including assessments of their criminal record, financial history, and personal behavior, a DUI arrest can harm your career.

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Impact of DUI and Substance Charges on Nursing Licenses

Substance-related violations — including being charged with a DUI — can jeopardize a medical career and may lead to the end of your nursing certification career. DUI charges remain among the most serious misdemeanor criminal charges affecting nurses. Arizona’s top five reasons for disciplinary action against nurses. For Arizona nurses, even a first-offense misdemeanor DUI charge or conviction can trigger a license investigation by the Arizona Board of Nursing. The board may treat any DUI charge as a possible sign of substance abuse, which could affect patient safety and the nurse’s ability to practice safely.

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What Happens if You Refuse a Blood Test After a DUI in Arizona

Being arrested for DUI in Arizona can be overwhelming, especially when law enforcement asks you to submit to a breath or blood test. Many people wonder if they have the right to refuse a blood test after being stopped for suspected DUI. However, Arizona’s implied consent law requires drivers to consent to chemical tests like a blood test, breath test, or urine test after being arrested for DUI. Refusing to take a field sobriety test or blood test does not mean you avoid consequences; in fact, it may lead to more severe DUI penalties. In fact, a refusal can lead to immediate license suspension, mandatory blood draw with a warrant, and additional penalties that may impact your driving under the influence case. Understanding how test refusal works in Arizona and how it fits into your DUI defense strategy is critical if you want to protect your driving privileges.

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Criminal Charges Rise During Spring Training in Arizona

Spring Training in Arizona is a highly anticipated event for Major League Baseball fans. People from across the country—and even outside the United States—travel to the Phoenix metropolitan area to watch their favorite teams prepare for the upcoming season. The combination of warm weather, relaxed vacation vibes, and an exciting sports atmosphere often leads to large crowds at games, restaurants, and bars. Unfortunately, these joyful gatherings sometimes come with a downside: an increase in certain criminal charges.
When fans gather for Spring Training, alcohol flows freely in and around the ballparks. The party-like environment can lead to impaired judgment, conflicts, and other risky behaviors that might not arise under normal circumstances.

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Can You Get a DUI on a Golf Cart on Private Property in Arizona?

In Arizona, driving under the influence laws extend beyond traditional cars and trucks, and the question often arises: can you get a DUI while driving a golf cart on private property? The simple answer is yes. Arizona’s DUI statutes are broad, applying not just to public roadways but also to certain private areas that are accessible to the public, such as golf courses or gated communities.

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Can I Get Arrested for Flying a Drone While Intoxicated?

Flying a drone while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is not just a poor decision but also one that could lead to significant legal trouble. Drone usage, both recreational and commercial, has surged in recent years, raising questions about how existing laws apply to drone pilots. In Arizona and across the United States, operating a drone irresponsibly, particularly while intoxicated, can have severe consequences. This article explores the legal framework, highlighting key statutes and offering practical advice for use of drones and its operators to stay on the right side of the law.

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Arizona DUI Laws for ATV: Off-Roading Vehicle Under the Influence

Off-roading in Arizona is a thrilling adventure, with all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), quads, and side-by-side vehicles offering a unique way to explore the state’s rugged landscapes. However, the fun can quickly turn into a legal nightmare if alcohol or drugs are involved. Arizona’s DUI laws are some of the strictest in the nation and apply not just to cars and trucks but also to four-wheelers and other off-road vehicles, emphasizing the seriousness of operating a motor vehicle under the influence. Many drivers are unaware that these laws cover ATVs, leading to unexpected and often severe consequences for recreational vehicle DUIs.

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Can You Get a DUI for Driving a Lawn Mower in Arizona?

Driving under the influence (DUI) is a severe offense in Arizona, often associated with traditional vehicles like cars and trucks. However, the question arises: can someone face a DUI conviction for operating a less conventional vehicle, such as a riding lawn mower? Arizona law takes a broad view of what constitutes a vehicle under DUI statutes, making exploring this topic essential. This article breaks down the legal views, potential consequences, and real-world cases that shed light on how to get charged with a DUI.

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How Does a DUI Charge Impact My Arizona Real Estate License

A DUI charge in Arizona doesn’t just carry legal penalties—it can also have far-reaching effects on your career, especially if you’re a licensed real estate professional. The Arizona Department of Real Estate (ADRE) enforces strict rules to uphold the integrity of the profession. A DUI conviction, whether a misdemeanor or felony, can lead to disciplinary actions, suspension, or even the revocation of your real estate license.

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Can You Be Charged With a Crime for Leaving a Child Alone in a Car in Arizona?

Facing a DUI charge can be stressful, mainly when it stems from an unexpected situation like sleeping in a running car in a parking lot. Many believe staying parked in such conditions is a safe alternative to driving. Still, Arizona’s strict DUI laws often lead to misunderstandings about what constitutes “physical control” of a vehicle. Arizona’s DUI laws are among the most stringent in the nation, and understanding these laws is essential if you find yourself in such a scenario. If you or a loved one are facing a DUI charge, contact Phoenix DUI lawyer Arja Shah today.

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Arizona DUI While Sleeping in a Running Car in a Parking Lot

Facing a DUI charge can be stressful, mainly when it stems from an unexpected situation like sleeping in a running car in a parking lot. Many believe staying parked in such conditions is a safe alternative to driving. Still, Arizona’s strict DUI laws often lead to misunderstandings about what constitutes “physical control” of a vehicle. Arizona’s DUI laws are among the most stringent in the nation, and understanding these laws is essential if you find yourself in such a scenario. If you or a loved one are facing a DUI charge, contact Phoenix DUI lawyer Arja Shah today.

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What Happens If You’re Arrested While Driving Under the Influence for Uber or Lyft?

If you’re a rideshare driver arrested for driving under the influence in Arizona, the consequences can be life-altering. From the arrest process to legal penalties and potential deactivation from Uber or Lyft, understanding your rights is critical. This article explores Arizona’s DUI laws, the impact on your driving record and employment, and why having an experienced lawyer, like those at Shah Law Firm, is essential to protect your future and livelihood.

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Are You Safe From DUI Charges on Your Own Property in Arizona?

A common misconception is that DUI laws only apply to public roads and highways. However, Arizona’s DUI statutes are broad and apply in scenarios many would not expect. Even if you are on your own property, driving under the influence can lead to serious charges. Whether you are in your driveway, on farmland, or attending a private event, you could still face consequences under Arizona law.

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How Does a DUI Conviction Affect Your Car Insurance?

When facing a DUI conviction oIn Arizona, the length of time a DUI affects your car insurance depends on several factors, including how long it remains on your driving record. For most drivers, a DUI impacts insurance rates for seven years. However, some insurance companies may continue to consider your DUI history beyond this period when calculating premiums. Even after the conviction ages off your record, you may still face challenges rebuilding trust with insurance providers. Drivers with multiple DUIs or a history of high-risk behavior could see extended premium increases or difficulty securing coverage at standard rates.

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Can You Travel Internationally With a DUI Conviction | Arja Shah Law

When facing a DUI conviction on your record, life can feel overwhelming. Beyond the legal penalties, it may surprise you that being a person with a DUI can complicate international travel. Many countries, including Canada and South Africa, may deny entry into the country based on criminal history, particularly if the offense occurred within the past 10 years. Japan, one of the strictest countries regarding criminal background checks, and others listed often prevent you from visiting without additional documentation.

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Expungement Options for Misdemeanor DUI Convictions in Arizona

In Arizona, an “expungement” for a DUI conviction operates differently from a traditional expungement in other states. Arizona does not fully erase or remove convictions from records but instead allows for a process called a “set-aside” under ARS 13-905. When a set-aside is granted, the court officially dismisses the judgment of guilt, meaning the conviction no longer appears as a standing judgment on the person’s record.

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Will I Lose my Arizona Teaching License if I Get a DUI?

For teachers, the consequences of a DUI can extend beyond the courtroom. The Arizona State Board of Education expects educators to uphold high ethical standards. A criminal conviction might lead to disciplinary actions like suspension or even revocation of your teaching license. It’s important to understand how these laws specifically affect educators. Being informed empowers you to take proactive steps in your defense and helps you make decisions that can protect your career.

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Thomas - Super Extreme DUI
Argued Police Stop Protocols and Reduced to a Fine

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Jason - Scottsdale DUI
Felony Charges Reduced to Reckless Driving

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Maggie - Mesa Super Extreme DUI
Super Extreme DUI Reduced to First Time Regular DUI

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R. Aguilera - Attempted Murder
Attempted Murder Charges DISMISSED

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Michael - Phoenix DUI Arrest
Felony DUI Charge Reduced to a Fine

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Michael Pittman (Attorney Peer)

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T. McCarty- Extreme DUI Charge Possible 30 Days Jail
Reduced to Reckless Driving and a Fine

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Andrea- Disorderly Conduct and Domestic Violence
Charged Dismissed

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Tyler Goodwill - DUI
Charges Reduced to Minimum
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