Phoenix Arizona Criminal Law Blog

Opioids and unsafe driving

On behalf of Burges McCowan PLC posted in drunk driving on Monday, April 16, 2018.

The use and misuse of opioids in this country has become a hot topic, and some states have noticed a dramatic increase in addiction to them and subsequent effects. Drivers in Arizona who are taking opioid medication for a health condition need to be aware that their effect can greatly affect driving abilities. In fact, if found to be operating under the influence of these controlled substance, the driver may face DUI charges because drugs have been shown to impair driving in a similar manner to alcohol.

According to the American College of Surgeons, medical research has concluded that use of opioids is associated with an increase in motor vehicle accidents because some of the effects of these drugs include confusion and sleepiness. As a result of these findings, experts have encouraged increased efforts to inform patients of the risks of driving and other activities while taking them.

Problems associated with the loss of driving privileges

On behalf of Burges McCowan PLC posted in drunk driving on Friday, April 6, 2018.

Drunk driving charges can bring a wide variety of difficulties into your daily life, from time behind bars to financial penalties, a record that follows you around, and the loss of your good reputation in the community. Having said that, you should not overlook the other ways in which these charges can make life chaotic. For example, you could lose your driving privileges, which could be especially damaging, depending on your responsibilities. As a result, you should do all you can to handle these charges properly and prepare accordingly if you have lost or expect to lose the ability to drive.

If you are a parent, being unable to drive could interfere with your child's life as well. For example, you may no longer be able to provide them with transportation to school, sporting events, or activities they enjoy. Furthermore, losing your license could have a negative impact on your job, whether you need to take public transportation which complicates your daily routine and results in showing up late for work or are unable to get to work altogether. Your ability to pursue your own hobbies may also be negatively affected by the loss of your driver's license.

When false allegations of sex assault arise

On behalf of Burges McCowan PLC posted in violent crimes on Saturday, March 31, 2018.

In recent months, the media has devoted much attention to sexual harassment and sexual assault. People from various walks of life have claimed that they are victims of sexual wrongdoing, often at the hands of those who are in a powerful position. Unfortunately, some people are falsely accused of sexual assault, which may occur for all sorts of reasons. Sometimes, a false accuser may want to get revenge on someone they do not like, while others may want to gain attention or access to compensation. If you have been falsely accused of sexual assault, it is pivotal to explore your options carefully.

When it comes to false sex assault allegations, each situation is unique. Sometimes, a person is falsely accused of this offense by a former spouse, partner, or even a friend. In other instances, these allegations arise after consensual sexual activity, but they may also arise even when no sexual activity of any kind occurred between the accuser and the accused. A person may falsely claim that another sexually assaulted them because they turned down their advance and the accuser felt rejected, for example.

Handling tax fraud allegations

On behalf of Burges McCowan PLC posted in white collar crimes on Saturday, March 24, 2018.

In the middle of tax season, some people have high levels of stress as a result of their taxes and uncertainty about their tax obligations. Moreover, some people find themselves accused of tax fraud, which can be even more stressful. These are serious charges that can have a negative impact on a person's life in a myriad of ways, so it is crucial to handle these allegations properly if you have found yourself in this difficult position.

Tax fraud charges can result in staggering financial penalties, but there are other ways these accusations can disrupt your life. For example, you may need to spend time behind bars, you could lose your job, and your reputation could be permanently damaged. Furthermore, allegations of tax fraud can create significant anxiety, which can place a strain on your relationships and even lead to health problems.

Were reasonable suspicion, probable cause present in your arrest?

On behalf of Burges McCowan PLC posted in blog on Friday, March 23, 2018.

You have found yourself in a predicament in which you face criminal charges for driving under the influence. After the initial panic and anxiety, you may now find yourself thinking more clearly and looking to find out how to best handle your situation. As with any criminal allegation, you have the right to create and present a criminal defense against the DUI charge.

The manner in which you approach your defense may depend on the particular details of your case. Therefore, you may want to begin by assessing the specific actions that took place leading up to and during your arrest. In some cases, officers may make mistakes during the process or may not have had reasonable suspicion for stopping you in the first place.

Other consequences of drug possession charges

On behalf of Burges McCowan PLC posted in drug possession on Sunday, March 18, 2018.

There are various problems associated with drug charges, including the possession of unlawful substances. We have discussed some of the hardships that people in this position may go through on our blog, such as problems in college. We believe it is important to examine some of the other consequences that can upend someone's future when drug charges arise. In Phoenix, and cities across the whole state of Arizona, those who are facing a drug-related charge may have no idea of how to handle their circumstances or the different ways in which these allegations could destroy their future.

If you are charged with drug possession, you could find yourself behind bars, depending on the nature of the alleged offense. Moreover, you could also face financial penalties that are devastating. It is also crucial to look into some of the other ways that these accusations could affect you. Depending on your line of work, you could be fired when your employer discovers the allegations. Or, you might be unable to successfully apply for a particular job in the future. Drug-related charges can close many doors with respect to one's career, which can make it even more difficult to recover and may result in a toxic cycle.

Handling drug possession charges as a parent

On behalf of Burges McCowan PLC posted in drug possession on Friday, March 9, 2018.

On this blog, we have discussed some of the challenges that parents may encounter when their teen is accused of driving under the influence. However, this is certainly not the only legal problem that parents may encounter with respect to their kids. Unfortunately, many teens have also been accused of possessing drugs, which can also have a detrimental impact on their future in different ways. Moreover, some parents find themselves in this position and may worry about how the charges will affect their relationship with their children. When it comes to drug possession charges, carefully handling the case is crucial.

Young people are exposed to drugs in various ways, from friends and classmates at school to some of the media they might consume. As a result, it is no surprise that some are charged with drug possession, which could carry a wide range of consequences, from a family unraveling to fines, time behind bars, and academic problems. Moreover, some people are accused of drug possession because an unlawful substance was planted on them without their knowledge, which can be particularly upsetting. On the other hand, parents who are involved in a custody dispute may worry about how the charges will affect their custody case.

Aggravated assault and its consequences in Arizona

On behalf of Burges McCowan PLC posted in violent crimes on Wednesday, March 7, 2018.

People who commit assault of any kind will face some type of consequences in the state of Arizona. Aggravated assault is taken even more seriously, and those convicted of this felony face major penalties.

There are many different circumstances that constitute aggravated assault, and they are often classified in groups based off who the victim is, what type of weapon is used, the type of injuries sustained and the mental state of the one committing the crime.

How can parents help prevent underage DUI?

On behalf of Burges McCowan PLC posted in drunk driving on Friday, February 23, 2018.

When a young person is charged with driving under the influence, the ordeal can be incredibly stressful for their whole family. Teenagers may worry that their dreams and opportunities will be negatively affected, while parents may be upset with their child's behavior or worry about how others will judge the situation. There are some steps that parents can take, however, to reduce the likelihood that their teenager will get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that parental involvement is an important tool to curb underage drunk driving. Parents should recognize the dangers of this behavior and help their children understand the consequences of drunk driving as well. For example, zero tolerance laws can result in drunk driving charges if a person who has not reached the age of 21 is pulled over with any amount of alcohol in their system. Moreover, peer pressure can play a major role in a young person's decision to drive even though they have consumed alcohol before getting in their vehicle.

What effects can heroin have on you?

On behalf of Burges McCowan PLC posted in blog on Thursday, February 22, 2018.

As you likely know, federal and state governments make illegal the possession and distribution of certain substances. These laws typically work toward keeping individuals safe from the dangerous effects that certain drugs can cause. When controlled substances are distributed through unlicensed individuals, the drugs could hold a greater potential for danger because they may have hazardous additives.

Heroin in particular can pose serious issues to users. Because taking this drug can lead individuals to feel euphoric, many people enjoy the use even though they could face negative effects. If you use heroin, you face the risk of experiencing immediate and long-term negative impacts on your mind and body. Additionally, if authorities believe you possess or intend to distribute the drug, you could face criminal charges.