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Phoenix Criminal Law Blog

Phoenix employee's identity theft charge creates employer accountability

Recently, two employees of a Phoenix-based company were charged with identity theft. The criminal accusation claims the employees committed identity theft in order to obtain employment.

The two accused employees are from a Phoenix-based company called The Maids of Scottsdale. The accused employees used fake identities to obtain employment with the company. The accused employees were arrested and have been charged with identity theft. Following the arrest, the employer issued a statement confirming its cooperation with local authorities. The employer stated this was the first identity-related issue to arise in 12 years of business. The company continued by stating its continued commitment to the safety of its clients and employees.

Arizona man arrested in Santa Fe online sex investigation

An Arizona man is one of four persons arrested for child sex crimes including soliciting sex with a minor. Ten others are also sought as the Crimes Against Children Unit of the Santa Fe Police department investigates sex crimes committed during a recent online sting operation.

Using the internet to locate minors for the purpose of luring them into sexual acts is considered a crime in Arizona and across the nation under federal and state laws. Sex crimes against children committed by using electronic communications are allegedly easy for investigators to find. It is alleged that these four men set up meetings with underage children for the purpose of sexual activity, prostitution and other sex crimes.

Phoenix teen arrested, accused of causing smoke-shop fatalities

A young teenager from north Phoenix, Arizona, was reported by his parents as a runaway late January, but the 15-year-old boy was later found in Los Angeles, California. During a police department briefing, an officer recognized the photo of a boy he saw sleeping alone outside near a bus station only a day before the briefing.

The Arizona teen was suspected of causing the death of two people and injuring a third in an alleged smoke-shop robbery back in Peoria, Arizona. Police believe that the young man fled to California after allegedly committing the violent crime in his hometown.

Twelve suspects arrested in Arizona drug crime raid

Arizona's Attorney General stated that 12 of 26 suspects were arrested in a drug raid on the Mexican border in Arizona in early February 2012. Drug charges include drug trafficking, conspiracy and money laundering. The attorney general's office stated that 14 suspects are still on the streets.

Allegedly, the suspects were hauling drugs into Arizona and sending cash and guns back into Mexico. The Attorney General stated that the drug, cash and gun running bred violence in the area, in both the United States and Mexico. He also stated that his office would continue working to stop drug trafficking organizations.

Robbery suspect shot by Phoenix store owner

Any incident involving a weapon is considered a dangerous crime because of instrument is one that could cause serious injury or death. When a crime involves a weapon, the possible penalties increase beyond the sentencing guidelines for the lesser offense. When charged with a dangerous offense, obtaining experienced representation becomes even more important.

In Phoenix, an allegedly robbery turned into much more this week after the incident sent a 22-year-old man to the hospital with serious gunshot wounds. Although a weapon was discharged, the individual shot was not the person one would originally assume.

Arizona police seize meth in traffic stop

Over a pound of methamphetamine was confiscated from an Arizona car in Cordes Junction during a routine traffic stop. The driver, a 21-year-old New Mexico man, and his 17-year-old companion were taken into custody for possession of methamphetamine. Authorities waited eight days to announce the arrest so they could continue an investigation into the source of the drugs.

A Yavapai County Sheriff's Office K9 deputy stopped the car for minor violations as it headed north on Interstate 17. A minor traffic violation or equipment failure, such as a broken taillight, can give authorities probable cause to make a traffic stop.

Amendment to AZ Constitution proposed to end legislative immunity

Many state constitutions provide legislative immunity to their lawmakers when it comes to arrest during a legislative session. Arizona has one such clause in the state's Constitution, one that some have claimed has become an avenue for abuse. Some have claimed that legislators use it to avoid criminal charges.

A lawmaker in Arizona proposed amending to state Constitution to delete the clause that provides the immunity. Specifically the language barring legislative arrest 15 days prior to or during a legislative session would be eliminated.

Supreme Court: warrantless GPS tracking violated Fourth Amendment

Technology has no doubt made our lives easier. From our couch we can transfer money, order supplies, shop for a present, share photos with relatives and plan a party for a hundred people. The power provided by technology not only benefits our lives but raises questions about boundaries and privacy.

The Supreme Court was asked to determine whether or not warrantless GPS surveillance by police or prosecutors would violate a suspect's Fourth Amendment rights. The petition arose from the conviction and sentencing of a man in a drug crimes case.

Former City of Prescott employee faces new criminal charges

In a story that has more twists and turns than a daytime soap opera, a former employee of the Prescott, Arizona, city government, was charged with shoplifting from a Target store a few days before Christmas. The woman was already facing felony theft charges, as well as felony fraud and forgery charges, for allegedly stealing property from the city while she was a city employee.

The woman worked at the Elks Theater, which is jointly managed by the city and a non-profit group. In September 2010, she submitted her resignation, as did three of her assistants, accusing her boss of creating a hostile work environment. The city took the accusations seriously and did not accept the resignations, but instead placed the four on paid administrative leave. After investigating the situation, the city removed the woman's boss from his job and invited the employees to return to their jobs.

Arizona husband wants to enforce old adultery law against wife

Legislators are quick to enact new laws. In fact, 2012 brought in hundreds of new laws that became effective at the start of the New Year. The laws are created to reflect the changing needs and views of a society that is constantly changing itself. While new laws are often enacted en mass, it takes a lot longer to revisit old laws that are no longer enforced.

Cheating may be considered a moral crime, but most people do not consider it a criminal offense. This is not so in Arizona. Arizona Revised Statutes, ARS 13-1408 makes it a Class 3 misdemeanor to commit adultery and actionable once one of the spouses complains to an officer of the law. It is one of those laws that has become nearly forgotten, unused and most likely one in need of repeal.

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