Once a report has been made about a domestic violence issue, prosecuting the offender then falls into the state’s hands. This means that despite a victim wanting to drop the charges, the state will take over the case and move forward with pressing charges. However, in domestic violence cases, charges may be dismissed if there is a lack of evidence for the case, which is usually the result of a witness or victim who does not wish to cooperate. Often times, victims who want to drop domestic violence charges against offenders that are close to them make it more difficult for the state to make a conviction. However, Arizona imposes harsh penalties for perpetrators of domestic violence and an uncooperative victim may not be enough to get charges dropped.

Arizona has very strict laws regarding sexual assault offenses, and registration in Arizona often lasts an entire lifetime.

Sexual assault crimes that would result in a mandatory registration for a sex offender includes:

• Sexual abuse of a minor
• Kidnapping a minor that is not your child
• Sexual assault
• Sexual conduct with a minor (statutory rape), especially repeated and continual conduct
• Sex trafficking and/or prostitution of a minor
• Sexual exploitation and/or sexually luring a minor

However, registering as a sex offender in Arizona is ranked on three different tiers.

• Tier 3: This type of registration involves heinous and violent sexual assault crimes because the perpetrators represent a more severe risk. When registering as a level 3 sex offender, you can expect to have your name, photo and record sent to schools and neighborhoods near your residence, as well as potential employers. Additionally, a press release will be sent to the media detailing your record and information.
• Tier 2: Sex offenders that are deemed to be a “level 2” offender may need to notify their registration to close neighborhoods and schools.
• Tier 1: Registration information is only shared with roommates and other law enforcement agencies.

For all of these tiers, sex offenders only have ten days to register. Perpetrators of sexually violent crimes will not be allowed to live within 1000ft of public schools or daycare centers.

There are key differences between a simple assault charge and an aggravated assault charge, which is typically defined based on the severity of the case. A simple assault charge, which frequently results in a misdemeanor charge, can be punishable up to 12 months in prison along with a maximum fine of $2,500. Simple assault charges are typically the result of the following factors:

• Causing a physical injury to somebody
• Intending to inflict a physical injury on somebody, or touching them with the intent of harm
• Making someone else fear a possible infliction of harm

Aggravated assault charges stem from much more severe and malicious intent and action. An aggravated assault charge is a class 3 felony and can result in a much lengthier prison sentence and heavier fines. Aggravated assault charges may result from the following factors:

• Causing severe physical harm
• Physical harm was inflicted after trespassing on somebody’s private property
• The victim is a public law enforcement agent, firefighter, teacher, public official, etc.
• Assault was carried out with a deadly weapon
• Victim’s injury results in disfigurement or a fracture, can be temporary or permanent

Essentially, the results of an aggravated assault charge are more serious than that of a simple assault charge. Malicious intent and severe injury is typical of aggravated assault cases.

Arizona has a strict, 30-day hold policy on vehicles impounded from owners who were charged with extreme DUI, aggravated DUI or underage DUI. Under A.R.S 28-3511 police are required to impound all vehicles for a 30-day minimum for all arrests made pursuant to these violations.

For those with an impounded vehicle coupled with a 30-day hold, there are ways to retrieve your car early under limited circumstances. For example, a spouse may be able to retrieve the impounded car early despite a hold, given that the spouse agrees not to let the offender drive his/her vehicle for one year or the length of the DUI license suspension. Additionally, any “co-owners” listed on the vehicle title are also able to get the car out of impound. Co-owners may include a financing company that granted a car loan to the offender, meaning that the financing company can help get the vehicle from impound. Read more

In Arizona, selling prescription drugs that are specifically prescribed to you, by a doctor, in order to treat a specific condition is illegal. You cannot sell drugs that are prescribed to you to others. Arizona has the 6^th highest mortality rate for drug overdoses in the nation, and the majority of these overdoses are caused by prescription drug use. Because of this, Arizona law enforcement has cracked down on prescription drug dealing through an increase in prosecutions and arrests. Additionally, Arizona has strict laws for health care providers who grant prescriptions to patients who do not actually need the drug. Additional examples of crimes involving prescription drug fraud include: forging a prescription, using another person’s prescription, or altering a medical prescription (such as changing the dosage).