Criminal Offenses
Phoenix Police are utilizing agents from the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit to analyze a recent series of unsolved shootings, which have resulted in the deaths of seven people since early this year. The shootings have previously been linked forensically, and an eyewitness sketch of the suspect released. A $30,000 reward for information leading to…
As the ASU semester begins this week, police agencies from several East Valley cities, as well as the Maricopa and Pinal County Sheriff’s offices, will be conducting saturation DUI patrols in Tempe this weekend. Though DUI patrols and checkpoints are conducted year-round, the heaviest activity takes place on and around holiday weekends. For…
Citing reports of safety and security concerns, and amid declining incarceration rates, the US Bureau of Prisons will begin phasing out the use of private prisons for housing of federal inmates. Beginning in the late 90’s, privately owned prisons initially were used to relieve overcrowding, however, the for-profit private prisons save little on costs to…
Nearly 10 years after the suit was filed, and almost five years after being ordered to desist in targeting Latino drivers in traffic stops and well-publicized immigration patrols, Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio, a subordinate and one of his attorneys, are being referred to federal prosecutors for criminal charges stemming from the Melendres, et.al. v.…
6/29/16 Two Phoenix men have been arrested and charged in the shooting of a man they suspected to be driving under the influence (DUI). The incident, which took place on Monday in the Blue Ridge section of Coconino County, began when the men noticed what appeared to be a DUI driver behind them. Themselves…
4/1/16 Police Cannot Delay Concluded Traffic Stop to Conduct Dog Sniff Search The police may stop a motor vehicle when a suspected traffic violation has been committed. Once the traffic violation investigation has ended the police may not continue to detain the occupants of the vehicle, unless the police have reasonable suspicion to believe the…
Arizona Supreme Court Rules Trial Judge Should Have Let Defense Expert Impeach State Firearms Expert
2/4/16 Arizona Rules of Evidence, Rule 702 allows an expert witness to testify if, among other things, the witness is qualified and the expert’s scientific, technical, or other specialized knowledge will help the trier of fact to understand the evidence. Trial courts serve as the “gatekeepers” of admissibility for expert testimony, with the aim of…