If you are facing criminal charges in Phoenix, a Board Certified Criminal Defense Attorney with this Firm offers a free, no obligation evaluation of your case. Mr. Buckallew has focused his practice primarily on criminal and DUI defense, representing countless individuals in Phoenix and throughout the State of Arizona for over the course of his career. The Firm has defended a wide range of criminal cases, from Disorderly Conduct and Domestic Violence cases to DUI cases all the way up to First Degree Murder cases. Mr. Buckallew has handled countless cases in the Phoenix courts – both the Phoenix Municipal Court (misdemeanor criminal/misdemeanor DUI) and the Maricopa County Superior Court (felony criminal/felony DUI). The Firm also represents individuals in the Maricopa County Justice Courts located in Phoenix, including the Arcadia Biltmore Justice Court, Desert Ridge Justice Court, Downtown Justice Court, Encanto Justice Court, Dreamy Draw Justice Court, Maryvale Justice Court, McDowell Mountain Justice Court, Moon Valley Justice Court, South Mountain Justice Court, and the West McDowell Justice Court (misdemeanor criminal/misdemeanor DUI). In addition to criminal and DUI cases, Mr. Buckallew also represents plaintiffs or defendants in Injunction Against Harassment/Order of Protection proceedings as well as Interfering with Judicial Proceedings cases.

If you are charged with a DUI in Phoenix, it is critical to seek competent legal counsel as these cases can result in significant fees/fines, potential for incarceration, increased insurance premiums, college/career repercussions, possible suspended or revoked driver’s license, possible probation, and the possibility of ignition interlock requirements and alcohol classes. DUI litigation requires knowledge in both criminal defense as well as a thorough understanding of the scientific evidence (blood, breath, etc.) and Mr. Buckallew has significant experience in both of these areas. With his Law Degree and continuing legal education along with his Master’s Degree in Forensic Science, Mr. Buckallew understands both the science behind the evidence as well as the potential legal defenses inherent in DUI cases. He has handled all types of DUI cases including (but not limited to), 1st Time DUI, DUI Involving an Accident, Underage DUI, Extreme DUI, Super Extreme DUI, Aggravated DUI, DUI with Multiple Priors, DUI Involving Homicide (or Injury), and DUI – Drugs. He has achieved successful outcomes for countless clients over the years, including full case dismissals, not guilty jury trial verdicts, favorable plea agreements, and aggressively defends each and every case he handles.

Mr. Buckallew has also handled a wide range of criminal cases – both misdemeanor and felony, including (but not limited to), Assault, Domestic Violence, Drug Possession, Drug Sales, Drug Crimes, Juvenile Crimes, Shoplifting, Misconduct Involving Weapons, Theft Crimes, White Collar Crimes, Minor in Possession, Minor in Consumption, Burglary, Reckless Driving, Disorderly Conduct, Violation of Restraining Orders, Prostitution, Sex Crimes, Homicide and Murder. He has a track record for zealously defending each and every client and has achieved successful outcomes in countless cases over the course of his career.

Contact the Firm today for a free case evaluation if you have a criminal or DUI charge in Phoenix.

**This blog should be used for informational purposes only. It does not create an attorney-client relationship with any reader and should not be construed as legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact the Firm to schedule a consultation regarding your case.

What is a crime involving moral turpitude?

According to Black’s Law Dictionary, moral turpitude is defined as “Conduct that is contrary to justice, honesty or morality.” It is important to understand the consequences if convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude (CIMT), particularly as it relates to immigration matters. These types of crimes can also have an impact on a person’s ability to pursue meaningful employment, as prospective employers may call into question, a person’s honesty or integrity if these types of crimes are found during a background search.

What types of crimes are deemed to be crimes involving moral turpitude? The more common crimes include the following:

• Crimes against a person such as Murder, Voluntary or Reckless Manslaughter, and Kidnapping are considered CIMT’s. Immigration law also considers Child Neglect, Child Abuse, Domestic Violence, Stalking and repeated Harassment as CIMT’s.
• Sexual Offenses such as Rape, Prostitution and Possession of Child Pornography are considered CIMT’s.
• Crimes Against Property such as Breaking and Entering to commit Larceny, crimes of Theft, and Trafficking in Counterfeit Goods are considered CIMT’s.
• Crimes Involving Fraud – Most crimes involving Fraud either against the government or individuals are considered CIMT’s, as well as making false statements to obtain a passport, driver’s license, firearm application, passing bad checks, and fraudulent use of a social security number.

The immigration consequences, if convicted of a Crime Involving Moral Turpitude can lead to deportation under U.S. immigration statutes, if an alien has no U.S. immigration status. The alien is subject to exclusion from the U.S. for a minimum of 15 years and can also establish a basis for deportation, under certain circumstances, of aliens who have some immigration status, according to a recent article in The Champion magazine (published by NACDL). Because of the significant immigration consequences associated with Crimes Involving Moral Turpitude, it is critical to seek the advice of an experienced attorney who understands the impact of these types of crimes, before making any decisions in your case.

Not only can these crimes have an impact on immigration status, but CIMT’s can also have long term consequences for citizens of this country, particularly in an individual’s pursuit of a meaningful career. It can be very difficult to gain employment with a criminal record and the stigma of this record can follow a person for a lifetime. While there are laws protecting individuals from employment discrimination, public employers in the State of Arizona may deny employment to an individual with a criminal record if there is a reasonable correlation between the type of conviction and the position being sought after. For example, if a person has a drug conviction, an employer may determine that this will have no impact on handling the duties of an office clerk, if that individual is otherwise qualified. However, if the person is seeking a position as a pharmacist, then the drug conviction may be an impediment to obtaining a position in this field. As such, employers such as banks or other financial institutions, cashiers, or other positions that involve the handling of money or other valuable items, may be hesitant to hire someone who has been convicted of Theft, Fraud, Financial Crimes, or other Crimes Involving Moral Turpitude. Because the laws regarding employment, with respect to convictions of crimes involving moral turpitude are riddled with complexities, it is imperative that you seek the advice of legal counsel before making any decisions that may have a long lasting impact on your livelihood.

Contact the Firm today for a free evaluation of your case, if you have been charged with a Crime Involving Moral Turpitude, or any other criminal charge. The Firm represents individuals in Gilbert, Scottsdale, Chandler, Mesa, Tempe, all surrounding East Valley Cities, Phoenix, and all surrounding West Valley Cities.

**This blog should be used for informational purposes only. It does not create an attorney-client relationship with any reader and should not be construed as legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact the Firm to schedule a consultation regarding your case.

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