Apache Junction Municipal Court Criminal Cases

If you were cited for a misdemeanor criminal violation by the Apache Junction Police Department, within the city limits of Apache Junction, you were likely cited into the Apache Junction Municipal Court. The types of cases which could be cited into this court could include, DUI (1st Time DUI, Extreme DUI, Super Extreme DUI, Underage DUI), Assault, Disorderly Conduct, Criminal Damage, Domestic Violence or any other criminal misdemeanor charges. The courthouse is located at:

300 East Superstition Boulevard, Apache Junction, AZ

The Court operates on a 4-day schedule and the hours of operation are Monday-Thursday 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM.

As with any courtroom, the Apache Junction Municipal Court has certain standards of conduct and etiquette in the courthouse. While formal attire is not required, clothing should be free of offensive/controversial slogans, no hats, or cut-off shorts. Recommended attire would be conservative clothing, ‘business casual’ or something you would wear to church. Your appearance should not distract from your case or your defense. Your attorney will give you more specific instructions regarding what your role in the courtroom will be, as this will depend on the various types of hearings in criminal cases.

The most common types of cases we typically see in the Apache Junction Municipal Court, include DUI (including 1st Time DUI, Extreme DUI, Super Extreme DUI, and Underage DUI), Disorderly Conduct, Domestic Violence, Shoplifting and Assault. At this Firm, we have experience handling all types of misdemeanor (and felony) criminal cases in the Apache Junction Municipal Court and in courts throughout the Valley as well as statewide.

If you have been charged with any criminal case in Apache Junction, please contact the office for a free evaluation of your case. You will meet with a Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist – Attorney Trent Buckallew, who will discuss both the details of your case as well as the legal defenses which may be pursued in your case. With nearly 20 years of experience in litigating criminal and DUI cases of all types, Mr. Buckallew can answer any questions you have regarding the court process, defense and litigation goals and the best course of action in your case.

**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.

As Glendale is gearing up to host the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots on February 1^st we want to welcome an estimated 100,000 out of town visitors expected to visit the Valley of the Sun for Super Bowl XLIX. According to AZCentral.com, Phoenix area airports (including Scottsdale Airport, Phoenix Deer Valley Airport, Goodyear Airport, Glendale Municipal Airport, Mesa’s Falcon Field Airport, Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport, Chandler Municipal Airport, and of course Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport) have been preparing for this increased air traffic for several months, anticipating over 1,000 additional private aircraft along with commercial and charter jets.

The NFL will be hosting the Super Bowl Experience activities at the Phoenix Convention Center the week leading up to the super bowl. According to azsuperbowl.com – along with the many interactive attractions, games, exhibits and other activities, fans will also be able to find many other venues and activities around town including the 2015 Pro Bowl on January 25^th at University of Phoenix Stadium, the 2015 Waste Management Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale (1/26/15-2/1/15), Super Bowl XLIX Media Day (1/27/15), Verizon Super Bowl Central – a free, family-friendly, football themed outdoor fan fest taking over Downtown Phoenix (1/28/15-2/1/15), along with many other events leading up to the big game.

And of course with any event of this scale, law enforcement agencies from around the valley are coordinating efforts to ensure the safety of all residents – both locals and visitors alike. With a week filled with Super Bowl events spread across the valley between Glendale, Phoenix and Scottsdale, police officers from Glendale PD, Phoenix PD and Scottsdale PD will be working off-duty shifts in addition to all regularly scheduled shifts in these departments. Additionally, other agencies – both local and federal, are providing the assistance of their officers, including Gilbert PD, Tempe PD, Mesa PD and Prescott PD, along with regional cooperation of over 50 agencies. The City of Phoenix is hosting the major events – both Super Bowl Central covering several blocks in downtown Phoenix, as well as the Super Bowl Experience at the Phoenix Convention Center. The City of Scottsdale will be hosting many out town visitors in local resorts both for the Super Bowl and the WM Phoenix Open. The Super Bowl itself as well as the Pro Bowl will be played at University of Phoenix Stadium in the City of Glendale.

Whether you’re participating in some of the many Super Bowl activities in Phoenix and around the valley, or taking time out to enjoy our fantastic weather with a hike up Camelback Mountain, a stroll through the Phoenix Desert Botanical Gardens, dining or shopping along historic Mill Avenue in Tempe, or checking out Historic Downtown Glendale – there will be no shortage of activities to fill your days. Enjoy the festivities, celebrate responsibly and remember to use a designated driver, utilize the light rail, taxi service or Uber.

In the event you find yourself facing DUI charges during super bowl week, it is critical to seek the advice of competent legal counsel before making any decisions in your case as Arizona has some of the toughest DUI laws in the country. Outlined below are some of the common DUI violations along with associated penalties:

Misdemeanor DUI (1^st Offense) – BAC between .08% – .149%

Minimum Penalties include 10 days jail (9 can be suspended if court ordered alcohol classes are completed successfully), over $1,500.00 in fees/fines (plus jail costs), vehicle ignition interlock device and a 90-day license suspension.

Misdemeanor Extreme DUI (1^st Offense) – BAC between .15% – .199%

Minimum Penalties include 30 days jail (all but 9 days can be suspended with the installation of ignition interlock for 12-months), over $2,500.00 in fees/fines (plus jail costs), vehicle ignition interlock device and a 90-day license suspension.

Misdemeanor Super Extreme DUI (1^st Offense) – BAC at or above .20%

Minimum Penalties include 45 days jail (all but 14 days can be suspended with the installation of ignition interlock for 12-months), over $3,000.00 in fees/fines (plus jail costs), vehicle ignition interlock device and a 90-day license suspension.

Felony Aggravated DUI (1^st Offense)

While many DUI charges are classified as misdemeanors in the State of Arizona, there are some circumstances which can result in DUI charges being classified as a felony, or ‘Aggravated DUI‘. The primary factors in felony Aggravated DUI charges include:

Class 4 Felony:

• Driving on a restricted, suspended or revoked license at the time of the DUI
• Two prior DUI/DWI/OUI convictions (in any state) within the past 84 months

Minimum Penalties include 4 months in prison, over $5,500.00 in fees/fines, 3 year license revocation, mandatory drug/alcohol evaluation and treatment program, up to 10 years’ probation and vehicle ignition interlock device.

Class 6 Felony:

• Driving with a minor child (under the age of 15) in the car at the time of the DUI

Minimum Penalties include a minimum of 10 days jail but increases based on BAC levels, over $4,500.00 in fees/fines, 3 year license revocation, up to 10 years’ probation, drug/alcohol evaluation and treatment program and vehicle ignition interlock device.

Please visit our Arizona DUI website for more in depth information regarding Arizona DUI charges and penalties. The Firm handles all DUI cases throughout the entire State of Arizona – both misdemeanor and felony, including 1st Time DUI, Extreme DUI, Super Extreme DUI, Aggravated DUI, DUI – Drugs, DUI Involving an Accident, Underage DUI or any other drug or alcohol DUI you may have been charged with. The Firm handles cases in City/Municipal Courts in Phoenix, Tempe, Scottsdale, Gilbert, Mesa, Chandler, Glendale and throughout the entire valley. The Firm also handles cases in all Maricopa County Justice Courts throughout the valley as well as the Maricopa County Superior Court. The Firm also handles ANY criminal charge in Phoenix and throughout the State of Arizona, including (but not limited to) Disorderly Conduct, Criminal Damage, Assault, Littering, Shoplifting, Drug Crimes, Juvenile Crimes and Reckless Driving.

If you are facing DUI charges in Phoenix, contact the Firm today for a free evaluation of your case. Mr. Buckallew is a Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist and has significant experience in litigating DUI cases in Phoenix courts and throughout the State of Arizona.

**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.

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.

If you have been charged with disorderly conduct, you may be a bit confused about the crime for which you have been accused. Disorderly conduct can be a confounding charge, because it is a very broad and subjective criminal violation which involves various offenses such as disturbing the peace or causing a commotion. In Arizona, the criminal statutes define disorderly conduct and outline which offenses can constitute this particular crime.

The Arizona State Legislature delineates in §13-2904 that this crime is committed when any person disturbs the peace or quiet of a neighborhood, family, or person. A person can be charged with disorderly conduct in Arizona if he/she engages in fighting or any violent or other disruptive behavior. While a person may also be charged with assault for this type of behavior, it will depend upon the circumstances of the incident. Often-times a person is charged with disorderly conduct combined with other violations, such as assault, criminal damage and other similar violations.

Additionally, if a person makes unreasonable noise with disregard to others, or uses abusive and offensive language or gestures towards any other person present that is likely to provoke physical retaliation, this can be considered disorderly conduct. It is also disorderly conduct to make a protracted commotion with the intent to prevent the transaction of a business in a lawful meeting, gathering or procession.

For example, unnecessary gestures and motions to prevent a transaction can be considered disorderly conduct in some circumstances. Also, if a person refuses to obey lawful order and disperse after he or she is told that he or she is breaking fire code or is not acting in the best interest of the safety of others, this be considered disorderly conduct. Recklessly handling, displaying, or discharging a deadly weapon or another dangerous instrument is considered a class 6 felony charge, whereas all other behaviors described above are considered a Class 1 misdemeanor charge.

To learn more about disorderly conduct and other related crimes, please visit our website here and here. If you have been charged with disorderly conduct and are seeking representation, contact the Firm today to arrange a free case evaluation to discuss your case with an experience criminal defense attorney.

Attorney Trent Buckallew is a dedicated and experienced East Valley criminal defense lawyer who is focused on defending individuals charged with a crime Mesa, Phoenix, Scottsdale and surrounding valley cities. You can read more about him by liking the Firm on Facebook. Check out the client testimonials to see what others are saying about this experienced and aggressive Mesa criminal defense lawyer!

If you have been charged with a crime in Phoenix, Arizona, or surrounding valley cities, you may be worried and apprehensive about the future. An experienced criminal defense attorney can launch an aggressive defense on your behalf and advocate for you in court. Whether you have been charged with a sex crime, internet crime, violent crime, DUI, drug crime, or any other criminal violation, it is critical to seek counsel from an attorney with proven results to assist in your defense. Mr. Buckallew is a Mesa area criminal defense lawyer with the experience and track record to handle any criminal matter in the valley and throughout the State of Arizona.

Check out our client testimonials page to see what others are saying about Attorney Trent Buckallew. He has been described as informative, personable, knowledgeable, and compassionate. Mr. Buckallew cares about each and every client and has a reputation for zealously defending his clients in court. He has extensive experience in conducting a thorough defense investigation, proven ability to litigate any legal issues which may exist in a case, and negotiating the most favorable resolution possible in each case. Mr. Buckallew has also taken countless cases to trial, including misdemeanor bench trials and complex felony jury trials, with many cases resulting in acquittals or hung juries.

Mr. Buckallew was born in San Diego, California and grew up in Tempe, Arizona. He received his Bachelor’s Degree in Justice Studies from Arizona State University (Tempe, AZ) and then attended the California Western School of Law (San Diego, CA) for his Juris Doctorate degree. From there, he passed the Arizona bar exam and accepted a position at the Mohave County Public Defender’s Office, and subsequently, moved to the Maricopa County Public Defender’s Office. At these public defense firms, Mr. Buckallew was able to gain invaluable trial experience and a greater understanding of the criminal justice system. During this time, he handled countless cases ranging from simple midemeanors to complex felony matters.

Mr. Buckallew is very skilled in handling both bench trials and jury trials, and also has significant experience in conducting pre-trial plea negotiations as well as settlement conferences. After years of experience in the public defense firms, Mr. Buckallew established his own solo practice, with an emphasis on criminal defense litigation and also handles select civil matters involving mental health Title 36 hearings (court order for treatment) as well as PSRB (Psychiatric Security Review Board) matters, and Injunctions Against Harrassment. Because he has a statewide practice, Mr. Buckallew can represent any individual in any court in the State of Arizona. This means that whether your case is under the jurisdiction of a City Court, a Municipal Court, a Justice Court or a Superior Court, Mr. Buckallew can represent you in these proceedings.

In addition to his law degree, Attorney Buckallew also earned a Master of Forensic Sciences degree from the National University (San Diego, CA). This unique educational background enables him to have an in depth understanding of both the legal side of a case as well as the forensic aspect inherent in criminal cases. Having an attorney who understands the complexity of the science behind the evidence, including the potential weaknesses of the scientific evidence in your case, can help ensure that you are properly represented and defended in court.

Mr. Buckallew belongs to many professional DUI and criminal defense organizations in order to keep abreast of the dynamic and ever changing practice of criminal and DUI litigation. He is an active member of The National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL), the State Bar of Arizona, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), and the Arizona Attorneys for Criminal Justice (AACJ). He also belongs to the National College for DUI Defense (NCDD), The American Psychology-Law Society, Division 41 of the American Psychological Association and the American Academy of Forensic Science (AAFS). Mr. Buckallew has completed the Advanced Trial Skills Academy at the Institute for Criminal Defense Advocacy and also participated in the Arizona Forensic Science Academy.

Attorney Trent Buckallew has been nominated as one of the National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Trial Attorneys for 2012, a high honor that recognizes those attorneys who exemplify superior qualifications. With his educational background and extensive experience, Mr. Buckallew is well equipped to handle your case with both expertise and professionalism. He understands both the short term and long term impacts of a criminal conviction and will work tirelessly to resolve your case under the most favorable terms possible.

According to his Avvo account, Mr. Buckallew has been rated a 7.8/10 on the Avvo rating system. This is very high, and shows that he is a well regarded attorney. Clients have rated Mr. Buckallew under a variety of categories, and he has been able to maintain a perfect score regarding his professional conduct and his client reviews. Because of his experience and knowledge, Mr. Buckallew was invited to speak at the APDA Statewide Conference on the topic of Mental Health Law (2006) and has also published two eBooks entitled ‘Arizona Criminal Defense Strategies’ and ‘Arizona DUI/Criminal Traffic Defense Strategies’. For a free copy of one (or both) of these books, submit your name and e-mail to the Firm via the home page of their website.

You can learn more about the Firm on our Facebook page, as well as Mr. Buckallew’s Google+ profile, the Firm’s HG listing, their Insider Pages profile or at their Merchant Circle listing. Follow us on Twitter as well to get more information regarding criminal defense related issues. If you have additional questions regarding your case or any area of criminal law, be it white collar crime, probation violations, or shoplifting, contact the Firm today. The Firm can also be contacted by e-mail at info@crim-law.info Whether this is a first time criminal violation, a probation violation, or you want to appeal your case, the Firm can help! Contact the Firm today to arrange a free evaluation of your criminal case.

Are ‘Bath Salts’ Illegal in Arizona?

According to a recent article by Arizona State University’s State Press, Arizona Senate and House Bills were recently signed into law by Governor Brewer, making the “creation, sale and use” of chemicals used in making Bath Salts illegal in the State of Arizona. These designer drugs have become increasingly sought-after given the widespread availability and access to these drugs, the ease in which they can be made, and the belief that the affects mimic those of methamphetamines, ecstasy and cocaine. One of the growing concerns is that it is easy to circumvent existing laws against these types of drugs – Bath Salts (other common names include Blue Silk, Cloud 9, Drone, Stardust, Vanilla Sky, and White Lightning), Spices, and other similar drugs, by substituting one or more of the ‘banned’ ingredients. Some of the reported effects after ingesting these kinds of drugs have included nausea, paranioa, elevated heart rate, irritability, aggressive and violent behavior, hallucinations, seizures, and perspiration which can lead to individuals removing their clothing and subsequently being found naked after using Bath Salts. Local news reports also cite an addiction specialist at a drug and alcohol rehab center in Scottsdale who has indicated that addiction to bath salts has increased over 200 percent in the past 6 months. U.S. Poison Control Centers have also reported a massive increase in the number of Bath Salts related calls received, with zero reports in 2009, 302 reports in 2010 and 4,000 reports in 2011, according to a news release by the City of Tucson Police Department.

According to the Phoenix New Times, the Tempe Police Department has reported multiple allegations recently of individuals affected by Bath Salts. In one instance, a 23-year old was allegedly found slamming himself against walls and then running nude through a Tempe neighborhood after admitting to ingesting Bath Salts. In another incident, a 21-year old crashed his truck in a parking garage of an apartment complex near Arizona State University. According to witnesses, the individual was fully naked when he got out of his vehicle, and later admitted to police that he had taken Bath Salts. According to court documents, this individual – an ASU student, now has a DUI charge pending against him. In the third instance, an 18-year old was found in the bathroom at a local coffee shop in Tempe, allegedly barricading himself in the bathroom and when entry was gained by Tempe Police, he was said to be completely naked, acting delusional and claimed he was being eaten alive by bugs. Police say he is facing a criminal damage charge as the bathroom was allegedly “trashed” with broken mirrors and covered with “quite a bit of blood”. There was also a recent case where Tempe Police pulled a naked man out of Tempe Town Lake and another report of a carjacking in Scottsdale by a naked man – both allegedly under the effects of Bath Salts.

The manufacture, sale and use of Bath Salts has been banned both on local and state levels here in Arizona, as well as at the federal level. Resulting charges from using, selling, or manufacturing Bath Salts, or any other illegal drugs, can include Driving Under the Influence (DUI), Drug Possession, Drug Use or Drug Sales, Disorderly Conduct, Criminal Damage, Assault, and other criminal violations. Being arrested for Bath Salts or other drug violations can have a significant and long lasting impact on your life as you could be facing felony or misdemeanor drug charges which can result in harsh consequences. Prison, jail, fees, fines, probation, a criminal record, and other harsh penalties can be levied against those convicted of drug crimes involving Bath Salts and other illegal drugs. Hiring an attorney familiar with Bath Salts cases may increase your chances of avoiding the significant penalties often associated with these types of drug convictions. The Law Offices of Trent R. Buckallew, PC is committed to focusing on your case, launching an aggressive defense on your behalf, and working towards the most favorable outcome possible in your case. Contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer immediately if you are facing Bath Salts or other types of drug charges in Tempe, Scottsdale, Gilbert, Mesa, Chandler, Phoenix, West Valley Cities, or other surrounding areas.

**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.

A class 1 misdemeanor in Arizona carries a maximum penalty of up to 6 months in jail and $2,500 fine (plus surcharges). In addition to the possibility of fines, jail time and/or probation, a criminal record can have long lasting consequences. For college students, a criminal record can impact future scholarship opportunities, extra-curricular and athletic involvement, and future career aspirations. To better understand the serious consequences of a criminal record and discuss your legal options, contact an experienced attorney for a free evaluation of your case.

The Tempe Municipal Court is located at 140 East 5th Street in downtown Tempe, which is two blocks east of Mill Avenue on 5th Street near Sun Devil stadium and historic ‘A Mountain’.

Contact an experienced and aggressive Tempe Criminal Defense Lawyer for a free evaluation of your case.

**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.

Criminal damage charges can range in severity from a low level misdemeanor to a more serious felony, depending on the allegations. For example, if a person recklessly damages property valued at more than $250.00 but less than $1,000.00 dollars, then this would be charged as a class 1 misdemeanor. In the most serious cases, criminal damage can be charged as a class 4 felony if the damages are valued at $10,000 or more (or $5,000 or more if the damages involved the property of a utility). The penalty for misdemeanor criminal damage charges, if convicted, can be up to a maximum of six months in jail and a $2,500.00 fine. Felony charges can result in up to a maximum of 3.75 years in jail. The consequences of a criminal conviction can be significant and long lasting, including a criminal record, exposure to incarceration, fees and fines, probation services, and can have a negative impact on current or future employment aspirations. If you have been charged with a criminal damage violation, the Firm can review your case at no charge and discuss your legal options. Contact the Firm today to arrange your free consultation (602) 825-3300.