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.

Criminal Charges in Scottsdale

The Scottsdale City Court is located at 3700 North 75^th Street, three blocks south of Indian School Road, near Scottsdale Stadium. The Court handles civil traffic and criminal misdemeanor violations, including DUI/DWI charges, city ordinance and code violations, petty offenses, probation violations, protective orders and search warrants.

Criminal and DUI case filings in the Scottsdale City Court and throughout Maricopa County have increased significantly in the past decade resulting from legislative rule changes as well as increased law enforcement programs such as the DUI Task Force. Jury trial volume has also increased over the years and in 2011, 84% of jury trials were for DUI cases as a result of increased DUI case filings and statute changes (www.scottsdaleaz.gov/courts).

For additional information regarding DUI/DWI defense, please visit our DUI website.

If you have been arrested by Scottsdale Police Department and cited into the Scottsdale City Court, contact a Scottsdale Criminal Defense Lawyer for a free evaluation of your case. The Firm handles ANY criminal charge in the Scottsdale City Court and throughout the State of Arizona. Mr. Buckallew has extensive experience as a criminal defense lawyer and a reputation for zealously representing each and every client in order to achieve the best outcome possible in each 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.

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.

With a strong East Valley presence, the Firm has represented countless individuals in the San Tan Regional Court Center, located in Chandler, Arizona. This regional court center houses the Kyrene Justice Court, University Lakes Justice Court, San Marcos Justice Court and the San Tan Justice Court. The primary law enforcement agencies that cite into these Justice Courts include (but are not limited to): Maricopa County Sherriff’s Office (MCSO), Arizona Department of Public Safety-Highway Patrol (DPS), Arizona State University Police Department (ASU PD), and Gila River Tribal Police (non-Indian concurrent jurisdiction matters). These Justice Courts hear criminal misdemeanor cases, which can carry maximum penalties including fines of up to $2,500 (plus surcharges) and incarceration in county jail for up to 6 months (class 1 misdemeanors).

The Firm represents individuals in all types of matters in the San Tan Regional Court Center, including (but not limited to) cases involving criminal misdemeanor and criminal traffic violations such as DUI/DWI/OUI, domestic violence cases, assault, disorderly conduct, criminal damage, aggressive driving, reckless driving, theft, forgery, misconduct involving weapons, and drug violations. The Firm also handles matters involving orders of protection, injunctions against harassment, interference with judicial proceedings and orders of protection violations.

If you have been arrested by MCSO, DPS, ASU PD, Tribal Police, or any other law enforcement agency in the State of Arizona and cited into the San Tan Regional Court Center, including the Kyrene Justice Court, San Tan Justice Court, University Lakes Justice Court or the San Marcos Justice Court, contact the Firm today for a free evaluation of your case.

The Firm represents individuals charged with any misdemeanor violation in the Chandler Municipal Court — including, DUI/DWI, Assault, Disorderly Conduct, Criminal Damage, Criminal Traffic Violations such as Aggressive Driving or Reckless Driving, Domestic Violence, Drug Violations, Endangerment, Interfering with Judicial Proceedings/Violation of Restraining Order, Order of Protection, Juvenile Crimes, Shoplifting, Theft, Threatening or Intimidating, Underage Drinking and all other misdemeanor violations. The Firm also handles appeals. A class 1 misdemeanor in Arizona carries a maximum penalty of up to 6 months in jail and $2,500 fine (plus surcharges).

If you have been issued a criminal traffic citation or received a summons by mail in the City of Chandler, you will be required to appear in court for your Arraignment hearing. A failure to appear in court on your Arraignment date, or any other criminal court date could result in a warrant for your arrest and trial could also proceed in your absence. What can you expect at your Arraignment hearing? At this hearing, you will enter one of three pleas to the charges you are facing, 1) a plea of Not Guilty, 2) a plea of Guilty, or 3) a plea of No Contest. It is critical to seek the advice of counsel and understand the consequences of each of these plea options before making any decisions. Depending on how you plea to the court will determine the next steps in your case.

If you enter of plea of Guilty or a plea of No Contest, the next step will be sentencing which may result in a criminal record, fees and fines, jail and/or probation, possible DMV consequences, possible immigration consequences and required classes, such as alcohol, anger management or other types of classes. Before making these decisions, it is advisable to seek the advice of counsel to understand your rights and legal options.

If you enter a plea of Not Guilty, the Court will set your case for a Pre-Trial Conference hearing. At the Pre-Trial Conference hearing, you and your attorney will have an opportunity to discuss your case with the assigned prosecutor, obtain copies of the discovery, which could include the complaint, police report, witness statements, photographs, audio/video recordings, blood/urine/breath results, and any other evidence the prosecutor will use to prove their case against you in court. If you and your attorney are able to negotiate an acceptable plea resolution at this time then your case will be set for a change of plea and sentencing. However, if the parties are unable to reach agreement on acceptable terms for case resolution, your case may then be set for a bench or jury trial. Whether you are eligible for a jury trial will depend on what type of charges you have pending. Your attorney will be able to advise whether or not your case is eligible for a jury trial. This Firm has handled countless misdemeanor cases and has achieved favorable outcomes in these types of cases, ranging from full dismissal of charges, to acquittal after bench or jury trials, to settling the case to a reduced charged. Every case presents with a unique set of circumstances and no guarantees can be made as to the outcome of your case. The attorney has a reputation for zealously defending each of his clients and will launch an aggressive defense on your behalf.

Diversion Programs – some offenses may be eligible for a diversion program, which is an alternate resolution to the case, usually resulting in dismissal of charges if all program requirements (such as counseling, substance abuse treatment, educational workshops and community work service) are satisfactorily completed.

In the event you are found guilty at trial, you have to right to appeal your conviction but be sure to pay close attention to your appeal deadlines which will be provided to you by the sentencing Judge. You have fourteen days from the date of sentencing to file your Notice of Appeal with the Chandler Municipal Court. The Firm also handles appeals for convictions in the Chandler Municipal Court so contact the Firm for a free consultation regarding your appeal rights, including petitions for post-conviction relief (PCR), special actions, claims of ineffective assistance of counsel, and petitions for clemency.

If you have been charged with any misdemeanor violation in the Chandler Municipal Court, contact the office at (602) 825-3300 for a free case evaluation.

The Firm represents individuals charged with any misdemeanor violation as well as matters involving order’s of protection, restraining order’s and violation of restraining orders in the Gilbert Municipal Court. A class 1 misdemeanor in Arizona carries a maximum penalty of up to 6 months in jail and $2,500 fine (plus surcharges). If you have been issued a criminal traffic citation or received a summons by mail in the Town of Gilbert, you will be required to appear in court for your Arraignment hearing. A failure to appear in court on your Arraignment date, or any other criminal court date could result in a warrant for your arrest and trial could also proceed in your absence. What can you expect at your Arraignment hearing? At this hearing, you will enter one of three pleas to the charges you are facing, 1) a plea of Not Guilty, 2) a plea of Guilty, or 3) a plea of No Contest. It is critical to seek the advice of counsel and understand the consequences of each of these plea options before making any decisions. Depending on how you plea to the court will determine the next steps in your case.

If you enter of plea of Guilty or a plea of No Contest, the next step will be sentencing which may result in a criminal record, fees and fines, jail and/or probation, possible DMV consequences, possible immigration consequences and required classes, such as alcohol, anger management or other types of classes. Before making these decisions, it is advisable to seek the advice of counsel to understand your rights and legal options.

If you enter a plea of Not Guilty, the Court will set your case for a Pre-Trial Conference hearing. At the Pre-Trial Conference hearing, you and your attorney will have an opportunity to discuss your case with the assigned prosecutor, obtain copies of the discovery, which could include the complaint, police report, witness statements, photographs, audio/video recordings, blood/urine/breath results, and any other evidence the prosecutor will use to prove their case against you in court. If you and your attorney are able to negotiate an acceptable plea resolution at this time then your case will be set for a change of plea and sentencing hearing. However, if the parties are unable to reach agreement on acceptable terms for case resolution, your case may then be set for a bench or jury trial. Whether you are eligible for a jury trial will depend on what type of charges you have pending. Your attorney will be able to advise whether or not your case is eligible for a jury trial. This Firm has handled countless misdemeanor cases and has achieved favorable outcomes in these types of cases, ranging from full dismissal of charges, to acquittal after bench or jury trials, to settling the case to a reduced charged. Every case presents with a unique set of circumstances and no guarantees can be made as to the outcome of your case. The attorney has a reputation for zealously defending each of his clients and will launch an aggressive defense on your behalf.

In the event you are found guilty at trial, you have the right to appeal your conviction but be sure to pay close attention to your appeal deadlines which will be provided to you by the sentencing Judge. You have fourteen days from the date of sentencing to file your Notice of Appeal with the Gilbert Municipal Court. The Firm also handles appeals for convictions in the Gilbert Municipal Court so contact the Firm for a free consultation regarding your appeal rights, including petitions for post-conviction relief (PCR), special actions, claims of ineffective assistance of counsel, and petitions for clemency.

The Firm also represents individuals in matters involving order’s of protection, restraining orders, and violations of restraining orders. For more information on these matter’s, please click here.

Contact the Firm today for your free consultation regarding any criminal charge in the Gilbert Municipal Court at (602) 825-3300.