Secret Juror Investigations in Maricopa County Raise Serious Concerns
ABC15 recently reported that prosecutors with the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office used detectives and a confidential FBI database to secretly investigate jurors in a death penalty case. As a criminal defense attorney, I think this raises some serious concerns. According to ABC15’s reporting, prosecutors first asked the judge to remove certain jurors based in part…
Read MoreJames Palestini Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® 2027 Edition
James P. Palestini, founder of Palestini Law in Phoenix, Arizona, has been recognized in the 2027 edition of The Best Lawyers in America® for his work in two practice areas: Criminal Defense: General Practice Criminal Defense: White-Collar Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review process in which attorneys evaluate the professional abilities of their…
Read MorePhoenix Fireworks Laws for the Fourth of July: What Is Legal and What Can Get You Into Trouble?
Every year around the Fourth of July, Phoenix residents head to fireworks stands to celebrate Independence Day. But many people are surprised to learn that not all fireworks are legal in Arizona, and even fewer are legal to use within the City of Phoenix. Understanding Arizona’s fireworks laws can help you avoid citations, fines, and…
Read MoreChandler Delays Vote on Flock License Plate Cameras Amid Privacy Concerns
Chandler is putting the brakes on a decision about its controversial Flock license plate reader cameras after residents raised concerns about privacy and data collection. The city council was expected to vote on extending Chandler’s contract with Flock Safety, but after extensive public comment during Thursday’s meeting, officials decided to postpone the vote until July…
Read MoreArizona Ebike Laws: Know the Difference Before You Ride This Summer
As we start the quick transition from whatever we count as spring into summer, chances are you’re probably headed out and about in a vehicle with air conditioning, tinted windows, and a pair of oven mitts in the glovebox. For those of you brave or seasoned enough by the Arizona sun, this might actually be…
Read MoreDomestic Violence Charges in Phoenix, Arizona: What to Expect in Your Case
Facing Charges in Phoenix? Here’s the Reality If you’ve been charged with domestic violence in Phoenix, your case will likely be handled in: Phoenix Municipal Court (misdemeanors) Maricopa County Superior Court (felonies) And each has its own process—but the stakes are serious in both. How Domestic Violence Cases Start in Phoenix Most cases begin with:…
Read MoreHow to Get a Domestic Violence Charge Dismissed in Arizona
The Question Everyone Asks If you’ve been charged with domestic violence, your first question is probably: “How do I get this dismissed?” The answer: it depends on the evidence—and how the case is handled early. Dismissals Don’t Just “Happen” There’s a common misconception that cases get dropped because: The other person changes their story They…
Read MoreArrested for Domestic Violence in Arizona: What to Do Immediately
The First 24 Hours Matter More Than You Think If you’ve just been arrested for domestic violence in Arizona, everything moves fast. You may have already been: Taken into custody Released with conditions Served with an Order of Protection Given a court date And right now, you’re probably asking: what do I do next? Here’s…
Read MoreFirst-Time Domestic Violence Charge in Arizona: What You’re Really Facing
“It’s My First Time—Will This Go Away?” This is one of the most common assumptions—and one of the biggest misconceptions. Just because it’s your first offense does not mean it’s minor. What a First-Time DV Charge Can Lead To Even without prior history, you could be facing: Jail time Probation 26-week domestic violence classes Fines…
Read MoreCan the Victim Drop Domestic Violence Charges in Arizona? (Short Answer: No)
This Is the Most Common Question We Get “Can they just drop the charges?” Short answer: No. Longer answer: it’s not up to them. Who Actually Controls the Case? Once police are involved, the case belongs to the State of Arizona. That means: The prosecutor decides whether to file charges The prosecutor decides whether to…
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