James Palestini
What Are the Criminal Penalties When a Student Brings a Gun to School in Arizona?
In light of a recent story of a 6 year old bringing a gun to campus and shooting his first grade teacher, I figure now is a good time to cover the penalties involved for both the students and the parents in these situations. No funny quips or clever word play this time around -…
Read MoreWhat to Do if You’re Struggling with Drugs or Alcohol (Or Both)
We’ve talked a lot on this blog about different defenses for cases involving possession of drugs and alcohol, or charges that stem from crimes committed when under the influence of one, the other, or both. On occasion, these crimes are the result of poor planning or poor decision making when under the influence, but sometimes…
Read MoreSchool Shootings and Parental Liability
By now, you’re probably familiar with the case of Ethan Crumbley, the alleged Michigan school shooter, and the unprecedented charges against his parents, James and Jennifer. While Ethan faces charges of murder and terrorism, James and Jennifer have both been charged with involuntary manslaughter. While this will obviously have a ripple effect for any and…
Read MoreWrongful Convictions RE: Prosecutors Hiding Evidence
You know how that whole swearing in for court goes? “Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth?” At the heart of every legal battle is the discovery of the truth. That being said, the truth can be subjective, so we uncover the most complete picture of the…
Read MoreThe Power of Attorneys
There’s a good reason why your Miranda Rights tell you that, once arrested, you have the right to an attorney: because having an attorney can make a world of difference in the outcome of your case. This isn’t just a sale’s pitch or a humble brag, either. In law, just like in real life, it’s…
Read MoreProp 207 Expungement
As we’ve talked about before, things are changing in the legal landscape of Arizona now that Prop 207 has passed. You’ve probably already seen the changes locally, and the future of recreational marijuana use looks bright in the valley. With our definitely-not-red eyes to the future, however, a lot of questions have come up about…
Read MoreStreet Racing Defense in Arizona
Now I know none of you have ever done this, but you’ve definitely seen someone else do it. At the very least you’ve heard it. The revving of engines. The squealing of tires. Nascar drivers do it, you saw it, and now you have to know what all the fuss is about. That’s right, we’re…
Read MoreShoplifting Defense in Arizona
With everything going on, maybe it’s been a while since you’ve been shopping in-person. However, with the added economic hardship the Covid-19 pandemic has added to many families, cases of shoplifting are on the rise in the US. In some Arizona jurisdictions, incidences of shoplifting or other thefts from retailers have increased nearly 250%! Going…
Read MoreDomestic Violence Defense in Arizona
The idea behind the COVID stay-at-home orders seemed reasonable enough: you’re safer at home than you are in public. At least, that would be the hope. While you might have a lower chance of contracting the virus at home, more people than ever, especially in Arizona, are finding themselves the victim of something much more…
Read MoreSet-Asides in Arizona
You’ve been convicted of a crime. Happens to the best of us. But what happens when you set out to find a new job, or rent a new home? Even though your conviction is in the past, your record is still very much a part of your future. In most states, you have the ability…
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