Month: September 2022

Time Limits for Filing Criminal Charges in Arizona

Should the government have an unlimited amount of time to try to prosecute you? I think that most of us can agree that the answer is no. This is true for many reasons, but the overarching reason is because it just wouldn’t be fair. For example, what if an innocent person was accused of committing

The Fourth Amendment & Traffic Stops (Understanding RAS / PC)

We have all seen the videos online where a person is pulled over for a traffic violation and escalates the situation by being unreasonably difficult, citing the Fourth Amendment as the right to do so. But is the Fourth Amendment really a license to not comply with law enforcements requests? The answer is yes and

Can Misdemeanor Disorderly Conduct Be Charged for Anything?

Disorderly Conduct charges in Arizona can be very serious charges and it can be charged in a number of ways. In fact, disorderly conduct can be charged for so many different actions that it is often referred to as a catch all charge. If law enforcement comes across conduct they believe is illegal (or believe it should be

Felony Disorderly Conduct Can Have Life Long Consequences

Disorderly Conduct charges in Arizona can be very serious charges and it can be charged in a number of ways. In fact, disorderly conduct can be charged for so many different actions that it is often referred to as a catch all charge. If law enforcement comes across conduct they believe (or believe it should be) illegal,

MCAO Says Prohibited Possessor Cases Will Be Prison Mandatory

The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office just changed their policy on how they will be handling cases that involve a firearm. This includes prohibited possessor charges involving a firearm. Here is what you need to know. Prohibited possessor charges in Arizona are legally called Misconduct Involving a Weapon charges. While there are many ways that a person can

The Felony That Can Become a Misdemeanor – Class 6 Undesignated

What Is a Class Six Undesignated Felony? Simply put, a class six undesignated felony (also known as a class six open) is a felony conviction that can be turned into a misdemeanor by the court. One way to think about it is to remember that all felonies are presumptively “designated” or unable to be brought

About the Author – Criminal Defense Lawyer in Phoenix, Arizona

Steven Scharboneau is an Arizona attorney practicing criminal defense law and is also a lobbyist with deep roots in the Phoenix Metro area. While he primarily practices in the area of Arizona criminal law, he also practices in other areas where the opportunity to represent the accused presents itself. Beyond the courtroom, Steven advocates for Arizonans impacted by the criminal justice system by working to change Arizona’s criminal laws. Protecting the rights of others from government intrusion is Steven’s passion in life.

This blog is intended to offer explanations of criminal laws and discuss general and basic legal concepts in Arizona. If you have questions or comments specific to a blog entry, feel free to contact me. Nothing on this site is to be construed as legal advice nor to establish an attorney client relationship. If  you would like  more information regarding  your specific situation, you can contact me 24/7 at (480) 363-0090 or through the Contact Me page on this site.