Arizona Criminal & Family Law Blog

Does Glendale Divorce Decrease Your Life Expectancy?

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST

Could getting divorced mean a decreased life expectancy? The University of Arizona recently released the results of a study that showed people who have gone through a divorce are more likely to die sooner than their married peers. The study was published in Perspectives on Psychological Science and consisted of a review of 32 separate studies. Altogether, this review encompassed 27 years of studies related to 6.5 million people in many different countries.

The results of this study showed that divorced adults are 23% more likely to die early than those who are part of a married couple. This put the risk on par with the early-death risks of smoking, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle. Men had a particularly high risk, with a 31% risk for divorced men compared to married men.

Should I Be Worried if I'm Getting Divorced in Glendale?

Despite these findings, the study's authors want to be clear that this does not necessarily mean that divorce itself is bad for your health or that staying married will keep you healthy. Although the correlation exists between divorce and early death, many other factors could account for this difference, including depression, weight gain, and other issues that arise in the aftermath of divorce. Additionally, wives are often responsible for reminding husbands to see the doctor or eat better, which could account for the increased risk in divorced men. And, of course, it could be that underlying health issues lead to the divorce, rather than divorce leading to health issues.

Although the results of the study could be misleading, the Glendale divorce lawyers with Curry, Pearson & Wooten encourage you to remember to take care of yourself - physically and emotionally - when transitioning after a divorce. If you need help with any Arizona family law issues, please speak with us today.

Arizona Medical Marijuana Ruling to Allow Dispensaries

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST

On Wednesday, January 18, 2012, a new ruling out of Maricopa County Superior Court means that the state of Arizona will need to actually allow medical marijuana dispensaries. The medical marijuana law had previously been voted in by state residents, but there have been many obstacles to actual implementation, and dispensaries have largely been unable to operate. The new ruling will mean that some of the restrictions placed on those who intend to open a medical marijuana dispensary will be overturned.

Although medical marijuana has been approved by Arizona voters, Governor Jan Brewer has been opposed to actually implementing parts of the law over concerns about state employees and conflicting federal laws. Judge Richard Gama, who is responsible for the new ruling, essentially said that voters had voted for the law, and that the state had little say when it comes to implementing it.

New medical marijuana dispensaries could be open by this summer; however, there is still a chance of appeal or other complications in the meantime. Many Arizona residents already have or have applied for medical marijuana cards. It is difficult, at this point, to predict which changes will actually go into effect, and how long it will take to come to an agreement.

The Phoenix criminal lawyers with Curry, Pearson & Wooten are available to help with marijuana-related arrests and other alleged offenses. We are devoted to defending our clients' right, and building a strong defense for you.

What Arizona Police Are Looking for During a Glendale DUI Stop

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST

Although most people know that erratic driving behaviors can lead to a DUI stop in Glendale, have you ever wondered what police are looking for when you step out of the car? When you are pulled over for drunk driving in Glendale, the officer will observe your behavior in and out of your car, and he or she will attempt to draw a conclusion about your state of intoxication from what is observed. Although field sobriety testing and other roadside tests are usually administered by the officer, whether you are ultimately arrested relies very much on what the officer sees, hears, and smells aside from that testing. For example, during a Glendale DUI stop, an officer will be looking for signs of drunkenness, such as:

Stumbling, swaying, or unsteadiness
The smell of alcohol on your breath
Your ability to follow instructions
Your response to police, such as arguing, yelling, or even being too friendly
Eye redness
Slurred speech
How coordinated you are retrieving your license and exiting your vehicle

Although these kinds of signs and behaviors may be a good place to start assessing your level of intoxication, human errors do occur, and an officer may misinterpret the symptoms of some medical conditions as signs of drunkenness.

If you have any questions about DUIs in Glendale, please contact a skilled Arizona DUI lawyer today at 1-888-9292-5292. We also recommend you take a look at our free and informative book, DUIs in Arizona - What You Must Know.

Your Miranda Rights during a DUI Stop in Gilbert

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST

If you have been pulled over for drunk driving in Gilbert, the police officer involved will need to have probable cause to actually arrest you for a DUI. Officers have many ways they attempt to establish probable cause, including breath testing, coordination tests, and observation of your behaviors, among other things. As Gilbert DUI lawyers, we also want you to be aware that how you answer the officer's questions could lead to self-incrimination and arrest.

The Right to Remain Silent

We understand that most people who are pulled over for drunk driving in Arizona want to cooperate with the police and just get on with their lives. However, officers will likely ask questions, such as "How much have you had to drink?" or "Have you been in a bar this evening?" Many people, in an attempt to be cooperative, will answer these questions without hesitation. Although we completely concur that you should be polite and cooperative with the officer during your Gilbert DUI stop, we also believe you should be aware that you can exercise your Miranda rights (i.e. the "right to remain silent").

If you are asked these kinds of questions during a DUI stop, you do have the right to remain silent. However, it is of utmost importance that you also remain polite. If you feel that the officer is asking you a question that may cause you to incriminate yourself, or if you feel your answer could be misconstrued as probable cause for a DUI arrest, we recommend you politely tell the officer that you would like to speak with your Gilbert DUI attorney before answering any questions.

Speak with a skilled Gilbert DUI lawyer today at 1-888-929-5292 with any questions or concerns about your specific Arizona DUI case. Our experts can help you both in and out of courtroom, and we are devoted to defending our clients' rights. For more information, request your FREE copy of DUIs in Arizona - What You Must Know.

Rising Fuel Prices Mean Passing Costs on to Arizona Airline Passengers

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

As fuel prices soar, the airline industry is taking action to ensure its financial survival in the short term. However, will these short-term decisions end up hurting airlines in the long run? In a recent interview with Ted Simons, our aviation law attorney Mike Pearson weighed in on what rising jet fuel costs could end up meaning for both Arizona airline passengers and the industry as a whole.

We've already seen changes at a consumer level, including:

Higher airfare
Charges for baggage
Changes in carry-on luggage
Smaller aircraft with fewer seats
Changes in "peak days" for frequent flier miles
Cutting of some air routes

Many experts believe this will only continue to get worse, and airline passengers can expect to be paying more for what once was complimentary. Mike Pearson agrees that the situation is bad, and that it will probably get worse. Pearson said that these types of changes may help the airlines now, but that, in the long term, these changes could keep many leisure travelers out of the air and looking for different ways to get from point A to point B. Pearson points out that many airlines have started cutting the number of seats available in order to drive up fares and keep planes full, but that there are only so many seats an airline can cut. With long-term survival in mind, many airlines are looking to mergers, moving toward what Pearson calls a "natural oligopoly." Several airlines have either already completed mergers or are looking in that direction. Unless we see a quick reduction in the price of fuel, these significant changes will probably only get worse for the consumers.

If you would like to speak with an experienced Tempe aviation lawyer, or if you have another legal concern, please connect with Curry, Pearson & Wooten at 1-888-929-5292 today. We are friendly and skilled Arizona personal injury lawyers, criminal defense lawyers, and family law attorneys who are devoted to helping our clients attain the best outcomes. We look forward to working with you and your family.

Air Traffic Controller Error Spike May Be Misleading

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

Reported Air Traffic Controller Errors Double: MyFoxPHOENIX.com

A report showing a huge spike in reported air traffic controller errors has some passengers worried about the safety of passenger flights, and Congress is looking to take action. Reported errors have nearly doubled, rising from 947 reported errors in 2009 to 1900 reported errors in 2010. But don't cancel your flight just yet. Tempe aviation lawyer Mike Pearson has stated that those numbers could be misleading due to a few changes in the airline industry and the air traffic controller profession.

Pearson acknowledges human error is inevitable; thousands of planes carry passengers each day, and there is a lot that could potentially go wrong. Even though air traffic controllers are always observed closely on the job by several sets of eyes, mistakes can happen. But human error may not be solely responsible for the spike in reported errors. Pearson points to a memo released by the FAA last year, which changed the rules for reporting errors and sought to remove the fear of punishment associated with reporting errors. What this means is that more errors—or even the potential for errors—can be reported without fear. So the spike could, in part, be due to more errors actually being reported rather than committed. Additionally, Pearson said that new technology being used by air traffic controllers to determine plane proximity could have also contributed to the rise.

Pearson states firmly that passengers should not be afraid to board a plane due to these numbers. And, although the number of reported errors has risen, only a small percentage of those errors were categorized as serious.

The law firm of Curry, Pearson & Wooten serves the community as Arizona trial lawyers, aviation attorneys, personal injury lawyers, family lawyers, and criminal defense attorneys. We would be happy to speak with you today about your legal needs and answer your questions. Give us a call today at 1-888-929-5292, and schedule a completely free, no-pressure consultation with one of our friendly and knowledgeable attorneys.

Air Traffic Controller Shortage Concerns Many; Are Fears Overblown?

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

Tempe aviation law expert Mike Pearson was recently featured on FOX Business News and discussed the looming shortage of air traffic controllers as the FAA attempts to fill positions. Mike Pearson has 27 years of experience as an air traffic controller, law professor, and active trial lawyer, and he reminds us that this is not the first time we've seen a shortage of air traffic controllers. Pearson cites the aftermath of the 1981 air traffic controller strike as an example, and he believes that the concern about these empty positions might be a bit uncalled for at this point.

One major concern has been that many of the air traffic controller slots have opened as older and more experienced air traffic controllers have retired. Some are worried that the growing number of younger and less experienced workers in the industry could cause problems as they learn on their feet. However, Pearson said that most of the air traffic controllers hired after the 1981 strike had very little experience to begin with and, of course, many of those workers now make up the highly experienced group that has reached retirement age. Ultimately, the new air traffic controllers filling the empty seats will gain the same experience and skill over time—and always under a watchful eye.

The law firm of Curry, Pearson & Wooten is made up of highly experienced and compassionate Arizona personal injury lawyers, criminal defense lawyers, and family law attorneys who are ready to address your concerns and help you navigate the legal system. If you would like to speak with a Tempe aviation lawyer or personal injury lawyer, give us a call today at 1-888-929-5292 to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation.

United/US Airways Merger: What Does it Mean for Tempe?

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

News of a potential merger between United and US Airways has some Arizona residents concerned about job cutbacks and sky-rocketing fares. Our very own Mike Pearson, who has almost 30 years of experience as a Tempe aviation law attorney, professor, and air traffic controller, spoke with Ted Simons recently about what the merger might mean for airline consumers locally.

We already know that the economy and rising cost of fuel has many airlines struggling to cut routes and sometimes jobs; however, this has also led many airlines to seek mergers to survive. We've seen more airline mergers recently, such as Delta and Northwest, and United itself had considered a merger with Continental not all that long ago. Although the merger between United and US Airways is becoming a stronger possibility—some say a probability at this point—much will depend on both businesses and anti-trust scrutiny. US Airways is still in the process of transitioning after its recent merger with America West.

What does all of this mean for Tempe? The potential loss of a Fortune 500 company is worrying; Pearson has said that we could see job cuts, especially at the administrative and corporate levels. Since United is the larger company, Pearson says it seems likely that they will keep their corporate headquarters in Chicago if the merger goes through. However, Pearson also says that nothing is certain at this point, and the business decisions of both companies will figure highly into the final outcome.

Regarding the potentially higher fares after the merger, Pearson did mention that competition with economy airline Southwest should help keep fares more reasonable despite the change in supply and demand.

If you have questions about Tempe aviation law, or if you are looking for a skilled Arizona personal injury lawyer, give Curry, Pearson & Wooten a call today at 1-888-929-5292 to schedule a completely free consultation and request your FREE copy of one of our many helpful books.

Tips for a Stress-Free Holiday Season after an Arizona Divorce

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

After an Arizona divorce, the time coming up to the holidays or other important occasions can be filled with stress and uncertainty. Whether your divorce is final or still being sorted out, it's almost guaranteed you'll have some conflicted emotions, some wrecked plans, some hair-tearing frustration, and times when you feel down. As Phoenix family law attorneys, we know it's not easy to make the transition to your newly single life when everyone else seems to be happily spending time with friends and family, but it won't always feel this way. One of the best ways to cope after an Arizona divorce is to make a conscious effort to reduce stress:

Exercise, and eat well.
Try relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing.
Don't try to drown stress in alcohol, drugs, or other unhealthy behaviors.
Schedule time for yourself.
Spend time with supportive friends and family.
Try to get enough sleep.
Keep a personal journal.

If these tactics don't sound good, spend a little time thinking about what makes you feel relaxed and in control, and then make a plan to do it. When you are able to relax a little, you're better able to approach the divorce transition with perspective and an open mind. If you need any help with Arizona parenting time, custody, or divorce questions, speak with one our friendly Phoenix divorce lawyers today at 1-888-929-5292. We'd also like you to look over a free copy of our book, Arizona Family Law - How to Handle Tough Issues in Tough Times.

How to Complete Arizona Probation Successfully

Sun, 08 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

It's sometimes easy to forget that Arizona probation is serious. Even though you are not physically imprisoned, you still have certain terms you must adhere to in order to complete probation successfully. If you have been put on probation after a criminal conviction in Arizona, keep in mind that violating any of the terms of your probation or failing to attend required meetings or treatment programs can mean that you will go immediately to jail. As Arizona criminal defense attorneys, we'd like to offer a few tips for making it through probation successfully and regaining your freedom:

Don't commit another crime.
Do not use alcohol or drugs.
Attend all required meetings and hearings.
Do not leave the state or move to a new address without talking to your probation officer first.
Complete all ordered counseling, treatment programs, and community service.
Communicate with your probation officer if you are having trouble paying your treatment bills or fines.
Understand and adhere to employment requirements.

Ultimately, you must make sure you understand and follow the terms of your probation agreement to avoid further penalties. If you have any questions about your conviction or probation, speak with one of our qualified Tempe criminal lawyers today at 1-888-929-5292, or use the confidential contact form on this page.

City of Surprise Cracks Down on Property Theft

Sat, 07 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

In response to a rising incidents of property crime, police officials in Surprise, Arizona intend to step up their enforcement activity in local neighborhoods. Police have been conducting more patrols in residential neighborhoods and are generally trying to increase police presence in the city to prevent property crimes and arrest those who are responsible.

Officers have already made multiple arrests for Arizona property crimes in the area. Several teenagers have been arrested on juvenile offenses, such as theft and burglary, and several young adults have also been picked up for break-ins, burglary, trespassing, and other crimes. Police strongly urge Surprise residents to be on the lookout for property-related crimes and to report any suspicious or unusual activity in their neighborhoods to the police.

If you have been arrested for a property crime in Surprise, speak with a qualified Arizona criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible to learn more about your options. The Tempe criminal defense lawyers with Curry, Pearson & Wooten are devoted to protecting your rights and your future after an arrest or conviction in Tempe. We'd be happy to speak with you about your specific situation in a completely free and confidential legal consultation.

How to Handle Confusing Friendships During an Arizona Divorce

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

We recently talked about how and why friendships can change when you announce that you are pursuing an Arizona divorce. Of the many things that change with divorce, changing relationships with friends or family can be some of the most surprising and painful to deal with during a time when you're already learning to adapt to so much. So, what can you do to preserve friendships during your divorce in Scottsdale?

Make the first move. Your friend may have trouble knowing how to bring the subject up after your Arizona divorce. Make the first move by being the first to talk about it openly.
Keep in touch. You don’t have to go crazy with it, but sending a quick email or making a phone call can help keep your friendship alive through all the changes.
Don’t place blame. When you’re talking about the divorce or your friendship, be careful not to place blame. Make sure that you communicate your feelings honestly, but try not to say anything in anger that you might regret later.
Don’t force a friend to take sides. Many people may be friends with both you and your ex. Don’t pressure that person to take sides in the divorce.

If you need a hand with the legal aspects of divorce, give the friendly Scottsdale family law attorneys with Curry, Pearson & Wooten a call today at 1-888-929-5292. If you'd like to learn more about who we are and what we do, request your free copy of our book, Arizona Family Law - How to Handle Tough Issues in Tough Times.

What Driving Behaviors Lead to a Tempe DUI Stop?

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

Have you ever been pulled over in a traffic stop and asked to perform sobriety tests even though you hadn't had a drop to drink? Officers rely on a lot of subjective information to find drunk drivers, and one of the main things they watch for is driving behavior. Here are some examples of suspicious driving behavior that may indicate someone driving under the influence in Arizona:

Weaving in and out of lanes
Driving on the center line
Driving well below the speed limit
Hitting or nearly hitting another vehicle or object
Drifting into the shoulder or median
Following too closely
Running red lights or stopping at green lights

In fact, just about any out-of-the-ordinary or erratic driving behavior could cause an officer to pull you over for a potential DUI.

If you need help after a Tempe DUI arrest, speak with one of our experienced Tempe DUI lawyers today at 1-888-929-5292. We can help you protect your rights and reduce your penalties after being arrested for drunk driving in Arizona. We also offer our helpful book, DUI’s in Arizona - What You Must Know, to Arizona residents. Request your free copy today!

Have Arizona Prisoners Been Denied Medical Care?

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

The Arizona Department of Corrections could be facing a lawsuit after allegations were made that prisoners have not been receiving necessary medical care. The allegations come from a national legal-advocacy group, which has stated that the problem is systemic in our prison system.

Much of the problem seems to be related to medical or mental health care that comes too late. Many prisoners have stories about needing care and being denied care for so long that they experience extreme consequences. For example, one diabetic prisoner relayed that he was denied insulin for several months and ended up going blind in one eye from complications. Another prisoner relates that he had to wait 7 months to have a cancerous growth removed from his lip, and, by that time, the growth had progressed to the point that he had to have most of his mouth removed.

And there just doesn't seem to be an end to these kinds of stories. Other prisoners tell stories about needing serious amputations that could have been prevented with prompt medical care, or they ended up with advanced cancer. Many of these types of complications become permanent or permanently disfiguring.

Officials say that they have been unable to find evidence of any systemic problems relating to prisoner medical care, but they do say that privatization plans and budget cuts have made it difficult to get access to medical staff for prisons. Officials agreed that there have been problems, but they say that those were individual cases that do not point to a wider problem.

If you have been arrested for committing a crime in Tempe, the Tempe criminal lawyers with Curry, Pearson & Wooten may be able to help you reduce your sentence or avoid jail time altogether. Give us a call anytime for answers to your questions after an Arizona criminal arrest.

What Happens to Visitation after an Arizona Step-parent Adoption?

Mon, 02 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

If you would like to adopt your spouse's child, you do need to be aware of the rights of the other parent. If the other parent is still living, it is likely that they will need to give consent for the adoption before you can proceed. But what if the other parent still has contact with the child? What happens to visitation rights and parenting time after an Arizona stepparent adoption?

In most cases, you will not be able to go through with a step-parent adoption in Arizona if the other parent disagrees with the adoption. If the other parent agrees, you may be able to proceed, but it can get sticky if the other parent still has visitation rights. The adoption of a stepchild in Arizona will actually negate the parental rights of the other parent, meaning that any child support or parenting time agreements in place would no longer be valid. It is possible for the adopting parents to allow for continued visitation by the other parent or grandparents, but it is not required in most places.

If you need help understanding visitation and step-parent adoption in Maricopa County, speak with one of our friendly and experienced Scottsdale family law attorneys in a completely free and confidential legal consultation. Just give us a call any time at 1-888-929-5292, and don't forget to request your free copy of our book, Arizona Family Law - How to Handle Tough Issues in Tough Times.

Scottsdale Teacher Not Yet Charged in Sex Offense Case

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

Thomas Weaver, a teacher with Arcadia Neighborhood Learning Center in the Scottsdale Unified School District, has not yet been charged in a potential sex offense case. Weaver was originally arrested on November 9, 2011.

Weaver's arrest came about after two female students reported to school officials that they had been groped by Weaver. Police and school officials report that the students had described several incidents of Weaver allegedly engaging in inappropriate touching.

The investigation into this case is still ongoing, and no charges have been filed against Weaver at this time. A spokesperson with the Maricopa County Attorney's Office stated, "Due to the need for additional investigation, the County Attorney did not file a complaint against Mr. Weaver within the required 48 hours after his initial appearance following arrest."

If you have been arrested in Maricopa County, the Tempe criminal lawyers with Curry, Pearson & Wooten can protect your rights and help you work out the next steps after you are charged with a sexual offense or other crime.

What Counts as a Probation Violation in Phoenix?

Sat, 24 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

While serving your probation period, you will be held to a certain set of rules and conditions set forth in your probation agreement. What counts as an Arizona probation violation is very dependent on the type of offense, the terms of your probation agreement(s), the type of violation, and your needs for treatment.

If you violated probation, you could end up serving time in jail, paying additional fines, or seeing a longer and more intensive probation agreement put into place. As Tempe criminal lawyers, we can tell you that it is likely any of the following could constitute a probation violation in Tempe, although it is far from an exhaustive list:

Committing another crime
Using illegal drugs
Failing to appear for court hearings or meetings with the probation officer
Leaving the state
Not completing or attending ordered treatment programs
Failing to pay required fines

Make sure you understand your Arizona probation agreement and what might count as a violation. If you have any questions about probation in Phoenix, speak with one of our experienced Phoenix criminal defense lawyers today, or request your FREE copy of our book, Arizona Criminal Law – What You Must Know.

What is the Home Inspection Like for Foster Care in Arizona?

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

In a recent article about foster care in Arizona, we talked about the strict requirements involved for a person to even become a foster parent. As Scottsdale family law attorneys, we get a lot of questions and concerns about foster parents after a child has been removed from the home in Arizona. We'd like to explain a little more about how a foster parent's home is checked by the state to assure your child’s safety.

Arizona Foster Parent Home Inspection

The potential foster parent's home will be physically inspected for basic safety:

The home is clean and generally safe.
There are smoke detectors in the bedrooms and an approved fire extinguisher available.
Medications, toxic cleaning supplies, etc. are safely locked away and out of reach.
The home has accessible exits.
Food is stored properly and handled safely.
Any bodies of water, including pools, are fenced off.

Arizona Foster Parent "Home Study"

In addition to the safety inspection, potential foster parents must go through a "home study" that will take a closer look at the suitability of the social environment and people in the home. This process usually means a series of personal interviews and inspections, and it generally takes about 3 months.

If your children were removed from the home in Arizona, speak with one of our skilled and compassionate Phoenix family law attorneys at 1-888-929-5292 today. In the meantime, take a few minutes to request a free copy of our helpful book for families, Arizona Family Law - How to Handle Tough Issues in Tough Times.

Why Do I Need a Phoenix Criminal Lawyer after a Probation Violation?

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

Probation violations in Arizona usually come with serious penalties. If you violated your probation agreement, even if you didn’t realize what you did was a violation, you may be facing jail time, additional fines, more community service hours, or a longer probation period.

Hiring an experienced Phoenix criminal attorney means that your rights are protected and you are armed with the legal knowledge you need to avoid or reduce these penalties. In many cases, your lawyer can help you explain to the court why you violated probation, which means you may be able to see your original probation agreement reinstated, or you may be able to avoid time in jail with a modification of your probation agreement.

Additionally, an experienced Phoenix criminal lawyer can help you prepare for the probation hearing, gather character references, communicate with the court and the probation officer, and make sure all the details are handled appropriately within required time limits to give you the best chance for the best outcome.

If you have violated probation in Maricopa County, let an experienced Phoenix criminal defense lawyer help you protect your rights and your freedom. Give us a call today at 1-888-929-5292 to speak with someone who can help. Also, take a look at our must-read book, Arizona Criminal Law – What You Must Know.

When Is It Legal to Fire a Gun Within City Limits in Arizona?

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

Shannon's law in Arizona means that you could be facing a class-6 felony if you are arrested for unlawful discharge of a firearm in Phoenix. This means that, even if the firearm was fired into the air or not aimed specifically at a person, you could end up with a felony on your record – even if it your first offense and no one was hurt. Shannon's law is very strict and is often prosecuted very aggressively as a "dangerous offense" in Arizona, which comes with very stiff penalties.

However, there are some exceptions written into the law which make firing a gun in city limits legal when you:

Are on a supervised shooting range
Are in a designated hunting area or have a special permit
Are firing blanks
Are shooting in defense against an animal attack, assuming deadly force was reasonable in the situation
Are at least a mile away from any occupied structure

Don't take accusations of a felony offense lightly. If you have been arrested for unlawful discharge of a firearm in Phoenix, contact an experienced Arizona criminal defense attorney who can protect your rights and explain your options at 1-888-929-5292. If you'd like further information, request a FREE copy of our informative book, Arizona Criminal Law - What You Must Know.

More to Story in Fatal Scottsdale "Road Rage" Shooting?

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

David Ross Appleton, 59, has been accused of second-degree murder in Scottsdale after he allegedly shot and killed 50-year-old Paul Thomas Pearson in a “road rage” incident. The incident took place in a pharmacy parking lot after tempers flared on the road.

According to Appleton, he sped up to make the light at the Thompson Peak Parkway and Pima Road intersection, but was blocked by Pearson's vehicle. While waiting at the light, both men rolled down their car windows and engaged in a heated argument. When the light turned green, Pearson allegedly followed Appleton. Appleton says he pulled into the parking lot in hopes that Pearson would move on, but Pearson apparently followed him to the parking lot, got out of his vehicle, and continued the argument. Appleton had a firearm in the car, which he grabbed when the scuffle started to get physical. Appleton says that Pearson grabbed his wrist and started choking him. Appleton then shot Pearson in the chest.

Whether this was clear self-defense or something else is still up in the air. Police are having trouble finding evidence that the incident played out according to Appleton's claims. They have been unable to find any physical evidence of bodily harm to Appleton, except that a fingernail was torn, and it is unclear why Appleton didn't drive away when Pearson exited his vehicle. Additionally, Appleton has a history of reporting road rage at least twice in the last year. In one case he told the dispatcher he was going to pull his gun, and in the other incident he was actually found to be the aggressor.

The Arizona criminal defense lawyers with Curry, Pearson & Wooten represent Arizona residents who have been charged with weapons offenses, violent crimes, and traffic offenses. We are here to defend your rights and help you navigate the legal system when things get complicated.

Phoenix Police Shoot Man after Gun Pointed at Officers

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

An area on 39 Avenue between Camelback Road and Mariposa Street was closed for an investigation on November 7 after police shot a man at an apartment complex. The man is currently in critical condition at a local hospital.

The incident reportedly occurred around 11:15 PM at the Estancia apartments. The Phoenix Police Department arrived on the scene, heard gunshots, and found the suspect holding a gun. The man refused to drop the gun when instructed by the police, and he was said to have raised the gun and aimed it at officers. Police then fired on the man, and he fired back. The suspect was critically injured, but no police officers were harmed in the incident.

The reason the suspect was at the apartment complex with a weapon was unclear. Some witnesses say that he had arrived at the complex earlier in the evening and seemed to be angry.

The Tempe criminal lawyers with Curry, Pearson & Wooten can help after you have been arrested in Phoenix. We are skilled Arizona criminal defense lawyers who can help explain your rights and options in Maricopa County.

Arizona Adoptions Abound During National Adoption Day Event

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

On Saturday, November 19, 2011, Maricopa County saw 330 children join their new adoptive families for good. The Maricopa County Superior Court arranged the annual event for National Adoption Day, which has been a happy day nationwide for many families looking to adopt – they estimate that at least 35,000 children and adoptive families have finalized adoptions in celebration since the event’s inception. Here in Maricopa County, 60 judicial officials lent a hand in the day’s many adoption hearings this year.

The National Adoption Day event is also open each year to families who are considering adoption, need more information about adoption, or are ready to start adoption proceedings. It’s a joyous event to witness as we head into the holidays, and it’s always a good feeling to see children finally adopted into permanent, loving homes.

If you need help with adoption or have questions about where to begin, speak with one of our friendly and experienced Phoenix family law attorneys today at 1-888-929-5292. We’d be happy to meet with you in a completely free, no-pressure consultation to talk about your specific adoption situation.

Letting Teens Drink in Tempe? Parents Could Be Financially Responsible

Sun, 11 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

A new ordinance in Tempe, due to start in February, would make parents who provide alcohol to minors pay. Previously, state law in Arizona allowed parents to provide alcohol to their own minor teens, but this new ordinance could affect you even if the alcohol was provided to your own kids.

The ordinance, called the “social-host” ordinance, aims to place responsibility on the shoulders of parents and other immediate family members who provide alcohol to under-aged teens. Although it is already a misdemeanor charge for an adult to do so, state law used to provide an exception for immediate family. Supporters of the ordinance felt that state law left a bit of a loop-hole and made it too difficult to prove that parents were responsible in large, alcohol-fueled gatherings of minors that included their own children.

Because the ordinance does not necessarily mean a criminal charge and essentially charges parents a fee for the police time required to handle illegal parties, experts are saying that it should not be in conflict with the state law allowing parents to provide alcohol for their minor children.

If you need sound legal counsel after an arrest in Tempe, speak with the experienced and friendly Tempe criminal lawyers with Curry, Pearson & Wooten today at 1-888-929-5292 for a wealth of free resources and a completely free, no-pressure legal consultation.

When a Child Wants to Live with the Other Parent in Arizona

Sun, 11 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

Although your Arizona child custody orders may have been in place for a long time, as children age (especially when they reach the teen years) they sometimes want to try living with the non-custodial parent. This can be an emotional and confusing time for parents, as it may seem like rebellion or rejection, and it can stir up old feelings about the divorce – not to mention reopen the legal process.

Many states allow children to choose which parent they live with, but Arizona is not one of those states. Although the judge may listen to a child's wishes and take those wishes into account, the decisions will still ultimately be based on what is in the best interest of the child. The judge may interview the child, talk to the parents about their perceptions of what the child wants, and look at how the custody modification would affect the child's wellbeing and relationship with both parents. Although the child's desire to live with the other parent may be what started the process, that desire is not the only deciding factor.

If your child wants to live with the non-custodial parent in Arizona, speak with a qualified Phoenix family law attorney today at 1-888-929-5292. We look forward to speaking with you about your situation in a completely free and confidential consultation. If you you'd like to learn more about who we are and what we do, take a look at our book, Arizona Family Law - How to Handle Tough Issues in Tough Times.