
In Arizona, there are over 20 different offenses that could land you on the Arizona Sex Offender Registry. A sex crime conviction is something that will follow you for the rest of your life. If you are facing charges of a sex offense in Arizona, you must contact an experienced [Phoenix sex crimes attorney](https://azblumberglaw.com/phoenix-criminal-attorney/sex-crimes/) right away.

When you are convicted of a sex crime, you might be sentenced to probation or, in more severe cases, you’ll be facing mandatory prison time. In either situation, certain offenses will result in your name being added to the website Sex Offender Registry database. This is a public database, so anyone can look up your information if they choose. Also, the county sheriff’s office lets the community know what your assessed risk level is.

Notification can include distributing flyers with your information, including your photo and address. These might be distributed to people who live in your neighborhood, community groups, schools, potential employers, and even local media. If you fail to register with the sheriff, you could be facing a class 4 felony charge. If you move, you also have to register again within 72 hours as well.

**Types of Crimes that Can Land You on the Sex Offender Registry**

Some of the more common sexual offenses that require you to register with the county sheriff include:

- Sexual assault;

- Indecent exposure;

- Molestation of a child;

- Sexual conduct with a minor;

- Sex abuse;

- Public sexual indecency;

- Taking a child for prostitution purposes; and

- Sexual exploitation of a minor.

These crimes, as well as others, will follow you for the rest of your life. Being listed on the sex offender registry means you don’t have freedom of where to live, where you visit, who can be around you, etc.

**Registering as a Sex Offender**

When you are required to register as a sex offender, you must:

- Provide your name and all your aliases;

- Submit an electronic fingerprint;

- Provide a current photograph;

- List all your online identifying information, like screen names, e-mail addresses, etc.; and

- Provide a blood sample, which would be on file if you were in prison.

You will be required to apply for a new driver’s license that lists your history, so the police know it if you are pulled over, and they run it. This license is only valid for a year, so it must be renewed every year.

The Arizona DPS maintains the website and does checks on all offenders to make sure everything is up to date.

**How to Stay Off the Registry**

You cannot assume that if your sentence includes no prison time that you won’t be required to register. If you have been charged with a sex crime in Arizona, the best thing you can do is to retain a skilled Phoenix sex crimes attorney. Contact Blumberg & Associates today to schedule an initial consultation. Let us evaluate your case and prepare the strongest defense possible.


What to Know About the Arizona Sex Offender Registry

Are you being investigated for a crime in Arizona


If you believe you are under investigation for a crime, it’s imperative to be proactive and contact a skilled [Phoenix criminal attorney](https://azblumberglaw.com/phoenix-criminal-attorney/) right away. Obviously, most people will assume that is what any criminal defense attorney will tell you. However, there are numerous reasons why retaining an attorney early on is a better strategy.

Depending on the circumstances of the alleged crime, hiring a defense attorney before you are charged means there is an opportunity for your attorney to keep them from filing charges in the first place. If no charges are ever filed, then there is no risk of having an arrest or criminal conviction on your record.

Having advance warning that charges might be filed against you can be extremely helpful if you use that time wisely. When you retain an attorney, they will go over everything that you need to do and discuss what could happen in the pre-investigative stage. One of the most important tips they will tell you is to be careful with what you say and do not talk to the cops.

Be Careful What You Say

If you are under investigation, then the police or an investigator may reach out to you. They will want to ask questions and maybe even ask to search your property. You should be very cautious about saying anything and do not let anyone search your property without a warrant.

What you say and do in the investigation can have a significant impact. You may say something seemingly unimportant, and it winds up being the missing puzzle piece in the investigation against you. You should always remain calm and be polite. Ask that you have an attorney present before answering any questions.

Understandably, you want to tell your story because you don’t believe you did anything wrong. However, you must let your attorney speak on your behalf. In many cases, the police will try to act like your friend. They may even ask you questions they already know the answers to as a way of trying to get you to admit something inadvertently.

Do Not Allow Any Voluntary Searches

The police might show up at your home unannounced and catch you off guard. In their bid to collect evidence against you, they might try to get you to allow them to search your premises voluntarily. They might see if you will invite them in and have a casual look around while talking with you. Do not allow any officer to conduct a search of your premises without a search warrant. They need to follow the rules of criminal law and procedure by getting a search warrant first.

Contact a Phoenix Criminal Defense Attorney

If you suspect you are under investigation, don’t hesitate to speak with an experienced defense attorney. The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can help protect your rights. Contact us at Blumberg & Associates today to schedule an initial consultation.


What to Do If You Think You’re Being Investigated for a Crime in Phoenix?


In Phoenix Arizona, if you’re charged with a sex offense you’ve got a very rough road ahead. One must understand that jurors come in to these types of cases with preconceived notions about sex crimes and it’s up to a skilled criminal defense attorney to point out to the jurors what their duties and obligations are regarding our Constitution, and that they would want those same principles imparted to their loved ones and their neighbors.

**Jury Trials**

Bruce Blumberg has won several jury trials for people charged with various sex crimes in numerous counties in the state of Arizona.  This includes people charged with sex assault, molestation of a child, sex conduct with a minor and child abuse.  His more than thirty years of experience in sex crimes has literally covered every type of charge.  The criminal defense lawyer who practices in the area of sex crimes must be prepared to hire the best experts in the area of forensic technology and psychology.  The technology expert works to help the lawyer discover whether there is important evidence contained in phones or on computer, or even on captured videos.  A psychologist may assist a jury in understanding how alleged victims may react to certain important issues in a sex case.

**Focus on Treatment Over Mandatory Sentencing**

A criminal defense attorney must also focus on “mitigation” and teach the judge who presides over your case about how persons charged with sex crimes, and who ultimately plead guilty, can be treated in the community.  A psychology expert can be of significant help in this circumstance, as well.  The attorney must work to convince the prosecutor that the rate of sex offender reoffending is lower than that for most other crimes, for example armed robbers. Prosecutors and judges can then understand that with treatment these people can rejoin the community.  We really need to move forward with treatment and prosecutors need to focus on that rather than every politician focusing on “Let’s be tough on crime so I can get reelected.”

**Honest, Experience, Dedicated Defense Attorney**

We don’t always have the answer that comforts our clients and so I think you have to prepare them and their families very carefully when cases involve [sex crimes](https://azblumberglaw.com/phoenix-criminal-attorney/sex-crimes/) because it’s very similar to going to your doctor with a tumor inside and knowing that it’s cancerous.

Saying, “Hey doc, can you get the whole thing? Can you make it so I can live through this?”  The doctor is not going to say, “Oh don’t worry about it, I’ll take care of you. I’m going to make it so that you live through this.”

The doctor is going to say, “Sir, I’m going do the very best I can.”

This is what I always tell all of my clients: I can’t promise you that it’s going work out so that your son or your daughter goes free. I just want you to know that what you’re paying for is skilled representation and I’m going to do the very best I can for your son or your daughter.


The Importance of Hiring an Experienced Sex Offense Attorney


Most drug cases don’t involve jury trials because ultimately the police discover a person holding a substantial amount of drugs and there’s not usually a way around the associated charges.

In these cases, a client needs a defense attorney who can obtain the best deal possible from the circumstances. This means either no agreements or a probationary period that helps ease the burden.

**Illegal searches and seizures are common in drug cases**

Drug cases are often a little different and can have interesting details to consider. They often involve surveillance from a law enforcement department, and a vehicle found to be in violation of a traffic code will often be stopped. This can also occur if a vehicle fits a profile on file.

This then puts the searches and seizures under scrutiny.

A good lawyer needs to teach the judge about the current status of the law regarding illegal search and seizure. For example, one of my former clients in a city court had been held at the scene to allow authorities to search his vehicle.

Thankfully for him, neither he nor his girlfriend made any incriminating statements to the police. However, they did obtain a warrant and brought a drug dog to the scene were 151 pounds of marijuana were found in the truck.

A criminal defense attorney can obtain deals for the client through a couple of motions to suppress evidence, and in this case, the defendant received probation and no jail time.

[Drug crimes](https://azblumberglaw.com/phoenix-criminal-attorney/drug-crimes/) in Phoenix, Arizona or Maricopa County now deals with laws regarding methamphetamine that require a mandatory prison sentence. Methamphetamine is obviously a scourge and a horrible problem, but defendants still deserve fair trials.  People still get caught up in situations where they might be innocent of the charges being faced.

That’s where the attorney helps to achieve the best possible fair outcome.


Drug Cases are Subject to Mandatory Sentencing


Fraud is one of the most common types of white-collar crimes, but it is not the only one. There are a variety of criminal offenses that can be classified as white-collar crimes, including those that involve embezzlement, conspiracy, extortion, and computer crimes.

If you are being charged with a white-collar crime in Arizona, it’s imperative that you take the charges seriously. White-collar crimes are typically federal offenses, which means there is often a mandatory minimum prison sentence. If you are facing criminal charges for a white-collar crime in Arizona, you need a skilled [Phoenix white collar crime attorney](https://azblumberglaw.com/phoenix-criminal-attorney/white-collar-crimes/) on your side.

**Defining White-Collar Crime**

In general, white-collar crime is one that is carried out through deceptive means. They are not typically violent crimes. Some of the most common white-collar crimes we handle for Arizona clients include:

- Bank fraud

- Health care fraud

- Accounting and tax fraud

- Credit Card fraud

- Mortgage fraud

- Bribery

- Forgery

- Medicare fraud

- Corporate fraud

- Money laundering

- Embezzlement

- Corporate fraud

- Mail and wire fraud

- Computer and internet fraud

- Bankruptcy fraud

- Extortion

White-collar crime cases can be complex. The statutes are lengthy, and that can lead to confusion on exactly what is defined as white-collar crime. This is why you need an experienced Phoenix white-collar crime attorney to defend you.

**Importance of Retaining an Arizona White-Collar Crimes Attorney**

With white-collar crimes, you could be under investigation for weeks, or maybe even months, before you are arrested for a crime. If you suspect you are under investigation, don’t wait until you are arrested. It’s important to retain an attorney sooner rather than later.

If you retain an attorney before you are arrested, we can start working on keeping the authorities from filing charges. We can learn a lot about the investigation as it’s going on and also speak with law enforcement officers on your behalf.

You need to be careful and limit your conversations with law enforcement while you’re being investigated. Don’t believe that they are on your side. They may try to get you to believe that they are on your side, but they aren’t. Their goal is to get you to say something incriminating that will help their case. They may tell you that they are looking for a way to help you clear yourself, but that’s rarely ever the case.

**Defenses to White Collar-Crimes**

There are a number of defenses that may work in white-collar crimes in Arizona. Some of the most common ones are:

- Lack of Intent — Many white-collar crimes must show that you had the intent to commit a crime. If the prosecution is unable to show that you intended to commit a crime, then the charges might be dropped.

- Victims are Also Guilty — Your case may involve a larger group that has also engaged in white-collar crimes. If this is the case, then the other party might not be eligible to collect restitution and the government might decide to drop the charges against you.

- Lack of Knowledge — If there are multiple parties involved, you may not have even been aware that there was any wrongdoing happening.

**Contact an Arizona White-Collar Crimes Attorney**

If you need assistance with an Arizona white-collar criminal defense, contact Blumberg & Associates today to schedule an initial consultation.


What is Considered a White-Collar Crime?


When a defendant faces charges in a dangerous crime, prosecutors will utilize the allegation to their advantage.

For example, a domestic dispute involving a vehicle pointed at another party, and even without “really” intending to harm them, can be used by the State to add a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument charge to the case. Under those circumstances an individual may face a sentencing range of a mandatory 5 to15 years by placing the victim in danger or fear for bodily injury or life.

This could be an automobile, a knife or a gun. For years and year, I’ve represented clients facing these very difficult scenarios.

**Ignorance of the law is not a defense**

For example, I worked with a middle-aged businessman up against aggravated assault charges, which require a 5- to 15-year sentence in Arizona. This man was in line at Burger King in the middle of the night when a disturbance broke out in front of him and behind him. He became nervous and displayed a weapon and asked people to move out of his way.

This resulted in aggravated assault charges, despite Arizona being a state that allows citizens to have guns in public places. Not everyone knows about the serious consequences of utilizing those weapons in all scenarios.

In all likelihood, the worst charge you’re going to face if you show another person a gun with a holster in a threatening manner is disorderly conduct.  A disorderly conduct can be charged as a dangerous offense, as well.  If a person is alleged to have pointed the weapon, it would likely be charged as an aggravated assault.  However, prosecutors in Maricopa County and Phoenix, Arizona often use this as an opportunity to get defendants to plead guilty to a felony, which may have lifelong consequences.

We fight those cases.

**Knowledge of the law wins cases**

Drug cases involving a search warrant can lead to the discovery of a weapon. This can lead to charges involving misconduct with a weapon, which may arise out of having a weapon during commission of a drug offense.

If the government cannot draw a “nexus” between the gun and the drugs, the charge must fail, and not all defendants have that information. I always make my client and the prosecution aware of that in drug cases, and often move to dismiss the charges.  Just this week the government agreed to drop the misconduct involving weapons charge involved in a drug bust in Arizona.


Dangerous Crimes Have Serious Legal Consequences


There’s no denying that the current pandemic is affecting every aspect of our lives, and the legal system is no exception. The courts are making changes to how cases are handled to help reduce the spread of the virus. For some, this could be good news as some criminal trials are being delayed. According to an AZ Central news report, the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office is reducing the number of people it’s charging with crimes for now.

Keeping public safety in mind, the reduction in criminal trials means there are potentially fewer people in courtrooms and in the county jail. According to statistics released from the Maricopa County Sheriff’s office, the average inmate population is already dropping. In mid-April, the average inmate population was 5,550, down from 7,500 prior to the pandemic.

If you have been arrested for a crime or you believe you are being investigated for one, it’s important to contact a Phoenix criminal defense attorney. Depending on the charges, it may be possible to have the charges reduced or even dismissed early on given the current situation with COVID-19.

**Getting Inmates Out of Jails**

Public health and safety are paramount during a pandemic like this. One way to help reduce the spread is to reduce the number of people in jails where the virus can easily be transmitted. Previously, defendants facing criminal charges might be held in jail before the trial date. Now, the discussion is whether or not someone should be held pending trial. In many cases now, you may have a better chance of being granted bail or released on your own recognizance. Being held in jail pretrial should be reserved for only the most serious of cases.

**Being More Decisive on Cases Filed**

Depending on the crime you are being charged with, the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office may not prosecute at all. Based on data, it appears that the prosecutors are focused on specific crimes and defendants who are already in custody. The number of cases filed is down significantly between early March and now.

For example, between the week of March 2nd through March 6th, law enforcement submitted 897 cases for consideration. Of those 897 cases, the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office filed charges in 734 cases. Compare that to the week of April 20th through April 24th. 840 cases were submitted by law enforcement, but the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office opted to file charges in only 107 of them.

Most cases filed in April were felonies. Out of 324 total cases, only 59 were misdemeanors.

**Are Prisoners Being Released?**

Now is the time to file defense motions to amend release conditions. However, there is no guarantee it will get you or someone you love out of jail any sooner. The attorney’s office has released over 50 low-level offenders who had low bails and did not present any danger to the community. Some inmates that are part of a work-release program have also been allowed to stay at home.

**Contact a Phoenix Criminal Attorney**

It’s more important than ever that you retain an experienced Phoenix criminal defense attorney if you are arrested or in jail pending trial. The effects of COVID-19 will continue to affect the court system for an unknown amount of time. Retaining an attorney can help prepare the best defense possible and help get your charges dismissed or reduced. If you need assistance, contact the [Phoenix criminal attorneys](https://azblumberglaw.com/phoenix-criminal-attorney/) at Blumberg & Associates today to schedule an initial consultation.

Resource:

azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix/2020/04/28/maricopa-county-attorneys-office-allister-adel-thousands-criminal-charges-delayed-during-pandemic/3033305001/


Criminal Trials in Maricopa County Could be Delayed Due to COVID-19


White collar crimes are commonly associated with business and stock market fraud, but there are a number of other types of criminal offenses that fall under the mantle of white collar crimes. Most white collar crimes are federal offenses, which must be taken seriously. If you have been arrested for a federal crime in Arizona, you need to speak with an experienced [Phoenix white collar crime attorney](https://azblumberglaw.com/phoenix-criminal-attorney/white-collar-crimes/) right away.

**What is Defined as a White Collar Crime?**

White collar crimes are non-violent crimes and are carried out through deceptive methods. The statutes that define white collar crimes in Arizona are lengthy, complex, and highly technical. In some scenarios, the laws are so complex that legal experts struggle to reach a consensus on what constitutes a violation of the statute in question.

Because the statutes on white collar crimes are so complex, it’s imperative to contact an experienced and skilled Arizona criminal defense attorney right away. You need an attorney who has direct experience representing clients for white collar crimes and are admitted to practice in a federal court.

Some common types of activities that can result in an arrest for a white collar offense include:

- Embezzlement

- Computer fraud

- Mortgage fraud

- Health care fraud

- Corporate fraud

- Internet fraud

- Wire and mail fraud

- Money laundering

- Ponzi and pyramid schemes

**Possible Defense to White Collar Crimes in Arizona**

Federal investigations are typically quite different from those at the state level. Rather than arresting you first and then building a case like most state crimes, federal investigators build a strong case before arresting you. You may have been under investigation for a long time without any idea.

This is why building the best defense possible is so important. Time is of the essence. If the federal government has spent the last year surveilling you and has a mound of evidence prepared, your Phoenix criminal defense attorney needs to jump right in and start preparing as well.

Don’t despair if there is a lot of evidence compiled against you, as you are still entitled to a defense. Depending on the circumstances of your case, there may be a number of different defenses your attorney can argue. Some of these include:

- Entrapment or Coercion

- Incapacity

- Duress

- Intoxication

- Insanity

- Not enough evidence

- Lack of intent

If you’ve been under investigation for some length of time, undercover investigators or law enforcement might have acted suspiciously and pushed you to commit a crime that you wouldn’t have otherwise committed. Suspicious police activity may have taken place, which gives your attorney the opportunity to argue entrapment. It is illegal for law enforcement to create a set up that essentially traps you.

**Contact an Arizona White Collar Crimes Attorney**

Although white collar crimes are complex, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t prepare the best defense possible. At Blumberg & Associates, we have years of experience defending white collar crimes in Arizona. If you suspect you are under investigation, it’s best to contact us before you are arrested. It’s not uncommon for federal investigators to try and befriend you in hopes you’ll say something to incriminate yourself. Be wary of talking to anyone without an attorney present.

If you need assistance with a potential white collar criminal charge defense, or any other pending criminal charges in Arizona, contact Blumberg & Associates today to schedule an initial consultation.


What to Do if You’ve Been Arrested for White Collar Crime in Arizona?

Read about recent Arizona court rulings, and learns ways to protects yourself from the law.

Arizona Legal Insights Blog