Things You Should Never Say During a Traffic Stop
It can be a nerve-racking experience to get pulled over—even if you didn’t do anything wrong. In Arizona, the threat of being pulled over can be more stressful still, because the state has some of the harshest DUI penalties in the country, including a minimum sentencing requirement of at least 24 hours in jail and […]
After Consuming Alcohol, How Long Do You Need to Wait Before You Drive?
Drinking and driving is a risky choice for many reasons. In addition to endangering yourself and the others with whom you share the road, you also run the risk of being pulled over and facing charges. DUI laws in Arizona are especially harsh. No other state is as strict when it comes to drinking and […]
Can You Get a DUI for Driving Under the Influence of Marijuana?
Some confusion has come along with the legalization of marijuana in a handful of states around the country. The area of driving under the influence has come under the microscope, and medical marijuana makes the situation even trickier. If you find yourself in trouble, hire a lawyer and read on to see if you can […]
Understanding Your Right to an Attorney – The Sixth Amendment
No matter what you’ve been accused of or how much money you have, you always have the right to an attorney. The sixth amendment guarantees that you can seek counsel when you are accused of a crime. If you can’t afford a lawyer of your own, the court is legally obligated to provide you with […]
Common Defenses Against Drug Crimes
Drug charges in Arizona come with harsh mandatory sentencing minimums, even for the most minor charges, such as drug possession. If you have been arrested for any drug crime in Southern Arizona, a strong defense will be an asset as your court date approaches. By choosing a qualified, experienced attorney like Steven D. West, you […]
What You Do and Don’t Have to Do When You’ve Been Pulled Over for a DUI
Regardless of the reason, getting pulled over can be a frightening experience. In Arizona, it can be especially frightening if the officer suspects you’re impaired; Arizona has some of the harshest DUI laws and penalties in the country. Arizona DUI charges will have you facing AT LEAST one day of jail time; 90-day license suspension; […]
Defining Criminal Possession of a Weapon
Arizona has some of the more lenient laws in the nation when it comes to possession of weapons, such as firearms and concealed weapons. However, there are still instances where it is illegal to own or carry a weapon, and the charges for these offenses can be significant. Depending on the circumstances surrounding charges for […]
How Basic Driving Errors Can Cost You at Night
DUIs occur much more frequently at night, which makes police more likely to pull drivers over for basic driving errors after the sun goes down. In Arizona, getting pulled over for DUI is serious, because our state has some of the harshest DUI laws in the country. If you are arrested for driving under the […]
What Constitutes a Federal Crime?
Thanks to the way the United States government is set up, there are different classes of laws. The federal government sets many overarching rules, regulations, and statutes, while each state government handles certain issues on its own. Take a look ahead to find out what exactly constitutes a federal crime. Federal Legislation In order for […]
A Look at Violent Crimes
Without laws to protect people, our society might have a difficult time remaining civil and trustworthy. However, the criminal justice system isn’t perfect, and it’s important to find out if someone is truly guilty before making a judgment and convicting him or her of a violent crime. Continue reading for a brief overview of some […]
A Look at Underage DUI
DUI, or driving under the influence, refers to the operation of a motor vehicle with drugs or alcohol in the body. Because getting behind the wheel of a vehicle with impaired judgement and reflexes is dangerous and life-threatening, DUI laws are accordingly strict and carry severe punishments. When a driver is pulled over, a positive […]
Marijuana Regulations in Arizona
The state of Arizona has some of the most stringent drug laws and regulations in the country. Although the use of medical marijuana is allowed, the state still maintains several regulations regarding the appropriate use of marijuana for this purpose. Understanding current marijuana regulations in Arizona allows you to separate myth from fact and protect […]
Understanding Arizona’s Drug Laws
Depending on the nature of the crime, your criminal history, and the type of drug you allegedly possessed, a conviction could have major implications on the rest of your life. Steven D. West is always willing to come to your aid and provide you with a thorough defense. Read on to gain an understanding of […]
How to Choose a Criminal Defense Lawyer
Sometimes you can take a gamble when hiring a professional, but when it comes to choosing a criminal defense lawyer, this is not the case. Think about what you are charged with, and look for a skilled and experienced lawyer who you can get along with. Here is a closer look at how to choose […]
Comparing State and Federal Criminal Offenses
When a crime is committed, the nature and location of the crime determines whether the case is heard in a state or federal court. Although most offenses are considered state offenses that violate state law, some crimes fall under the jurisdiction of the United States and its federal laws. Understanding whether your case will be […]
Classifying Different Drug Crimes
Drug crimes in Arizona are met with some of the most severe punishments in the country. Under state law, drugs fall into one of three categories: Marijuana, narcotics, and dangerous drugs. Additionally, drug crimes may fall into one of many different categories, which determine the severity and type of punishment that a conviction will incur. […]
The Foster Mother and the 4-Month Old
When an individual is charged with certain crimes, it can be extremely challenging to find an impartial jury that will offer a fair verdict. This case is a perfect example of this trend. Below you can get a look at how the aggressive criminal defense services of Steven D. West not only facilitated the first-degree […]
Inside a Felony-Murder Case
In Arizona, a person can be guilty of first degree murder if he or she commits a specified felony “and, in the course of and in furtherance of the offense or immediate flight from the offense, the person or another person causes the death of any person.” A.R.S. Sec 13-1105(A)(2) I represented a Client facing […]
How a Wide Turn Can Become a Prison Sentence
Traffic stops are one of the most common ways in which ordinary citizens interact with active duty police officers. However, many citizens aren’t aware that while you are pulled over for a traffic stop, the officer can choose to follow up on other suspicions, such as searching your car or checking your immigration status. If […]
The Lauro Tobias Case: When Innocent Lawmen Meet Criminal Law
In March, 2013, federal customs agent Lauro Tobias was charged with transporting $100,000 in profit from drug sales. Attorney Steven D. West, P.C., defended Lauro Tobias as a victim of outrageous governmental misconduct and entrapment, which occurs when a law enforcement agent uses tactics such as coercion and misinformation to cause an individual to take […]