Apr 2, 2020 | By Stewart Salwin | Read Time: 4 minutes | Criminal Defense

Will Changes to Prosecutors’ Charging Decisions Sparked by Coronavirus Have Long-Term Impact?

Coronavirus Alters Criminal Justice Procedures in Arizona and Nationwide. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic in the previous weeks, Arizona jails have released inmates while prosecuting agencies have adopted more lenient charging policies. Maricopa County Sheriff Paul Penzone announced last Thursday the suspension of the work furlough and work release programs currently in place in the Maricopa County jail system, essentially...

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Mar 27, 2020 | By Stewart Salwin | Read Time: 3 minutes | Criminal Defense

Scottsdale Takes Measures to Reduce Court Appearances due to COVID-19

The City of Scottsdale has announced on its website that Scottsdale City Court will be continuing a majority of its hearings until May 1st in light of the novel coronavirus pandemic. This includes all out of custody criminal arraignments and proceedings, all cases assigned to the East Valley Regional Veteran’s Court, all civil traffic cases, and all jury trials....

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Mar 23, 2020 | By Stewart Salwin | Read Time: 3 minutes | Criminal Defense

Arizona Courts, Jails Take Measures to Tackle COVID-19

Maricopa and Pima County Superior Courts Extend Suspension of Jury Duty due to Coronavirus Both Maricopa and Pima County Superior Court issued updates on their responses to the novel Coronavirus pandemic on Friday. The Pima County update noted that jury service would now be suspended until April 20, 2020. Previously, the court had only ordered the suspension of jury...

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Mar 19, 2020 | By Stewart Salwin | Read Time: 4 minutes | Criminal Defense

Maricopa County Attorney Alters Criminal Charging Policies in Response to Coronavirus, while the Superior Court Makes Nearly All Criminal Hearings Virtual

The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office has announced that it will be changing its policies for charging criminal cases in order to reduce the spread of the novel Coronavirus in Arizona courts. This appears to mean that charging decisions (i.e., the decision of the prosecutor on whether to bring criminal charges against an individual) will become more lenient to reduce...

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Mar 18, 2020 | By Stewart Salwin | Read Time: 3 minutes | Criminal Defense

Arizona Court System Takes Broader Measures Aimed at Curbing Coronavirus

Arizona Supreme Court Orders Limitation on In-Person Contact Throughout Arizona’s Court System On Monday, the Arizona Supreme Court issued a sweeping administrative order affecting the working of Arizona courts in light of “concern for the spread of COVID-19 in the general population.” Among the dramatic actions taken by Chief Justice Robert Brutinel, who signed the directive on behalf the Arizona...

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Mar 17, 2020 | By Stewart Salwin | Read Time: 5 minutes | Criminal Defense

Arizona’s Justice System Takes Patchwork Measures to Address Coronavirus

Jury Duty Canceled in Some Arizona Courts, Trials Postponed The Arizona justice system has begun to take stop-gap measures to address concerns over the Coronavirus. Although no general policy has yet been announced, the Maricopa County Superior Court canceled jury selection on Monday to address rising concerns surrounding the COVID-19 outbreak. In a recent update to its website, the...

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Mar 16, 2020 | By Stewart Salwin | Read Time: 6 minutes | Criminal Defense

What is Arizona’s Court System Doing in Response to the Coronavirus and Is it Enough?

Maricopa County Measures to Prevent Spread of Coronavirus Appear Underdeveloped The Maricopa County Attorney, Allister Adel, issued an email to employees of the County Attorney’s Office last Thursday updating them on what efforts the County is taking in light of the coronavirus outbreak. She states in the email that MCAO is “currently working on plans to help protect the health...

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Mar 6, 2020 | By Stewart Salwin | Read Time: 7 minutes | Criminal Defense

How to Hire a Criminal Defense Attorney in Arizona

With so many attorneys advertising their services, how can you choose the right one for your criminal case? A quick Google search returns a seemingly endless list of lawyers, some with a bevy of awards or recognitions, positive reviews, and glistening web pages. The task of then having to hire one of these lawyers to represent you can indeed...

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Feb 20, 2020 | By Stewart Salwin | Read Time: 6 minutes | Criminal Defense

How to Dress for Court and Common Mistakes to Avoid

Whenever you appear in court, you need to dress appropriately. The judge, the jury, and the prosecutor will all see you. All of these people will have an enormous impact on the outcome of your case, and they will make snap judgments about you based on what you wear. You want to make a good first impression on them, and...

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