Disproportionate Sentencing Along Racial Lines is Revealed in Arizona Report
If you think you’ll receive the same sentencing in the criminal justice system wherever you live and whatever the color of your skin, think again. A new report reveals sentencing often takes place along racial lines in Arizona. The report was highlighted in November by AZCentral. It sheds light on sentencing disparities between urban and […]
The Rights of Mentally Ill People in Arizona’s Justice System
Mentally ill people sometimes feel they have no rights in Arizona’s criminal justice system. This is not the case. If you have been diagnosed with a mental illness, you have rights. People with disabilities, including psychiatric disabilities, are afforded legal rights to protect them from discrimination, abuse, and neglect in the criminal justice system. You […]
Arson is a Complicated Crime in Arizona
Arson is a complicated crime that is taken very seriously by prosecutors in Arizona. Often people who are charged with starting fires in the state are diagnosed with mental illnesses. Deliberately setting fire to property constitutes arson under Arizona law. A defendant commits arson of a structure or property when he or she knowingly and […]
Mental Health Courts Will Play a Key Role in Arizona Criminal Justice Reforms
Mental health courts are playing an increasingly important role in Arizona’s criminal justice system. However, the state’s prison population continues to rise making the case for the use of alternatives to incarceration. More than 100 stakeholders in the state are pressing for alternatives, reported Tuscon.com. From April to October 2018, Arizona Town Hall hosted 17 […]
Violent Crime Rises in Arizona as Overall Crime Falls
Crime has been falling in Arizona for at least six years, but violent crime in the state spiked last year, according to a new federal report. Figures from the FBI’s annual Uniform Crime Report for 2017, which was released in September, revealed an overall drop of 1.4 percent in the state but a 7.9 percent rise in […]
How Effective are Prison Diversion Programs for Mentally Ill Defendants in Arizona?
Many U.S. states have programs to divert people with mental illnesses away from the criminal justice system. However, a large number of states are failing to provide prison diversion programs and other initiatives. According to a report by the Treatment Advocacy Center, access to alternatives to incarceration are limited for mentally ill defendants in Arizona. […]
When Can You be Imprisoned for Theft in Arizona?
Theft offenses are classified as property crimes. Although property crimes cause less alarm in communities than crimes of violence, a theft offense may be charged as a felony in Arizona. You can be imprisoned for a theft offense. The basic definition of a theft crime the intentional taking of personal property belonging to another party […]
Arizona is Accused of Dragging its Heels in Improving Mental Health Care for Inmates
The standard of mental health care for inmates in Arizona remains a matter of serious concern and an argument for alternatives. Recently, a judge accused the state over the standard of its mental health care for inmates. In November, a judge examining a legal settlement related to the standard of health care in Arizona prisons […]
Communicating Your Mental Illness to Your Attorney as Honestly and Accurately as Possible
Working with a trusted criminal defense lawyer that you can be honest and open with is important. To receive the best legal representation, you need to always be up front with your attorney about your mental illness and the details surrounding your case. Remember, they are on your side so that you go through the […]
Arizona is the Second Worst State for Addressing Mental Health Issues
Access to mental health services is patchy across the nation. This is particularly the case in Arizona. A recent survey found Arizona is the second worst state in the nation for addressing mental health issues. The information was revealed in a study from the nonprofit Mental Health America. Mental Health America analyzed the extent of mental […]
