Study Finds Violent Crimes are Higher in Phoenix’s Low-Income Areas
Many studies point to a high link between low income and violent crime. Research has found violent crimes are higher in Phoenix’s low-income areas. As well as elevated levels of violent offending, residents of these neighborhoods often suffer from more drug and alcohol abuse and mental illness. In a recent report, AZCentral noted higher levels […]
Phoenix Reconsiders Approach of Police to Mental Health as Officer-Involved Shootings Soar
The number of officer-involved shootings of suspects soared in Phoenix last year. Now police are looking at reasons for the spike. The approach of the police department to mental health is being scrutinized. The Phoenix Police Department has released an independent report on the large number of officer-involved shootings. The number of officer-involved shootings in […]
Mental Illness and Prohibited Gun Purchase in Arizona
Some people who suffer from mental illness face restrictions on the buying of firearms. Although Arizona has liberal firearms laws, it’s important to be aware of prohibited gun purchase in Arizona. There are also federal laws that relate to the purchase and possession of firearms for people who suffered mental illness. Under 18 U.S.C. § 922 it […]
Supreme Court Says Executing a Man with Dementia May Violate the Constitution
The U.S. Supreme Court has devoted considerable time in recent years to questions about the death penalty for people with mental illnesses and severe learning disabilities. A ruling in February clarified the circumstances in which an inmate with a mental disability can be executed. The court decided an execution can take place if the accused […]
Is There a Relationship Between Mental Illness and Homicide?
Many studies that tackled the issue of the relationship between mental illness and homicide have detected mental disorders in many defendants charged with extreme cases of violence. For example, a study of 71 people convicted of murder (excluding vehicular homicide) in Contra Costa County, California, found 49 of them suffered from serious mental disorders. The […]
What Sentences Do Mentally Ill People Charged With Robbery Face in Arizona?
Mentally ill people charged with robbery often face long prison sentences. It’s important to highlight your issues if you have been charged with this serious offense. Robbery offenses are felonies in Arizona. The consequences of this charge are severe. Under state law, robbery is a class 4 felony. Class 4 felonies carry a presumptive term […]
Arizona U.S. Marshal Killing Highlights Gaps in Mental Health Safety Net
The criminal justice and mental health services in Arizona often fail to help people with psychological problems until it’s too late. Recently, police said they struggled to deal with death threats from a man accused of killing a deputy U.S. marshal. Ryan Schlesinger is the suspect in the killing of 41-year-old Chase White last November. […]
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 […]
When is An Assault Elevated to an Aggravated Assault in Arizona?
Assault is one of the most common offenses in Arizona. Whether you are facing misdemeanor assault or felony aggravated assault charges, the consequences of the crime can serious and devastating on your life. Aggravated assault in Arizona should not be taken lightly. Misdemeanor assault charges can be elevated to felonies when certain aggravating factors surround […]
Tent City to Become Rehab Center
Since the infamous Tent City was recently shut down, Sheriff Paul Penzone announced that an air-conditioned space previously apart of the jail will be turned into a facility to help treat those suffering from substance abuse and addiction. Transforming Tent City into a rehabilitation center is apart of an ongoing effort to help keep repeat […]
