What to Do If You’re Charged with a Crime While Visiting Arizona
Being arrested is a scary experience no matter where you are. If you are vacationing in Arizona from out of state, being charged with a crime can be particularly stressful. When you’re far from home and unfamiliar with state laws, you may feel completely lost as you try to navigate the criminal justice system and understand what comes next.
If you are charged with a crime when you’re visiting from out of state, the best thing you can do is consult a local defense lawyer to help you understand your charges and your responsibilities in defending yourself.
Common Crimes Among Non-Residents
Out of state visitors are subject to the same laws as Arizona residents. However, being on vacation may lower your inhibitions and lead to unfortunate circumstances. Here’s a look at some of the more common crimes among non-residents in Arizona.
- DUI – It’s easy to get carried away on vacation and have a few too many drinks. However, if you’re at an event where you know you’ll be consuming alcoholic beverages, it’s best to have a designated sober driver or call for a rideshare like Lyft or Uber. If you get a DUI, you will be charged in Arizona, but the penalties will follow you home. Most states in the U.S. participate in the Interstate Driver’s License Compact, which shares information across DMVs about traffic violations and license suspensions. So, if you get a DUI on vacation in Arizona, you’ll likely have a suspended license when you return home. That’s why you should not hesitate to hire an Arizona DUI lawyer to help you represent you.
- Drug Possession – The use of common party drugs is not uncommon at spring break and summer vacation destinations like Lake Havasu or Patagonia Lake. But it is important to remember that these substances are illegal, and an arrest for drug possession can have significant, lifelong consequences.
Another common situation for out of state visitors is drug possession charges related to recreational cannabis. Even though marijuana use is legal for individuals over the age of 21 under Arizona state law, it is not legal to bring marijuana across state borders, even if it was purchased legally in another state where recreational cannabis is legal.
- Indecent Exposure or Public Urination – A momentary lapse in judgment may follow you around for life if you are charged with indecent exposure or public urination.
- Assault or Resisting Arrest – In situations where large groups are present and law enforcement arrives, such as protests or parties, you may find yourself facing charges like assault or resisting arrest if you are combative with law enforcement officials.
How Criminal Charges Work for Out-of-State Visitors
If you are arrested in Arizona, you will be charged in Arizona. You cannot transfer your case to your home state, so you may need to extend your stay or plan to return to the state at a later date to appear in court. You will be charged in the county where you were arrested.
Hiring a Lawyer to Take Your Case
While you will need to attend court hearings in the county where you were charged, you do not need to hire a lawyer from that county. You simply need a lawyer who is licensed to practice in Arizona. Therefore, if you are arrested in a rural county with limited legal representation available, you can hire a criminal defense attorney based in Tucson or Phoenix to take your case.
Hiring an attorney is a key step in managing your situation when you are facing criminal charges on vacation in Arizona. Prosecutors will not look the other way just because you are from out of state or if the arrest is your first offense. You must take your charges seriously and report for hearings and court appearances as scheduled.
Contact Janet Altschuler Today
Janet Altschuler is an experienced defense lawyer in Tucson, AZ with experience on both sides of the courtroom. As a former prosecutor, Ms. Altschuler has extensive knowledge of the criminal justice system in Arizona, and she will work hard to protect your rights throughout every step of your case. Your criminal record doesn’t go away when you’re on vacation; don’t let one small mistake have a lifelong impact. Contact Ms. Altschuler today for a consultation. She can be available 24/7 and offers in-jail and in-custody appointments throughout Arizona as needed.