September 7, 2018
Being convicted of a crime—whether it’s a felony or a misdemeanor—sticks with you long after you’ve fulfilled your sentence. And, unfortunately, one of the areas where a criminal conviction can have the strongest impact is on your employability, which can make it difficult to put your life back together and get a job after you’ve been found guilty of a crime. That’s why it’s so important to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney to represent you and work to minimize your charges. If you are still convicted of a crime, you can make job hunting easier with the following tips.
Run a background check on yourself.
Knowing what your employers will see about you on a background check is helpful because it will give you insight on what to disclose in your application. While not all background checks are the same and some may be more in-depth than others, running a criminal background check on yourself can give you a good idea of what employers are likely to see.
Don’t lie about your criminal history.
Almost all employers run background checks, so if you lie on your application about your criminal record, it’s likely to get discovered. Be honest and upfront, and, if it’s been years since the conviction occurred, emphasize to potential employers that it was a one-time mistake from your younger years.
Write a great resume.
You cannot hide a criminal history, but you can play up qualities that make it worth hiring you. Presenting a strong resume can help you get further in the application process, which can help you make a positive impression with employers that can outshine your record. In many cases, good qualifications for a job can outweigh a criminal record when the crime you were charged with isn’t directly related to the job you’re applying for. Additionally, you can show that you’ve changed from your past self by adding things like volunteer service and charitable work to your resume, so don’t discount opportunities to give back to your community.
Living with a criminal conviction is tough, and that is why Janet Altschuler works hard to protect her clients and their rights. Both in and out of the courtroom, Ms. Altschuler will provide an aggressive defense for your case, so don’t hesitate to call (520) 247-1789 if you’re facing charges.
August 24, 2018
If you have an encounter with a police officer that makes you feel like the victim of harassment, it’s important to know your rights. During the interaction with the police officer and afterwards, there are things you can do to ensure your right are protected, including consulting with a lawyer who can help you decide what steps to take in the wake of the harassment. These steps can help you navigate the situation when you feel like you are being harassed by a police officer.
Ask If You Can Leave
Police officers do not have a right to prevent you from leaving an encounter with them if you are not being detained for a crime. Ask the officer if you can leave. Unless the officer tells you that you have to stay, walk away immediately. If you are told that you have to stay, calmly ask why you are being detained. Do not say anything else. Some states require you to reveal your name, but do not say any additional information. If necessary, you can tell the officer that you are exercising your right to remain silent.
Create a Record
During an uncomfortable confrontation with a police officer, try to record the events with your phone. You have a legal right to do so, despite what an officer may say, and it is against the law for an officer to confiscate your phone or view your photos or videos without a warrant. If you don’t feel safe recording, memorize the officer’s name and physical description and write down a record of the events as soon as the encounter ends.
File a Complaint
Contact the officer’s department to file a complaint as soon as possible after the incident. If anyone witnessed the event, encourage him or her to make a complaint as well. If you are concerned about filing a complaint against an officer or if you aren’t sure if your rights were violated, contact a lawyer.
Janet Altschuler will fight for your rights when you’re facing criminal charges and will give your case personal attention, no matter the charge. Talk to a criminal defense attorney in Tucson today by calling (520) 247-1789.
August 10, 2018
If you are charged with a crime, you will need to enter a plea in court as part of your case. You should never make a plea without consulting with an experienced criminal defense attorney who can help you decide the best strategy for facing your charges. There are multiple pleas you can make in court. Here are some of the options that your lawyer will review with you.
Guilty
Guilty pleas are an admission to the court that you did the crime with which you are charged and that you waive your rights to fight the case. In many cases, when people plead guilty in court, they do so after reaching a plea bargaining agreement with the help of their criminal defense attorney. A plea bargain often involves a defendant agreeing to plead guilty to a crime that is less serious than the one that with which he or she was initially charged. The prosecutor avoids the time and expense of going to trial, while the defendant usually faces a lighter penalty.
Not Guilty
Pleading not guilty means denying that the charges are correct in any way. When a not-guilty plea is entered, the case is referred for trial, which gives the defendant and the criminal defense attorney time to prepare for court. In some cases, after a not-guilty plea, a defendant will return to court and plead guilty as part of a plea bargaining agreement.
No Contest
No contest, or nolo contendere, pleas are used when the defendant wants to avoid confirming or denying the charges. If you enter a no contest plea, the court may sentence you as they would for a guilty plea, however, because you did not admit guilt, your words can’t be used against you in a civil case. You should never plead no contest without an attorney’s advice. Like guilt pleas, no contest pleas are often entered as the result of a plea bargaining agreement.
Before you enter a plea, call Janet Altschuler. This experienced Tucson criminal defense attorney will fight for your rights and help you get the best possible outcome for your case. When you need a defense lawyer, call (520) 247-1789.
July 23, 2018
Many people have little familiarity with how criminal charges work until they actually face them after being arrested. While the justice system is often portrayed in films and television, it never accurately shows the process of deciding which charges to raise against a suspect as well as the degree of those individual charges. Charging decisions will be an important detail of your case should you ever become arrested, so you should have some background on how those decisions are made.
What happens when you’re arrested?
You may be arrested immediately after a crime is committed or following an investigation process, depending on the circumstances of the crime itself. Typically, arrests will not occur unless there is probable cause that a crime has been committed and you are a guilty party. For example, if you can be placed at the scene of a crime through physical evidence, your arrest becomes more likely. When you are arrested, you will be read your rights and then booked, which is a process that involves being fingerprinted and photographed. You may also be asked to participate in a lineup or provide a handwriting sample. Police may take possession of any property you have on your person when you are arrested, and, in some cases, they may take possession of your car. Items may be searched, and they are inventoried so you can get them back when you are released from jail.
What happens after you’re arrested?
Being arrested is not the same as being charged with a crime. In fact, upon your arrest, the prosecutor may decide not to raise charges against you—for example, if there is insufficient evidence to prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt—and you would be immediately released from jail at that point.
If charges are raised against you, you will have to wait for your arraignment to hear your charges formally listed and have bail set. Because you have a right to a speedy trial, the prosecutor must decide within 72 hours which, if any, charges will be raised against you. There are some important details to note about this part of the process:
- Charges are not set in stone. The prosecutor may alter, add, or drop the charges against you later in your trial once more evidence is obtained.
- You will have the opportunity to get out of jail after your arrest if you are eligible for bail and able to post it. Bail is essentially a deposit that ensures that you will appear at future court dates.
- The severity of your charges will impact your eligibility for bail as well as the amount set.
- The prosecutor can determine whether they want to increase or decrease the severity of your charges. Misdemeanor crimes may be charged as felonies and vice versa, at the discretion of the prosecutor.
How are prosecutorial decisions made?
It’s clear that the prosecutor plays an important role in charging decisions for criminal cases, but how are these decisions informed? Though the prosecutor has the ultimate say, they typically base charges on what’s in police reports. The details in a police report are rarely disputed at this point in the trial process, so they will be treated as the most reliable resource for charging decisions. There is also political influence that determines some decisions. Prosecutors are elected officials, so they will use the political climate to determine how to try various cases. For example, a prosecutor may have a reputation as being tough on drugs, so they will pursue even the most minor drug charges, even when there is not strong evidence present for the suspect’s guilt.
How can criminal charges influence your trial decisions?
Another factor that weighs into charging decisions is the psychology of criminal charges. In other words, the prosecutor may try to influence your trial decisions by raising certain charges or adjusting the severity of a particular charge. For example, there may be a number of potentially overlapping charges listed at your arraignment, which can be scary to hear, so it’s important to take that list in context. At the stage when you are charged, there is likely still minimal evidence prepared against you, so when multiple charges are raised, they might not all be feasible to back up in a court of law. Essentially, the prosecutor may cast a wide net initially, so that isn’t an accurate representation of the kind of trouble you’re potentially in.
What is the weight of a misdemeanor charge?
When you think about the psychology of criminal charges, you should also think about the classification of the charges you’re facing. If you are only brought up with misdemeanor charges, you might feel like you are getting off light or like you have less of a serious case on your hands. This is not an accurate assumption. Misdemeanor charges are still criminal charges, and they can have a lasting impact on your life. They can also lead to jail time. In fact, the sole definition of a misdemeanor is a criminal charge that results in up to one year of jail time. If you assume that a misdemeanor is not serious and do not adequately prepare for your trial based on this assumption you could risk:
- Several thousands of dollars in fines
- Jail time up to one year
- Loss of employment and difficulty securing future employment
- Loss of housing
- Permanent reputation challenges, including potential failed background checks
How can a criminal attorney assist in clearing or reducing your charges?
The best place to turn to better understand the charging decisions of the prosecutor and the best strategy to move forward with your case is a criminal attorney’s office. From the very moment you are arrested, the right criminal attorney can advocate for your rights and help you comprehend and handle the charges brought against you. An attorney specializing in criminal law with years of experience in your area may be particularly valuable, due to an intimate understanding of local procedures, prosecutors, and district attorneys.
For representation with the experience and insight you need to fight criminal charges raised against you, connect with Janet Altschuler, Attorney at Law. Ms. Altschuler will provide a comprehensive, aggressive defense for your case, whether you have been charged with theft, drug possession, violent crimes, or domestic violence. To reach her office in Tucson, call (520) 247-1789.
July 27, 2018
Domestic violence is treated very seriously in the law enforcement community and court systems. Anyone accused or arrested on suspicion of a domestic violence-related charge needs the assistance of a seasoned criminal defense attorney. In Arizona, a conviction can lead to jail time.
Myth: Domestic violence always involves physical contact.
It may surprise you to learn that a person can be charged with domestic violence even if he or she never laid a hand on another person. As a hypothetical example, let’s say that John and Jane are involved in a verbal argument. The yelling becomes loud enough for the neighbors to hear, and the neighbors call the police to report a domestic disturbance. When the police arrive, they do not see any injuries, but John has thrown a plate to the floor to express his anger, and so he is arrested on suspicion of disorderly conduct domestic violence charges. John will need a criminal defense attorney, even though he never struck Jane.
Myth: Domestic violence incidents are always between partners or spouses.
It’s true that many of them are, but Arizona law defines domestic violence as any form of criminal abuse that is committed by one household or family member against another household or family member. This means that a roommate could be charged with domestic violence, even if there is no intimate relationship between the roommates.
Myth: An alleged victim can choose to have the charges dropped.
This is one of the most enduring myths about domestic violence cases. The alleged victim may choose to be uncooperative with the investigation and the prosecution. However, he or she does not have the authority to get the charges dropped. Only the prosecutor can decide to dismiss the charges, and the judge must approve the dismissal of the case. Even if the alleged victim refuses to give testimony, the prosecutor can move forward with the case.
Janet Altschuler, attorney at law, provides in-jail and in-custody appointments to defendants charged with domestic violence-related offenses. You can get in touch with her office in Tucson 24/7, seven days per week at (520) 247-1789.
July 13, 2018
The selection of a criminal defense attorney is one of the most impactful decisions you’ll ever make. The outcome of your criminal case will directly affect your freedom, employment, reputation, and perhaps even your familial relationships. It’s essential to choose a strong criminal attorney with the right background and skills necessary to successfully defend you in court.
Length of Time Practicing Law
Experience is everything. Don’t make the mistake of selecting an attorney who has only recently passed the Bar exam. If you lose your criminal case, you could wind up behind bars. It’s worth the time to look for an attorney who has a couple of decades of experience.
Roots in the Community
A strong criminal defense attorney is one who has set down roots in the community. This is significant because local residents know their communities well. A local attorney will have worked extensively in the city and county court systems, and so he or she will have a keen understanding of how best to navigate those court systems.
Scope of Legal Work
Plenty of attorneys handle a wide range of cases. For example, a personal injury lawyer may also handle family law or employment law cases. But an effective criminal attorney will only handle criminal law cases. When you choose a lawyer who exclusively deals with criminal charges, you can rest assured you’re receiving informed legal counseling.
Policies of the Law Office
Another way to assess how dedicated your attorney is to providing quality representation is to take a look at the policies of the law office. A dedicated attorney knows that criminal defendants may require legal counseling at any time of the day or night, and so he or she will be available at all hours.
Janet Altschuler, attorney at law, has more than 20 years of experience working exclusively on criminal law cases in Tucson and throughout Pima County, AZ. She devotes personal attention to each case, and has a proven track record of successful outcomes for her clients. Call Ms. Altschuler’s criminal defense practice at (520) 247-1789 any time of the day or night, seven days per week.
June 22, 2018
Domestic violence is a serious charge that can carry significant consequences. If you are charged with domestic violence, work with an experienced criminal defense attorney who understands how to defend against these charges and to help you minimize the impact on your life. Here is what you need to know about the domestic violence laws in Arizona and impacts of being charged or convicted of these crimes.
Domestic violence laws are broad.
Domestic violence laws encompass a wide range of accusations. Physical or sexual violence or intimidation of any kind between domestic partners is considered to be domestic violence. Making verbal threats without making any kind of physical contact can also lead to domestic violence charges when the threats happen between domestic partners. Domestic violence can be tacked onto nearly any criminal accusation when the incident occurs between people who share a family connection or intimate relationship. For this reason, some domestic violence charges are misdemeanors when others are felonies.
There are multiple defenses used in domestic violence cases.
Your lawyer may recommend that you fight your charges by presenting a defense. Common defenses for domestic violence include self-defense, defense of property, and defense of others. Your attorney will review the facts of your case and determine if you have a defense that can be used. He or she will use your defense to argue for your case to be dismissed or to negotiate with the prosecutor to have your charges reduced.
Charges can cause issues for your employment.
In some fields, being charged with domestic violence can cause problems with your work, even if you are not convicted. Any job that requires a fingerprint clearance card from the Arizona Department of Public Safety could be impacted. Charges can also impact immigration status and child custody.
Janet Altschuler, Attorney at Law, can help you take a strong stance against domestic violence charges in Tucson. When you’re facing criminal charges, call (520) 247-1789 to hire a defense attorney who will work hard to fight for your rights.
June 8, 2018
Penalties for driving under the influence are significant in Arizona. The state has a zero-tolerance policy for driving under the influence, or DUI, which means that you can get arrested if you have alcohol in your system when you drive, even if you are below the legal limit. DUI cases are broken down into three categories, and within those categories, the penalties become more severe for multiple infractions. If you are charged with a DUI, hire a defense attorney immediately to protect your rights. Here is a look at the penalties for DUI in Arizona.
Standard DUI
Drivers are charged with standard DUIs when their blood alcohol contents, or BACs, are .08 or more. For a first offense, drivers face 10 days in jail and $1,500 in fines. An interlock device will be placed on the vehicle for 12 months. Drivers face either a 90-day license suspension or one-year revocation. For a second offense, drivers may be sentenced to 90 days in jail. Fines go up to $3,500 and a one-year license suspension is required, along with 30 hours of community service.
Extreme DUI
Extreme DUIs involve BACs of .15 or more. The first offense is punishable by up to 30 days in jail, fines of $2,780, 12 months of using an interlock device, and a 90-day license suspension. For second offenses, the punishment rises to 120 days in jail, and fees increase to $3,740. Thirty hours of community service are required, and licenses are revoked for one year.
Super Extreme DUI
These serious cases involve BACs of .20 or more. With conviction, jail time is 45 days for a first offense and 180 days for a second offense. Fines are $3,240 for first-time offenders and $4,650 for second offenses. For first time offenders, an interlock device is required for 18 months after a 90-day license suspension, while second-time offenders lose their licenses for one year and must use an interlock device for 24 months. They must also do 30 months of community service.
Let Janet Altschuler, Attorney at Law, fight for your rights if you’re charged with a DUI. For a criminal defense attorney in Tucson, call (520) 247-1789.
May 25, 2018
It seems counterintuitive, but not every minor under age 18 is charged as a juvenile. Criminal law in Arizona allows—and in some cases, requires—juveniles to be tried as adults. The differences between juvenile court and regular criminal court are significant. If convicted as an adult, a minor faces a more severe sentence in a regular jail or prison, rather than in a juvenile detention facility. It’s also harder to seal adult criminal records. If your child is facing any sort of criminal charges, contact a criminal defense attorney immediately.
Juvenile Court Jurisdiction
The standard rule established in the state criminal code is that any offense allegedly committed prior to a child’s 18th birthday falls under the jurisdiction of juvenile court. Children younger than eight cannot be adjudicated delinquent. Additionally, it’s possible for juvenile court to continue to handle a youth’s case up to 21 years of age under certain circumstances. However, there are still plenty of pathways for juveniles to be tried as adults.
Statutory Exclusion
Arizona law mandates that juveniles be tried as adults if they are 15, 16, or 17 years of age at the time of the alleged offense, and the alleged offense was any of the following:
- First-degree murder
- Second-degree murder
- Forcible sexual assault
- Armed robbery
- Any other violent offense
- Any felony, if the defendant is a chronic felony offender
- Any other offense that is joined to one of these offenses
As you can see, the list of offenses is quite broad. Note that Arizona law prohibits the use of the death penalty when the offense was committed prior to the defendant’s 18th birthday. However, the juvenile could still be sentenced to life or natural life in prison.
Discretionary Judicial Waiver
Even if a minor has allegedly committed an offense that isn’t on the above list, it’s still possible for the state to transfer the case to adult court. If the offense is a felony, the prosecutor may request that the juvenile court judge execute the transfer. This decision is made after a hearing.
Minors and their parents need vigorous legal representation to facilitate the best possible outcome. Contact Janet Altschuler, attorney at law, at (520) 247-1789 any time of the day or night to request an in-custody or in-jail appointment in the Tucson, AZ area.
May 11, 2018
Jail time is typically the first thing brought to mind when one hears the phrase “drug possession charges.” But long after you’ve served your sentence and paid your fine, a conviction can affect your life in surprising ways. And unfortunately, it doesn’t necessarily matter how hard you’ve worked to turn your life around. Once people see a conviction on your record, they will instantly form a negative impression of you. The best way to protect your future is to call a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.
Probation
Probation is a common penalty for convicted drug offenders. Even if your criminal defense lawyer can help you avoid jail time, you could face a period of intense supervision. While on probation, you’ll have to check in with your probation officer at pre-determined intervals. You’ll also be randomly drug tested. If you’re found in violation of the conditions of your probation, you could be sent to jail.
Housing
It’s standard practice for landlords to run background checks on prospective tenants before deciding whether to rent the property to them. And since most landlords wouldn’t want to risk having criminal activity take place in their rental units, it’ll be tough for you to secure a lease. Convicted criminals often find themselves staying with family or friends, or renting an apartment in an undesirable area of town.
Employment
One of the most challenging aspects of being convicted of drug possession is trying to land a job after serving jail time. Know that maintaining gainful employment is a typical condition of probation, so you’ll need to find a job as quickly as you can. But depending on the nature of your previous profession and the specific drug possession charges, you may also find yourself stripped of professional licenses or certifications.
Family
As difficult as it is to find housing and a job after a conviction of drug possession, perhaps the most emotionally challenging aspect of a convict’s new life is the effect on family relations. It’s tough to feel like your family no longer trusts or respects you. This is particularly true if you need to rely on them for help getting back on your feet.
Don’t let drug possession charges haunt you. Contact Janet Altschuler, attorney at law, at her Tucson, AZ office at (520) 247-1789.
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