Miscellaneous Crimes Overview

Arizona law categorizes a variety of offenses as “miscellaneous crimes,” each carrying distinct legal consequences. Below is an overview of the specific charges our firm handles:

Pre-Charge Investigations

Pre-charge investigations refer to the period before formal charges are filed, allowing individuals to engage a defense team to examine evidence and provide proactive legal guidance. 

Restraining Order Violations

ARS 13-2810

A violation of a restraining order (often referred to as “interference with judicial proceedings” under ARS 13-2810) occurs when a person knowingly disobeys a court-issued protective order, such as an order of protection or injunction against harassment. This offense is considered a class 1 misdemeanor, although repeated violations or other aggravating factors may lead to harsher penalties.

Disorderly Conduct

ARS 13-2904

Disorderly conduct, as defined under ARS 13-2904, encompasses a range of actions deemed disruptive to public order, such as engaging in violent behavior, making unreasonable noise, or using abusive language. Depending on the severity, disorderly conduct may be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony, particularly if weapons are involved.

Resisting Arrest/Assault on a Police Officer

ARS 13-2508 & ARS 13-1204

Resisting arrest (ARS 13-2508) involves intentionally preventing or attempting to prevent a law enforcement officer from making an arrest, often through physical force. If this resistance escalates to assault on an officer, it may be charged under ARS 13-1204 as aggravated assault, a more serious felony that reflects the protected status of law enforcement personnel.

Criminal Trespassing

ARS 13-1502, ARS 13-1503, & ARS 13-1504

Arizona law categorizes trespassing into three degrees:

• Third-degree trespassing (ARS 13-1502): Entering or remaining on property without permission, typically charged as a misdemeanor.
• Second-degree trespassing (ARS 13-1503): Unlawfully entering a non-residential property, such as fenced land, often a more serious misdemeanor.
• First-degree trespassing (ARS 13-1504): Unlawfully entering a residential property or critical infrastructure, which may result in felony charges depending on the location and intent.

Criminal Speeding

ARS 28-701.02

Criminal speeding under ARS 28-701.02 includes exceeding 85 mph on any highway, driving 20 mph over the posted limit in a residential or business area, or speeding in designated school zones. This offense is generally classified as a class 3 misdemeanor and can lead to fines, license suspension, and even jail time.

Arson

ARS 13-1703

Arson, defined in ARS 13-1703, involves knowingly and unlawfully causing damage to property through fire or explosives. The severity of arson charges varies based on factors such as intent, the extent of damage, and whether the act endangered lives or occupied structures. Arson is often charged as a felony due to the potential threat to public safety.

Criminal Property Damage

ARS 13-1602

Criminal damage (ARS 13-1602) includes acts that intentionally or recklessly deface, destroy, or tamper with another person’s property. Charges range from misdemeanors to felonies, depending on the value of the damaged property and the intent behind the act, with harsher penalties for cases involving significant or intentional damage.

Imagine you’re being watched through a magnifying glass, with law enforcement gathering details and piecing together a story based on everything they see. That’s essentially what happens during a pre-charge investigation—authorities are building a case, but no formal charges have been filed yet. This is a critical window of time because the way the evidence unfolds here can influence whether charges are ultimately brought against you and what those charges might look like.

An attorney during the pre-investigation stage can speak with investigators, present favorable evidence, and correct any misunderstandings before they solidify into something damaging. For instance, if someone misinterpreted a casual text or a misunderstood conversation, your attorney can clarify context before it gets used against you. Without representation, you’re essentially handling this phase alone, which can sometimes lead to unintentional missteps—like saying something that sounds harmless but could be twisted or misunderstood to fit the prosecution’s case.

Think of it this way: if you had a chance to shape the direction of a movie about your life, you’d want to be involved from the beginning, ensuring the story reflects the truth. That’s what a defense attorney does in the pre-charge stage—working to shape the narrative early on, so the “story” of your case is as accurate and fair as possible before it even reaches the courtroom.

If you’re facing any of the miscellaneous crimes we’ve discussed—whether it’s a pre-charge investigation, disorderly conduct, trespassing, or any other unique charge—having the right attorney on your side can make all the difference. Christian Lueders, the founder of Guardian Law, brings years of experience and a deep understanding of Arizona criminal law to each case. As a former felony prosecutor, Christian has worked with individuals across the full spectrum of criminal charges, from minor offenses to serious felonies, giving him insight into how these cases are handled from both sides of the courtroom.

Whether it’s protecting your rights during a pre-charge investigation or advocating for your defense in court, Christian and the team at Guardian Law are committed to providing you with focused and effective representation.

If you or a loved one is dealing with a challenging legal issue, contact Guardian Law today for a consultation and let Christian’s expertise work for you.