June 2008

What Exactly is a “Ponzi Scheme”?

Since the news that Bernnie Madoff was arrested for Securties Fraud, the term “Ponzi Scheme” has been used in every newspaper, television news show and blog.  Below is a thorough explanation of a “Ponzi Scheme.”

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What is the Amount of Prison an Arizona Criminal Conviction Requires?

Arizona criminal convictions can result in many different penalties.  Some convictions require mandatory prison.  Some convictions may result in merely a term of probation.  While other convictions can result in both a term of probation and a term of jail.  Above is a partial copy of the Arizona Supreme Court’s Sentencing chart that shows the general sentencing ranges for a criminal conviction in Arizona. In order to utilize the chart, you must understand a few basic principals.  First, you must know

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Why Murder Never Goes Unpunished

I have done a number of speeches on DUI prevention.  During my speeches I always try to show what happens when a drunk driver kills another person.  It is easy to communicate what happens to the family of the deceased.  However, showing what happens to the person who kills another, beyond the legal consequences, is a more difficult task.  Renowned trial lawyer Gerry Spence’s blog entry “on Murder” eloquently touches upon this point.  Mr. Spence writes: “You can never beat

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What is the Crime of Fraudulent Schemes in Arizona?

The crime of Fraudulent Schemes is codified in A.R.S. Section 13-2310.  This crime requires proof that a person: Pursuant to a scheme or artifice to defraud; Knowingly obtains; Any benefit by means of false or fraudulent pretenses, representations, promises or material omissions A person convicted of Fraudulent Schemes is guilty of a class 2 felony.  Furthermore, reliance on the part of any person is not a necessary element of the offense.

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What is the Arizona Crime of Endangerment?

What is endangerment? The crime of endangerment is charged in situations where a person places another in danger by acting recklessly. The statute, in relevant part, states: A. A person commits endangerment by recklessly endangering another person with a substantial risk of imminent death or physical injury. B. Endangerment involving a substantial risk of imminent death is a class 6 felony. In all other cases, it is a class 1 misdemeanor. When would a person be charged with endangerment? For

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