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Court paves way for expunging records for those selling small amounts of marijuana
The state Court of Appeals has opened the door for people convicted of selling small amounts of marijuana in Arizona to now qualify to have their records expunged.
Court aims to end racial bias in jury selection with new rules
Arizona is about to become the first state in the nation to eliminate the ability of attorneys to strike prospective jurors based on what may only be hunches, a practice that often ends up culling minorities.
Prosecutors to create statewide list of dishonest cops
Prosecutors have agreed to create a statewide database of officers whose truthfulness or honesty may be questionable.
Commission begins discussion on criminal justice data
The Arizona Criminal Justice Commission started work this week on developing a definitive set of data lawmakers can refer to while drafting changes to criminal justice policy, but advocates for reform fear the commission will do nothing more than slap a state logo on a faulty report long pushed by prosecutors.
Tough-on-crime prosecutors distort truth, block prison reform
While the criminal justice reform movement gains momentum across the country, Arizona remains on the outside looking in. Even as more conservative states with a tradition of harsh justice reduce prison populations through smart reforms that target the root causes of crime, Arizona persists in the failed policies of mass incarceration, wasting resources to imprison low-level offenders.
Civil rights attorney: Using seized funds for prisoner study a legal gray area
Profits from seized property are paying for the latest update to a study of Arizona’s prison population that prosecutors use to argue Arizona’s sentencing laws are working appropriately.
Controversial researcher hired to update prison population study
The latest update to the Prisoners in Arizona report, produced by the Arizona Prosecuting Attorneys’ Advisory Council, or APAAC, is scheduled to be finished this fall, and it promises to be more controversial than ever thanks to the man hired to update it, John Lott.
Civil forfeiture bill appears doomed, opposed by prosecutors
Arizona’s civil asset forfeiture laws are safe from any legislative changes this year.
American Friends Service Committee is incorrect on corrections
A sponsored analysis of Arizona’s sentencing policies by American Friends Service Committee (appearing in the March 14 edition Arizona Capitol Times in the “Courts and Corrections” Focus section) lacks relevant data about the state’s prison population and ignores smart, effective policies that are already in effect.
Lawmaker: Remove felony charge for simple marijuana possession
Saying harsh penalties for marijuana use do more harm than good, Arizona lawmaker Mark Cardenas wants to remove felony charges for possession without the intent to sell.
Ariz. prosecutors withdraws med pot bill support
An Arizona prosecuting-attorneys association is withdrawing its support for a medical marijuana bill it helped craft and is aimed at protecting children from accidentally eating medical cannabis.
Senate panel endorses ‘sexting’ bill
An Arizona Senate panel on Feb. 3 endorsed a bill that prosecutors hope would make young people think twice before sending nude pictures of themselves to their friends or significant others.
