Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Yuma

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Yuma, Arizona?

  For non-emergency incidents and concerns, contact the Yuma Police Department at (928) 783-4421 or the Yuma County Sheriff’s Office at (928) 783-4427.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Yuma, Arizona?

  To get a copy of a police report, fill out and submit the request form in the link below. You will need to enter the YPD REPORT NUMBER. Copy format options include email, CD/DVD, and paper copy. CD/DVD and paper copies will be picked up at the Yuma Police Department. You will be notified when your copy is ready for pickup.

  Yuma Police Department Information Request Form: https://www.yumaaz.gov/government/yuma-police-department/divisions/records-unit

• Can you have your record of a criminal conviction in Yuma, AZ, removed from public access?

  Yes. In early 2023, a legislation took effect in Arizona that allows criminal records to be sealed. This will remove your record from public view, and you will be able to say that you have not been convicted, charged, or arrested for the particular crime in the sealed record. The criteria for eligibility for record sealing is set out in the Arizona Revised Statutes Section 13-911. A Yuma criminal defense attorney can walk you through it.

• Why did the Yuma police arrest you for DUI when your BAC was below the 0.08% legal limit?

  Arizona DUI law has a provision for “impaired to the slightest degree.” This allows Yuma police to apprehend drivers who show any sign of impairment, such as being drowsy, even if their BAC is below the limit. The officer can determine the driver’s impairment through sobriety tests on the roadside or a witness’ testimony.

• Do military court-martial convictions in Yuma appear on civilian records?

  Yes. If you are a military member and have been convicted at a Special or General court martial, assume that this conviction will go on your civilian record and come up in criminal background checks. Depending on your court-martial, the conviction will show up as a misdemeanor or felony on civilian records.

• Do you lose civil rights after being convicted of a felony in Yuma, AZ?

  According to Arizona Revised Statutes Title 13-904 to 13-908, a felony conviction removes the following civil rights from the individual as punishment: to vote, to possess firearms, to hold public office, and to be part of a jury. Generally, these rights are restored after the convict gets absolute discharge or completes probation. A Yuma criminal defense attorney can help apply for a restoration of rights to ensure this happens.

• Can you go to jail in Yuma, AZ, if you did pay for store merchandise, but switched the price tag with a lower price?

  Yes, you can be sent to jail and face fines if you commit this act in Yuma. Based on Arizona Revised Statutes Section 13-1805, altering, removing, or replacing the price tag to pay less than the original purchase price is considered shoplifting. Merchandise shoplifting with a value below $1,000 is categorized as a Class 1 misdemeanor that can carry a punishment of up to six months in jail.