Substantive criminal law is sometimes referred to as the “black letter” of the law. In other words, it means that it is those things the legislature has declared illegal and written a law forbidding the conduct described in the law. (Normally these laws are printed in black ink – hence the name “black letter” of law.) Every substantive criminal law will have ‘elements’ identified in the written language of the law. You can locate what law is being alleged to have been violated by looking at your complaint or indictment. However, this will only tell you what law was violated, to find the ‘elements’ you will need to look it up in the legal code book – known as a statute book. In Arizona, criminal laws are codified at Title 13 of the Arizona Revised Statute. Even if you should locate a copy of the law applicable to your case you will still need the assistance of counsel to deconstruct what the law is actually saying, and to determine what the ‘elements’ are that the government must prove beyond a reasonable doubt before they are entitled to a conviction. Below is a list of categories in which almost all “black letter” laws or statutes will address:
Offenses Against the Person:
- Homicide
- Vehicular Homicide
- Assault and Battery
- Poisoning
- Abduction
- Rape/Sex Crimes
- False Imprisonment
- Kidnapping
- Robbery
- Offenses Against Property
- Larceny
- Embezzlement
- False Pretenses
- Theft
- Receiving Stolen Property
- Malicious Mischief
- Forgery
- Counterfeiting
- Extortion
- Criminal Damage (personal property)
Offenses Against Habitation:
- Burglary
- Arson
- Home Invasion
- Criminal Damage (real property)
Other Offenses:
- Crimes Against Morality
- Crimes Against the Public Peace
- Crimes Against the Sovereign
- Narcotic/Dangerous Drug Offenses
- Criminal Traffic Offenses
Almost all substantive crimes will fall under one of these broad categories. To develop a successful defense one must first identify the nature of the substantive crime being alleged. Only then can one begin to identify the “elements” of the offense. Once this has been identified, a criminal defense strategy can be formulated to address the allegations against the accused. Click here to learn more about factual defenses in a criminal case and here to learn more about procedural defenses in a criminal case. We will discuss more about Procedural Criminal Law in a future blog posting.
Every case is unique and the criminal defense attorney you choose should be able to identify the nature of the crime being alleged as well as the relevant defenses that best fit the specific circumstances and facts of your case. Mr. Buckallew is a Board Certified Specialist in Criminal Law – Certified by the Arizona State Bar. He has significant experience in litigating all types of DUI and criminal cases and has a proven track record of successfully resolving countless cases throughout the course of his career. Mr. Buckallew has handled countless Scottsdale criminal and DUI cases – both at the Scottsdale City Court, McDowell Mountain Justice Court, Desert Ridge Justice Court (misdemeanor cases) as well as the Maricopa County Superior Court (felony cases), and in most other courts throughout the valley. He has handled all types of criminal cases, including Homicide, Vehicular Homicide, Aggravated Assault, Sexual Assault, Theft, Criminal Damage, Burglary, Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Offenses, just to name a few.
Contact the Firm today for a free consultation regarding your Scottsdale criminal or DUI case.
**This blog should be used for informational purposes only. It does not create an attorney-client relationship with any reader and should not be construed as legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact the Firm to schedule a consultation regarding your case.
Excerpts in this blog posting were taken from Mr. Buckallew’s e-book listed below. You may request a free copy of his book here.
Arizona Criminal Defense Strategies (e-book)Copyright © 2011 Trent R. Buckallew, Attorney at Law The Law Offices of Trent R. Buckallew, PC Arizona Criminal Defense Attorney