In recent years, Phoenix police have displayed unnecessary use of force against its citizens. Some examples of this are:
One of the latest displays of unnecessary force occurred in January 2020 to a 23 year old Mariah Valenzuela. Mariah Valenzuela, a mother of two, was pulled over for a traffic violation. What occurred next would be a terrifying experience for Ms. Valenzuela which resulted in many injuries to her face and head. Body Camera footage obtained by The Guardian, shows the excessive use of force by the Phoenix police officer. The footage then goes on to show multiple police officers discussing plans to cover up what occurred. Once another officer learned about what transpired and of the injuries, he directed the police on scene to “just to CYA [cover your ass]” when writing the follow up reports.
The arresting officer only suggested 30 minutes into the arrest that Valenzuela may be intoxicated. When one officer noted that she was bleeding, the arresting officer stated, “She’s just going to complain to complain.”
To Read The Guardian Article, Click Here
Nava Law Firm Reaction:
Sadly, what happened in this case is not an isolated incident. Police officers too often react with violence at even the slightest indication that someone is questioning their authority. We must stop viewing these incidents as the work of “bad apples,” and face the realization that the way we train police officers is the problem. It is why I am passionate about my work on the Mayor’s Review and Implementation Committee for the City of Phoenix and my efforts through Arizona Attorneys for Criminal Justice at the Legislature to reform policing. I have successfully represented many people who found themselves in the same position as Ms. Valenzuela. It is always a scary time for my clients, and it is why having an experienced criminal defense attorney by your side is important.
Woman was charged with her second DUI within 7 years after being involved in a collision in Scottsdale. Through our investigation, we found multiple mistakes made by the arresting officer. These errors were used to get the prosecution to reduce the alleged offense to a charge with no jail time.
A black man was pulled over by Salt River Police Department while visiting from out of town. Despite showing no signs of impairment, the officers arrested him and charged him with DUI Drugs. We investigated the case heavily and interviewed every officer involved. Ultimately, a motion to suppress was filed and granted after an evidentiary hearing before a Judge.
A man was charged with attacking a family with a knife. After reviewing the evidence, it was determined that the instrument used was not a knife at all. The Grand Jury had been misled, so we filed a motion challenging the grand jury presentation. The prosecutor, confronted with the truth, agreed to reduce the charge to a misdemeanor with no jail time.
Woman was charged with her second DUI within 7 years after being involved in a collision in Scottsdale. Through our investigation, we found multiple mistakes made by the arresting officer. These errors were used to get the prosecution to reduce the alleged offense to a charge with no jail time.
A man was out on a walk and was stopped by police because he was in the area of an attempted vehicle theft. The man maintained his innocence, but the owner of the truck identified him as the man he saw attempt to steal it. We worked tirelessly to prepare a defense and get the prosecution to see reason. The State wouldn’t budge, so the case went to trial. After a 4 day trial, the jury took approximately 10 minutes to return a Not Guilty verdict.
Woman was charged with her second DUI within 7 years after being involved in a collision in Scottsdale. Through our investigation, we found multiple mistakes made by the arresting officer. These errors were used to get the prosecution to reduce the alleged offense to a charge with no jail time.
A client was charged with resist arrest after being targeted by police during the protests of Summer 2020. Our firm developed a strategy with activists and members of the media that led to a dismissal of our client’s case and, eventually, all cases connected to the political prosecution of the protesters.
Woman was charged with her second DUI within 7 years after being involved in a collision in Scottsdale. Through our investigation, we found multiple mistakes made by the arresting officer. These errors were used to get the prosecution to reduce the alleged offense to a charge with no jail time.
A woman and her boyfriend were arguing over the cleaning of their apartment. The police were called after things escalated and the woman was arrested. The Mesa City Prosecutors originally wanted the woman to do jail time. After working the case and providing background information, we were able to get the prosecutor to allow the woman to complete classes in exchange for a dismissal.
Woman was charged with her second DUI within 7 years after being involved in a collision in Scottsdale. Through our investigation, we found multiple mistakes made by the arresting officer. These errors were used to get the prosecution to reduce the alleged offense to a charge with no jail time.
We have experience managing violent cases that fall under the categories of murder and manslaughter. Out of respect for all Nava Law Firm clients that fall under this case type, we are not providing any information on our website. If you or a loved one have been charged with one of these serious charges, do not speak to police officers and please contact our firm immediately to get a free consultation.
Woman was charged with her second DUI within 7 years after being involved in a collision in Scottsdale. Through our investigation, we found multiple mistakes made by the arresting officer. These errors were used to get the prosecution to reduce the alleged offense to a charge with no jail time.
