It’s not just golf enthusiasts who gather to attend the Waste Management Phoenix Open – party-goers also flock to the event in huge numbers. In addition to the tournament, this year’s festivities include 4 nights of live music at the Coors Light Birds Nest, a Special Olympics Putting Challenge, and a 9-hole shootout featuring PGA Tour wives, with their husbands …
Pantless but Lawful: How to Participate Safely in Arizona’s Light Rail Event
On January 14, 2024, the annual Pantless Light Rail Ride returns to Arizona after a three-year hiatus. The event encourages individuals to ride the light rail wearing only tops and underwear/boxers. This unique event began in Arizona in 2009 and was inspired by similar Pantless public transportation events across the globe. Many organizers of the event seek to promote body …
Halloween Havoc: Tricks kids and some adults Might Want to Avoid Playing This Year
Halloween is a night of spooky fun and sugar-induced excitement for kids and adults alike. The temptation to engage in mischief can lead to more than just tricks and treats. In this blog, we’ll explore what types of crimes underage kids might get into on Halloween and how parents and guardians can prevent these incidents. At Castillo Law, we believe …
Gameday Trafficking: Avoid Getting Yourself in a Jam this Super Bowl Season.
Highway backups are not the only kind of traffic you might hear about as Arizona gears up to host its fourth Super Bowl game. Amidst the excitement of playoff brackets, chicken wings, and good old American football, don’t be surprised if you hear rumors of a more nefarious type of traffic: sex trafficking. You may have seen these anti-trafficking messages …
Celebrating the 4th of July in the Valley of the Sun
If you are staying in the Phoenix area this 4th of July, there are no shortage of events to celebrate this year! The City of Phoenix canceled their annual Fabulous Phoenix Fourth, but we’ve rounded up a short list of free events in the surrounding areas that are sure to light your fire! The City of Mesa’s Arizona Celebration of …
Arizona’s Second Chances Act: A 2020 Ballot Initiative aiming to benefit all by ending mass incarceration, rehabilitating non-violent offenders, and reducing the $1.2 billion burden on taxpayers
Arizona has the 4th highest incarceration rate in the nation, just behind Mississippi, Oklahoma and Louisiana. For the last 2 decades, the prison population in Arizona has increased by 300% and the cost to fund it has increased by 400%. In fact, Arizona spends over 1 billion dollars a year on prisons each year and has nearly 40,000 people currently …
Is your loved one in prison being protected from Coronavirus?
With the ongoing concerns of the spread of COVID-19, you may be wondering what precautions are in place to prevent an outbreak in Arizona’s prisons. The Arizona Department of Corrections recently announced it will lift the $4.00 charge for requesting healthcare if an inmate has Coronavirus symptoms and will also lift the inmates’ charge for soap temporarily. However, according to …
Reconnecting with your inmate
The word on the street is that Maricopa County Inmates have a new way of “Getting Out.” No, not literally, but figuratively speaking, Maricopa County through a third-party vendor “GTL” has set up tablets for inmates to utilize for purposes of maintaining and re-building relationships with loved ones. The tablet allows for video visits, messaging, sharing photos, educational opportunities to …
How does the Coronavirus affect my Arizona Criminal Case?
Due to the Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic, many courts in Arizona have been modifying their instructions for defendants, criminal procedures, courtroom policies, and safety protocols. These changes arose after the Chief Justice of the Arizona Supreme Court implemented temporary measures beginning March 16, 2020 and ending April 17, 2020 in order to mitigate the Arizona community’s risk of exposure to Coronavirus. …
Memorial Day
Memorial Day is almost here. Many consider it the official start of summer, looking forward to sitting by the pool, floating down the salt river, enjoying a cold drink, or taking a long-needed vacation. However, Memorial Day means so much more. Memorial Day is a time to honor our military men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice in the …
Instead of a Fiesta, Consider a Siesta!
Today in America, Cinco de Mayo is a national holiday that commemorates Mexican culture and heritage. Some confuse Cinco de Mayo as Mexico’s Independence Day (which is September 16th), but actually it is the day that the outnumbered Mexican Army defeated the French military at Puebla de Los Angeles (currently known as Zaragoza after General Zaragoza who led them during …
When Country Thunder Rolls into Town
Country Thunder, Arizona’s largest country music festival, is back this April for its 22ndstraight year! Last year, it is estimated that 27,000 people attended the long-running festival – and with a line-up that includes Jason Aldean, Cole Swindell, Brett Young, and Luke Bryan, this year is likely to put up similar numbers. The gates will open Wednesday, April 4, 2018 …
Don’t “Press Your Luck” this St. Patrick’s Day
St. Patrick’s Day celebrates the introduction of Christianity to Ireland by Saint Patrick. It is celebrated on the 17th of March every year, which commemorates the death of the Saint. St. Patrick’s Day was considered a religious holiday in Ireland as it occurs during the Christian season of Lent. Irish families would attend church in the morning and celebrate in …
Looking for Love in All the Wrong Places
Love is in the air as Valentine’s Day is here. If you are one of the many people looking for a little TLC this year, be careful where you are trying to find it. If you are a Castillo Law blog follower, you know that we have many blogs warning people who use Backpage, Tagged, Craigslist, and similar sites that …
Preparing for Veteran’s Day 2017
Veteran’s Day originally started as Armistice Day in 1919, commemorating the day World War I officially ended in 1918. Armistice Day became an official holiday when approved by Congress in 1938. In 1954, after World War II, President Eisenhower declared Armistice Day as Veteran’s Day, a day to honor all who have served for our country. Veteran’s Day has been …
Don’t Get Tricked This Halloween!
Trick-or-treating did not become a Halloween tradition until the 1930’s. Back then, people who complied with kids’ requests for treats were left alone, but those who did not comply were punished with a trick. Unfortunately, law enforcement is not handing out treats this Halloween. They could be handing out tickets, or worse, taking you to jail. DUI enforcement does not …
Treat Yo’self this Labor Day Weekend
Labor Day weekend is here, bringing an end to summer – at least technically anyway. Labor Day was declared a national holiday in 1894 by President Cleveland in response to the chaotic strikes caused by disgruntled employees of the Pullman Railway Company. The national holiday appeased the rioters, so you can thank them while you enjoy this wonderful 3-day weekend! …
Forks Up, Tailgates Down!
Tailgating season is upon us. Castillo Law has its own internal rivalry brewing between our ASU Sun Devil and U of A Wildcat alums, but no matter which team we support, we can all agree on one thing – we love college football! ASU football kicks off on Thursday, August 31, 2017, so grab your pals and get your grills, …
SLOW DOWN AND BE VIGILANT AS BACK TO SCHOOL HAS BEGUN
As children return to school, remember that this means heavy traffic, children walking or biking to school and parents rushing to drop off their children before heading to work and rushing to pick them up. To help remind you and ensure the safety of our children, officers have received grant money to monitor school zones and strictly enforce the rules …
DON’T LOSE YOUR FREEDOM THIS INDEPENDENCE DAY!
July 4th is a day to celebrate our country’s freedom. Many choose to celebrate the holiday by cooling off at the lake, gathering with family and friends at backyard BBQs, or by taking a vacation to beat the heat. Given the abundance of alcohol at these events, it is especially important to drink responsibly and find a designated driver, as …
Cinco de Mayo Phoenix AZ 2017
For our amigos and amigas who are going to fiesta on cervezas and margaritas this Cinco de Mayo, here are a few tips to celebrate safely and legally! The Cinco de Mayo holiday is one of the leading holidays for DUI arrests in Arizona. Police will be in full force around the holiday so don’t allow yourselves to throw caution …
Beware the AZ DUI Task Force
This blog is entitled Beware of the AZ DUI Task Force and this is why. This is a really, really big month for us here in the valley. We’ve got the Waste Management coming up this weekend. We also have obviously the Super Bowl so everybody’s out at Super Bowl parties, out at the bars, having a good time, and …
How to Avoid Stress and Criminal Charges During The Holidays
Season’s Greetings from Castillo Law It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes, or bags. Maybe Christmas doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas, perhaps . . . means a little bit more!–Dr. Seuss The holidays are a time to show the special people in our lives how much we care about them. While we’re …
Follow AZ Hunting Regulations and Avoid Criminal Charges
Failure to Follow Game and Fish AZ Hunting Regulations May Result in a Huge Missed Steak this Hunting Season The regular football season is more than half-way over, Thanksgiving has ended, and, pretty soon, we’ll be snuggling by the tree opening presents. While many of our readers may have already gone on their first hunt of the year, we’d like to …
Tips for a Safe and Fun Halloween from Castillo Law
When Black Cats Prowl and Pumpkins Gleam, Keep the Criminal Charges away this Halloween! It’s time for everyone’s favorite holiday! Although the leaves aren’t changing, there’s a cool breeze shaking the cactus needles, and people are busy deciding whether or not dressing as Pizza Rat will finally score a win at the costume contest this year. As with any holiday …
Halloween Restrictions for Sex Offenders
As can be read in our previous articles about sex crimes in Arizona, Arizona is one of the strictest states when it comes to sex offenses. Sex offenders who are released on probation and/or who have sex offender terms will have restrictions on Halloween night. Common restrictions for sex offenders on Halloween night May include but are not limited to …
Stay thirsty but designate a driver this Memorial Day on the Salt River
Stay Cool and Safe on the Salt River and lakes of Arizona: Avoiding Negative Police Contact As the Arizona summer is starting to heat up, we are all thinking of ways to stay cool despite the scorching sun. Relaxing and taking in the first bright rays of summer, feeling the lingering cool breeze, is the perfect thing to do this …
OUI aka Boating DUI in AZ
Video: OUI aka Boating DUI in AZ Start Transcript: OUI aka Boating DUI in AZ It’s that time of year again when Arizon-ians are fleeting to the lakes of Arizona, whether it be Saguaro Lake, Lake Roosevelt, Lake Pleasant, Lake Powell. Any of the lakes here in Arizona, a lot of people tend to try to get away for the …
New Location for Castillo Law Starting May 1st, 2015
Castillo Law, PLLC is pleased to announce the relocation of our law firm, starting May 1st. Our new office will be located at: 2025 N. 3rd Street, Suite B150 Phoenix, AZ 85004 We are very excited to join the Alvarado Historic District in the Brookstone Office Complex. Our new office is right off the I-10, between McDowell and Thomas on …
Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Have Fun and Stay Safe!
Some important reminders for a safe St. Patrick’s Holiday! Keep the images of shamrocks, leprechauns, pots of gold, and good luck on St. Patrick’s Day! Today, March 17 marks the arrival of Christianity in Ireland as well as the death of the patron saint of Ireland, St. Patrick. For many Americans, both Irish and non-Irish, St. Patrick’s Day is a …
Phoenix DUI: No Fowl Play on Turkey Day
Thanksgiving is a joyous time to give thanks and focus on friends and family. The extended time off work comes as a huge relief to most, the anticipation of a savory Thanksgiving Dinner and the long weekend with our loved ones cannot come soon enough! Before cracking open your first beer, popping open the champagne or uncorking a bottle of …
ASU Tailgating, Kegs and Red Solo Cups Don’t Mix
What You Need to Know Before Tailgating This Year. This coming football season, ASU and law enforcement are trying to lower the number of underage students consuming alcohol while limiting the risks involved in binge drinking at tailgating events. ASU is enforcing a ban on kegs and other “apparatuses that encourage reckless consumption of alcoholic beverages.” As a result, you …
Labor Day and Potential Legal Issues in Arizona
Staying Informed Means Staying Safe and Out of Jail Labor Day was created to pay tribute to all workers who have contributed to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our great nation. In Arizona, Labor Day enthusiasts pay tribute through backyard barbeques and swim parties, salt river tubing, and boating at one of Arizona’s recreational lakes. For many, Labor Day …
Backpage Consumers Beware: Police are regularly conducting Backpage Stings
Update Feb 2017: Backpage.com shut down their adult only classified pages on their site, due to government pressure for allegedly facilitating and encouraging sex trafficking. There is still a potential that police are running similar stings on other websites. Read more here. As the 2015 Super Bowl nears, Phoenix and its surrounding valley cities are being swept by police sex …
AZ Spring Training 2014: play it safe and avoid a DUI
Winter in Arizona. When the rest of the country is miserable, buried under feet of snow, and bundled up in layers upon layers, we are casually walking around in our sunny 70 degree weather. Naturally, this lends itself to having visitors come from across the nation to partake in the enjoyable weather. AZ Spring Training 2014 However, in March, visitors …