Post By admin in  criminal law, Sex Crimes 

Fox News 10 ran a story about 43yr old Hilton Ray Westover’s arrest recently. Westover was accused of sexually assaultinga thirteen year old girl in northern Arizona. Authorities were able to arrest Westover after the there was a successful DNA match to evidence that was submitted to detectives. Detectives began the investigation when the 13 year old girl’s family reported to authorities that the girl had been inappropriately touched by Westover.  At the time of arrest Westover admitted to the crimes and was booked into jail on charges of sexual conduct with a minor and sexual assault.

Sex crimes in Arizona are still a serious matter even though the state’s registry system has fallen behind the rest of the nation. Anyone charged with a sex crime should know that there are serious consequences associated with such crimes. Not to mention having to live with the stigma of being a sex offender. Serious charges like the ones above need serious representation. It is imperative to your case to hire a criminal defense lawyer at The Law Offices of Howard A. Snader, LLC to handle your case. Do not wait until it is to late, without legal help you are severely outmatched by the Arizona legal system.

Oct 18, 2012 | 0 Comments 

Post By admin in  criminal law, Sex Crimes 

As many as five states, including Arizona, have given up on a 2006 federal law that requires them to join a nationwide effort to track and register sex offenders, citing that the program would be more of a financial burden on individuals states than accepting federal grants for law enforcement, as states would have to overhaul their sex offender registration systems to comply.

Thirty-four states have failed to meet the conditions of the program while 5 have decided that they would not participate in the nationwide program expected to help lower sex offense incidents. Among those states declining a 10% federal funding are Arizona, Arkansas, California, Nebraska and Texas.

Arizona: Rejected law in 2009, determining that it would cost $2 million to fulfill all requirements. Forfeited federal funding amount: $146,700

Arkansas: Lawmakers unwilling to comply with requirements, despite losing $226,000 in federal funding

California: As the nation’s most populous state, lost $800,000 in funding this year, but a 2008 report states that complying with the program would cost nearly $32 million

Texas: After two years of hearings, a Senate committee determined that the loss of $1.4 million in federal funding was inconsequential compared to the cost to implement changes, which would have exceeded $38 million.

States with less stringent registration requirements and the five who have not complied with the program have become “havens”, as many offenders have moved to states with relaxed rules. Many critics of the program have stated that sex offenders, pedophiles and the like are going to offend no matter the rules, distance from schools and any other program the nation tries to implement.

Being convicted of a sexual offense can have serious consequences. Not only does one live with the stigma of being accused with a sexual offense, but if convicted a person must register with the State’s database to alert communities of their whereabouts. If you have been charged with a sex crime in Phoenix, Arizona, it is crucial to your case to hire a criminal defense lawyer at The Law Offices of Howard A. Snader, LLC to defend your rights and protect your future. Often times, people who have been arrested for a sex crime, will not hire representation until it is too late. Do not attempt to go it alone. Get the vigorous defense that you deserve.

Oct 9, 2012 | 0 Comments