Domestic Violence Charges in Arizona
domestic violence defense attorney in Phoenix.
Domestic violence is serious in nearly every state.
If you have domestic violence charges levied against you and are found guilty of those charges, you face legal consequences that can affect many areas of your life.
These charges have the potential to hurt your personal relationships, employment, and reputation.
To ensure that you are informed as possible, below is an overview of how Arizona treats domestic violence and the legal penalties that you may face if you are charged with domestic violence.
If you find you still have questions, contact a domestic violence defense attorney in Phoenix.
What is Domestic Violence in Arizona?
A significant misconception is that domestic violence only applies to actions taken against members of one’s family.
To the contrary, A.R.S. 13-3601 states that domestic violence can be violent acts taken against a victim that is a roommate, grandparent, significant other, a woman carrying a child, and more.
Domestic violence is considered to be any dangerous crime prescribed within Arizona’s criminal statutes.
Most commonly, domestic violence is considered an act of physical injury that is committed knowingly or purposefully against another person.
Intent to injure, provoke, insult, or to put an individual in eminent physical danger can also be considered a form of domestic violence.
Penalties for Domestic Violence
The penalties that you can face for domestic violence will depend upon the underlying offense.
For example, you cannot be simply charged with domestic violence.
Instead, the charge will depend upon an underlying act like assault, disorderly conduct, aggravated assault, kidnapping, criminal trespass, and harassment.
Assault and Domestic Violence
The most common domestic violence charge is domestic violence based upon assault.
Assault is identified in A.R.S. 13-1203 and it occurs when an individual intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causes physical injury to another person, places another person in reasonable apprehension or imminent danger, or touches an individual with the intent to insult, provoke, or injure.
For an assault offense to be the underlying crime for domestic violence, there must be a relationship between the victim and the individual conducting the assault.
Those who are charged with assault usually face a class 1 misdemeanor, which carries six months in jail and a fine.
Aggravated Domestic Violence
Another common domestic violence charge is domestic violence based upon aggravated assault.
If you are charged with domestic violence based on aggravated assault, you face a felony charge, which is far more severe than a misdemeanor charge.
Legal Counsel for Domestic Violence
Those charged with domestic violence and an underlying crime can face hefty fines, jail time, and counseling.
If you have charges levied against you, the best move that you can make is to seek a domestic violence defense attorney in Phoenix.
The Tyler Allen Law Firm specializes in a number of areas, including those involving domestic violence.
By going in for a consultation, we will be able to discuss your options with you and what steps may be necessary to protect you and your interests. Fill out a contact form or call (602) 456-0545.