Convictions for violent crimes come with significant and life-changing penalties. Penalties include legal consequences, such as prison time and fines, and the damaging consequences can extend to your personal and professional lives. Fighting violent crimes charges with inferior representation will most likely not result in a best-case outcome for your case. For a strong, strategic defense, connect with a Tucson criminal defense lawyer.
Every attorney on the Suzuki Law Firm team has prosecutorial experience. This means that when you partner with a Tucson violent crimes lawyer from our firm, your legal defender knows how the prosecution’s side works. Your violent crimes attorney in Tucson will be ready for any challenges and will build a tactical defense, working to have your charges and penalties reduced or dismissed.
Types of Violent Crimes
In Statute §13-901.03, the Arizona Legislature defines a violent crime as “any criminal act that results in death or physical injury or any criminal use of a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument.” Even threats of harm with a weapon can count as a violent crime. If they survive, victims of violent crime are typically left with physical or psychological harm–or both.
Over a recent five-year period, Arizona Crime Statistics show the Stage averaged about 30,000 violent crimes per year. The weapons most commonly used were “personal,” such as hands, fists, and teeth, followed by firearms, and then “other dangerous weapons.” The most recent year of Tucson PD data shows a promising decrease in violent crimes in the city.
Assault
A person can be charged with assault after doing any of the following:
- “Intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly” causing injury to someone else
- Intentionally filling another person with “reasonable apprehension of imminent physical injury”
- “Knowingly touching” someone else with the purpose of injuring, insulting, or provoking that person
Simple assault involves threats of harm, while aggravated assault causes actual, serious injury. Just as there is a range for assault charges, there is a range for penalties.
Manslaughter or Murder
If a person commits an action causing a victim’s death but did not intend or plan to kill the victim, the offender can be charged with manslaughter. For example, a drunk driver may be charged with “vehicular manslaughter.” Those charged with murder are accused of deliberating killing the victim and of premeditating or planning the act.
Sexual Assault
Any non-consensual sexual activity or contact inflicted on another can lead to sexual assault charges. Rape is one of the most serious sexual assault crimes and with significant penalties. However, any sexual assault convictions in Arizona bring the possibility of extremely serious consequences, and those charged should seek a powerful defense from a Tucson violent crimes attorney.
Terrorist Acts
Those who commit violent or intimidating acts intended to incite fear or promote political, religious, or ideological goals can be charged with terrorism. Terrorism can involve bombings, shootings, other acts with deadly weapons, or cyberattacks. Under Arizona law, “intentionally or knowingly” engaging in, organizing, soliciting, or assisting in acts of terrorism, even advising or harboring the actual terrorists, can lead to charges.
Other Violent Crimes
There are many additional types of violent crimes, each coming with its range of charges and consequences. Other violent crimes include, but are not limited to:
- Robbery
- Kidnapping
- Child abuse
- Domestic violence
- Gang crimes
- Violent crimes
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Get StartedPenalties for Violent Crimes
Penalties for violent crime vary according to the severity of the crime and its consequences and other factors. For example, a repeat offense can come with increased consequences, as can crimes against children. The Arizona Criminal Code Sentencing Provisions provides extensive information on the legal consequences for different types of violent crimes.
Convictions of misdemeanor charges may come up to six months of jail time, fines, and probation. Felony charges come with prison time and steeper fines, and charges with an “aggravated” classification bring enhanced prison time as the “alleged offender made their crime worse. For example, threatening someone with a gun could warrant “aggravated assault” charges while threatening someone with a fist would not.
Besides the fines and imprisonment, convictions for violent crimes bring other repercussions, such as:
- Relationship disruption or destruction
- Broken families
- Limited future employment options
- Financial ruin–from fines and lack of professional opportunities
- Limited housing options–landlords may not want convicted violent offenders as renters
- Loss of civil rights, including the right to own a firearm or serve on a jury
- Revocation of professional license
- Roadblocks to child custody
- Grounds for Deportation
Get Help from a Skilled Violent Crimes Lawyer in Tucson
The stakes are high in violent crime cases. Whether you are facing felony vs misdemeanor charges, reach out for help from Suzuki Law Firm immediately. Exercise your right to remain silent, and do not speak to law enforcement about your alleged crime until you have spoken with a criminal defense lawyer from our team.
Potential Defense Strategies
Your Tucson violent crimes attorney will protect your rights from the first second of the partnership. And after reviewing your case, we will design a specific-to-you defense strategy. Though every case is different, defense strategies for violent crime charges can include the following:
- Lack of intent
- Self-defense
- Defense of others or property
- The act was committed under duress–or threat–from another part
- Mistaken identity
Your violent crimes attorney in Tucson will also review your arrest to determine if your arrest was legal or if your civil rights were violated. If there is evidence to prove your innocence, we will work tirelessly to secure it. Our goals are to ensure your fair treatment by the criminal justice system and get your charges dismissed or reduced.
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Your Future Is Our Priority
There is a lot on the line when you are facing criminal charges. Do not face them without the Suzuki Law Firm. A Tucson violent crimes lawyer from our team will provide the experienced, knowledgeable representation you need to get the most favorable outcome possible.
Call us for immediate legal protection. Along with a powerful defense, we will provide you with support, guidance, and compassion throughout your case. We are ready to help you move on with your life and toward a brighter future.
Call or text 602-682-5270 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form