Chandler Domestic Violence Defense Lawyer

If you have recently been arrested and charged with a domestic violence offense, your future could be in considerable jeopardy. The penalties that follow a domestic violence conviction are often harsh. Clearing your name of these serious allegations may be the only way for you to protect your freedom.

Having a reputable Chandler domestic violence defense lawyer working for you could be the solution you have been looking for. With a leading Chandler violent crimes lawyer from Suzuki Law Offices on your side, you have a team of former prosecutors with decades of combined experience who have insight into how the district attorney may handle your case. 

Do not hesitate to contact our legal team to request a free consultation today and learn more about which approach is most likely to get you the favorable outcome you need to move forward with your life.

Domestic Violence Penalties and Sentencing

The penalties for a domestic violence conviction will vary depending on the type of crime attached to your domestic violence designation. If the offense was a misdemeanor, you could spend up to one year in jail or be placed on probation. However, penalties will increase dramatically if you are convicted of a felony-level violent crime with a domestic violence designation attachment.

You could spend up to 35 years or life in prison for a class two or class one felony conviction. Fines could also reach up to $150,000. Additionally, domestic violence offenses will require domestic violence counseling. A Chandler criminal defense lawyer can help get your charges reduced or dropped.

Arizona Domestic Violence Laws

Domestic violence is not a formal offense under Arizona law. However, that does not mean that domestic violence-related charges do not exist. Any crime that involves domestic violence could face enhanced criminal penalties or charges.

Essentially, domestic violence involves any type of violent abuse or behavior that occurs within a shared home. Spousal abuse, assault or battery, or even child abuse could all be considered domestic violence-related crimes. Here is an overview of criminal defense in Arizona and some of the most important details you need to know about Arizona’s domestic violence laws.

Who is a Household Member

For a criminal offense to have a domestic violence designation, the incident must have occurred between household members. If you are unsure whether the involved parties are considered household members, you can speak with your Chandler domestic violence defense attorney with Suzuki Law Offices to get answers.

However, some examples of individuals who could be considered members of the household include:

• Anyone related by marriage or blood
• Anyone who you have had one or more children with
• Children, parents, and spouses
• Anyone who you were currently or previously involved with sexually or romantically
• Someone who is pregnant with your child

What Constitutes Domestic Violence 

According to ARS § 13-3601(B), the police do not need a warrant to arrest someone if they have probable cause to suspect domestic violence. If a household member makes domestic violence allegations to law enforcement officials, an arrest must be made. 

Some examples of actions that could be considered domestic violence and require the representation of a Chandler sex crimes lawyer include:

• Sexual assault or abuse
• Marital rape
• Kicking, hitting, slapping, or punching
• Intimidation, stalking, or threats
• Biting, cutting, shoving, burning, or hair pulling
• Psychological abuse
• Isolation or wrongful imprisonment
• Consistent criticism or name-calling

What to Expect if a Protection Order is Taken Out Against You

When you are charged with a domestic violence crime, an order of protection will likely be taken out against you. Also commonly referred to as a restraining order, under ARS § 13-3602, an order of protection can prevent you from contacting or being within close proximity of anyone named in the protective order. The order will typically remain in place for a minimum of one year unless the protection order is dismissed or modified by the court.

Failure to adhere to the requirements of an order of protection could result in a violation. You may need your Chandler domestic violence attorney to help you avoid additional criminal charges, as violating a protection order is considered a class one misdemeanor under ARS § 13-2810. If convicted, you could spend up to one year in jail and the order to pay fines as high as $2,500.

Domestic Violence-Related Charges You May Face

You know that domestic violence itself is not a formal crime. However, the prosecutor can attach the domestic violence designation to any violent crime that involves a household member. Some of the most common charges attached to domestic violence designations include:

• Assault under ARS § 13-1203
• Criminal damage under ARS § 13-1602
• Custodial interference under ARS § 13-1302
• Disorderly conduct under ARS § 13-2904
• Manslaughter under ARS § 13-1103
• Negligent homicide under ARS § 13-1102
• Preventing phone use under ARS § 13-2915
• Harassment under ARS § 13-2921
• Criminal trespass in all its degrees under ARS § 13-1502, ARS § 13-1503, and ARS § 13-1504
• Unlawful imprisonment under ARS § 13-1303

With a domestic violence designation, the penalties for a violent crime can be increased. The prosecutor must file formal criminal charges against you before the statute of limitations expires. If you are to face misdemeanor charges, the state will have up to one year to file charges, while felony charges have a seven-year statute of limitations as described under ARS § 13-107.

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Meet With a Respected Domestic Violence Defense Lawyer in Chandler for Help Today

When you are facing charges as serious as those involving domestic violence, it is imperative that you take your defense strategy seriously. If convicted, your reputation could be destroyed, and you could be subject to harsh criminal penalties, including extensive time in jail or prison.

Fortunately, when you have a trial-proven domestic violence defense attorney in Chandler from Suzuki Law Offices working for you, you may have a better chance of dodging a conviction. Our team will conduct a comprehensive investigation into the charges against you, identifying the best possible defense strategy based on the circumstances of your case. 

We will be prepared to negotiate a plea agreement with the prosecutor or defend your case at trial if that is what it takes to help you get home to your family sooner. Explore your criminal defense options further when you contact our legal team by phone or through our secured contact form to schedule a confidential consultation as soon as today.

Call or text 602-682-5270 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form