Duncan Domestic Violence Defense Lawyer

If you were recently accused of committing a crime with a domestic violence designation, the consequences could be much more serious than you might have thought. The fallout of a conviction could not only lead to jail time and fines, but it could also inhibit your ability to earn a living, maintain relationships with your friends and family, and otherwise live your life normally.

With charges this severe, enlisting the services of a knowledgeable Duncan domestic violence defense lawyer from Suzuki Law Offices should be a top priority. We’re your voice in action. Since opening our doors in 2007, we have represented thousands of the accused. 

When you need a high-powered Duncan violent crimes lawyer to help you clear your name of these accusations, our team is here for you. Contact our office to request a confidential consultation today.

What Happens When a Protection Order is Taken Out Against You

With domestic violence charges, you will also likely have a protective order taken out against you. Also commonly referred to as a restraining order, this is a court order that prohibits you from being in contact with the person or persons protected by the restraining order. Not only can this have a dramatic impact on your daily life, but it could destroy your reputation as well.

For this reason, you may need to work with a Duncan criminal defense lawyer to get the protective order dropped. If we can get the protective order dismissed, you will not have the stigma of a restraining order hanging over your shoulders. This way, you have an opportunity to focus on your family and get back to your life.

Restraining Order Terms

When an order of protection is taken out against you, you will be prohibited from contacting anyone who is named in the protective order. This might include a sibling, partner, parent, children, grandparents, someone you have children with, or anyone else who is considered a household member under ARS § 13-3602. The restraining order will prohibit you from contacting the protected parties in any way, whether that be through mail, email, phone, text, or another third party.

However, depending on the circumstances of your case, there may be more specific restrictions as well. You could be ordered to forfeit your firearms and stay away from the protected person’s school, home, or work. If you live with the protected person, you may need to find somewhere else to stay while the restraining order is in place.

Violating an Order of Protection

Failure to follow the terms of your protective order could have a devastating impact on your case. You could be immediately arrested and face additional criminal charges. 

Typically, violating a protective order is considered a class one misdemeanor, punishable by up to six months in jail and fines up to $2,500 with an 84% surcharge.

Statute of Limitations on Domestic Violence Charges in Duncan

The exact amount of time the prosecutor has to file domestic violence charges against you varies widely. It may not always be clear exactly when the statute of limitations runs out, as different types of criminal charges carry different filing deadlines. For example, if you were facing a misdemeanor domestic violence offense, the statute of limitations might expire just one year from the date the alleged offense occurred.

However, if you were facing a felony domestic violence charge, the statute of limitations would expire seven years from the date the incident or injuries occurred. If you are accused of committing a violent domestic violence crime, there may not be a statute of limitations for the charges you are facing. Your Duncan domestic violence defense attorney with Suzuki Law Offices will carefully evaluate the details of your case and help you understand Arizona criminal time limitations.

Missing the deadline does not necessarily prevent the prosecutor from attempting to file criminal charges, especially if there is a discrepancy as to the statute of limitations’ official expiration date in your case. If the district attorney files charges but the deadline has expired, our team will be ready to file a motion to dismiss the charges against you. You can rely on our team to get you the clarity and answers you need when you need them most.

How to Expunge a Domestic Violence Conviction 

If you are ultimately convicted of a domestic violence-related offense, your entire life will continue to be affected by the guilty verdict on your criminal record. However, there may be some hope when you rely on Suzuki Law Offices to help you protect your future. You may be eligible to expunge certain domestic violence convictions if:

• You have paid all restitution, fees, and court fines.
• You do not have any pending criminal charges.
• You have not been convicted of an offense since your domestic violence conviction.
• You have completed the terms of your probation.
• Completed all sentence terms, including community service, restitution, and other requirements.
• The mandatory waiting period has passed.

Expungement does not happen on its own, and you will need to petition the court to request an expunction. The court will take into consideration the nature of the charges against you, your criminal record, and other factors to determine whether your expungement petition should be granted. Be aware that not all domestic violence charges will be eligible for expunction under ARS § 13-911, and subsection (O) describes which charges are ineligible. 

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Consult a Reputable Domestic Violence Defense Lawyer in Duncan for Help Today

Your reputation is on the line when you are accused of a crime as serious as domestic violence. People do not look at those who have domestic violence convictions on their record as those who can be trusted. Do not let this become your future.

Take the necessary steps to avoid a guilty verdict by working with a highly skilled domestic violence defense attorney in Duncan from Suzuki Law Offices. Our team has 30+ years of zealous trial experience and will put our diligence to work for you immediately so you can get home to your family sooner. Learn more about how the criminal justice system works and what to expect from your domestic violence case when you contact our office to request a confidential consultation.

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