Gilbert Domestic Violence Defense Lawyer

Domestic violence allegations can be devastating. Families may not get along all the time, but once these serious accusations have been made, alleged victims cannot take them back. Even if they recant later, at that point, the prosecutor may decide to proceed with the criminal charges against you.

Make sure you have a high-powered Gilbert domestic violence defense lawyer from Suzuki Law Offices handling your case. As former investigators and prosecutors ourselves, our insight and ability to view your case through the lens of the district attorney makes us uniquely qualified to defend you in court. 

Contact a respected Gilbert violent crimes lawyer from our firm to request a confidential consultation and learn more about how you can protect your reputation and future.

Consider Alternative Sentencing Options

You do not necessarily need to bring your domestic violence case to trial. Your Gilbert criminal defense lawyer will carefully consider your criminal record, the severity of the alleged victim’s injuries where applicable, and the other factors of your case to determine whether you qualify for pretrial diversion or a plea agreement. 

These alternative sentencing options are contingent on meeting the eligibility requirements and getting approval from the prosecution.

Pretrial Diversion

Pretrial diversion is an excellent opportunity for people accused of criminal offenses to avoid prosecution. By entering pretrial diversion, you can focus on rehabilitative efforts instead of punishment. There are many requirements of pretrial diversion, outlined in ARS § 9-500.22, such as:

• Completing community service hours
• Abstaining from drugs or alcohol
• Paying restitution and court fees
• Attending mental health counseling or group therapy
• Passing random drug screenings
• Having meetings with a probation officer

These are just a few examples of requirements that must be met if you enroll in pretrial diversion. You might not qualify for pretrial diversion if the charges against you are for a violent crime. You can learn more about whether you meet the eligibility requirements when discussing the specific circumstances of your case with our legal team.

Plea Bargains

The district attorney may be willing to offer you a plea agreement. If you are innocent, your gut reaction may be to decline a plea deal. After all, you do not want to plead guilty to a crime you did not commit.

However, if the state has a strong case against you, or you have a long criminal record and are facing extreme penalties, a plea agreement may be in your best interest. You may not want to risk bringing your case to trial if the consequences could result in years behind bars. If the prosecutor is going to work out a plea agreement, certain requirements must be met, including:

• Waving your right to a jury trial
• Waving your right against self-incrimination
• Waving your right to confront witnesses
• Entering the plea voluntarily
• Getting approval from the judge

Assert Your Right to Defend Yourself

Under the Sixth Amendment, you have the right to defend yourself when you are facing criminal charges. It does not matter whether you are innocent or guilty. The fact that you have been charged criminally entitles you to a defense. 

By introducing reasonable doubt in the mind of the jurors, your lawyer may be able to secure an acquittal using one of the following types of defenses:

• False allegations – If the person who accused you of domestic violence did so in an attempt to get you arrested, prosecuted, or turn your world upside down, we may be able to get your charges reduced or dismissed altogether.
• Lack of sufficient evidence – If the prosecutor does not have sufficient evidence to prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt or the evidence was obtained unlawfully, violating your Fourth Amendment rights, this evidence could be suppressed, and your case could be tossed out.
• Self-defense – If you needed to use reasonable force to protect yourself or others from imminent danger, arguing self-defense may be an option in your case.

These are just a few potential defenses that could be used if your case goes to trial. Our team will also guide you regarding how to defend yourself against false domestic violence accusations if you believe you have been targeted by a scorned ex or other family member intent on upending your life. After reviewing the state’s evidence against you and the circumstances surrounding your charges, you can rest easier knowing Suzuki Law Offices will hire the experts and professionals needed to build a compelling defense in your favor.

Penalties for a Domestic Violence Conviction

Your Gilbert domestic violence defense attorney will need to review your criminal charges to determine the penalties you are facing. Since Arizona does not have a domestic violence crime, what happens is certain criminal offenses can include domestic violence designations, as defined by ARS § 13-3601. With a domestic violence designation, you might face enhanced penalties.

Multiple types of crimes could receive domestic violence designations if they involve household or family members. Aggravated assault, sexual abuse, and even disorderly conduct are a few examples. Many domestic violence charges reach the felony level if victims suffer serious injury.

It will be our goal to get your charges reduced wherever possible. You may also have a restraining order taken out against you, which could prevent you from being at your home, spending time with your family, or even going to work every day. Presenting a compelling defense strategy may be one of your only opportunities to avoid these consequences.

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Turn to a Leading Domestic Violence Defense Lawyer in Gilbert for Help Today

When family arguments rise to the level of violence or abuse, domestic violence charges may apply. If you are found guilty of a DV offense, you could not only be facing incarceration, but your personal and professional reputations are in jeopardy. It has never been more important for you to clear your name of these allegations.

Fortunately, you do not need to handle your defense strategy on your own when you have a premier domestic violence defense attorney in Gilbert from Suzuki Law Offices working for you. 

We are prepared to hire specialists and experts to provide testimony on your behalf and introduce the reasonable doubt needed to secure a favorable outcome. Discuss your potential legal options further when you contact our team by phone or through our online contact form to schedule a confidential consultation.

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