Peoria Domestic Violence Defense Lawyer

Disagreements between family members can become contentious, but when they become violent or family members suffer extreme emotional distress as a result of these interactions, alleged victims could raise domestic violence allegations. If you have had a restraining order taken out against you or have been arrested on suspicion of committing a domestic violence-related offense, you could be looking at serious penalties.

If you hope to resolve these matters as quickly as possible, turning to a reputable Peoria domestic violence defense lawyer from Suzuki Law Offices may be in your best interest. Domestic violence incidents can happen at any time of day, which is why our team is available 24/7 so you can get the legal representation you need as soon as possible. 

Learn more about the severity of the charges against you and how to navigate the criminal justice system when you contact a leading Peoria violent crimes lawyer from our firm for a free consultation.

Arizona Domestic Violence Laws

When a crime is committed against someone you do not know, it is prosecuted as a criminal offense. However, when the offense occurs against someone you live with or are related to, it can receive a domestic violence designation. 

This means the extent of the penalties you face if you are convicted is based on the type of domestic violence-related crime you have been accused of committing and your relationship to the alleged victim.

It will be up to your Peoria criminal defense lawyer to help you understand what you are facing. Many domestic violence offenses are prosecuted at the felony level, even if the underlying criminal act is a misdemeanor. The crime may be considered a domestic violence offense if one or more of the following apply:

• The alleged victim or defendant is pregnant by the other party.
• The defendant and alleged victims are currently or formerly married or have lived in the same home.
• The relationship between the defendant and the alleged victim was or is currently sexual or romantic.
• The alleged victim has a child who lives in the same home or is related to the defendant.
• The alleged victim is related to the defendant by blood or marriage.
• The alleged victim and the defendant have a child in common.

Aggravated Domestic Violence

It may shock you to learn that your domestic violence charges could also be enhanced. Under ARS § 13-3601.02, aggravated domestic violence charges may apply if you receive a third domestic violence conviction within seven years. This is generally prosecuted as a class five felony, meaning you could spend up to 2 1/2 years in jail if this is your first offense.

If you are found guilty of aggravated domestic violence, you will not be eligible for a suspended sentence, pardon, or probation until you have served a mandatory minimum of four months in jail. This is true even if you are a first-time offender. For this reason, clearing your name should be at the top of your priority list.

Several potential defenses could be suitable if you are accused of aggravated domestic violence. Arguing self-defense could be an option if you need to use reasonable force to protect yourself or others. Constitutional rights violations, such as a lack of probable cause or failure to read you your Miranda Rights, could also be a valid defense. 

Crimes That Can Receive Domestic Violence Designations

With two of the 4 most common types of felony offenses, violent and sex crimes, falling under the possible crimes that can receive a DV designation, it is critical to craft a robust defense strategy. 

Your Peoria domestic violence defense lawyer may be able to get the domestic violence designation dropped if we can show that the alleged victim is not considered a household or family member. Some of the most common crimes as part of domestic violence cases include:

• Aggravated assault 
• Threatening
• Harassment
• Sexual assault
• Stalking 
• Disorderly conduct
• Assault with a deadly weapon
• Kidnapping

If you are facing another type of crime and expect a domestic violence designation, do not hesitate. Get help from a powerful criminal defender as soon as possible. You are going to need as much time as possible to build a compelling defense strategy.

Speak With a Diligent Domestic Violence Defense Lawyer in Peoria 

You might have hoped your family member would take back the allegations they made against you. Unfortunately, the prosecutor has the final decision as to whether the state will proceed with criminal charges. You need to be ready to negotiate your charges down to a lesser offense, fight for dismissal, or present a powerful defense strategy at trial.

You do not need to feel burdened by the weight of your defense when your dedicated domestic violence defense attorney in Peoria from Suzuki Law Offices is working for you. We relieve you of these burdens and handle your criminal defense strategy from start to finish.

Learn more about what that might look like for your case when you contact our office by phone or through our secured contact form to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation.

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