Phoenix Police Officer Assault Defense Lawyer

In Arizona, assault involving a police officer is classified as aggravated assault and is automatically a felony. Such charges are prosecuted aggressively, which can include long prison time and or higher fines. It is not uncommon for prosecutors to push for maximum sentencing.

When faced with these charges, you need a Phoenix police officer assault defense lawyer. We know what it truly takes to succeed against long odds. The Suzuki Law Offices assault defense lawyers in Phoenix have effectively navigated even the most difficult of cases to achieve the best possible outcome.

We have a history of successfully prosecuting cases involving charges of violent crimes, including assaults on police officers. With this knowledge in hand, we are ready to fight for our clients’ freedom and rights. We know how to win a tough case.

You Have the Right to Legal Representation

Assaulting an officer is an automatic felony charge. However, the degree of the felony and the punishments can vary greatly. The consequences of a conviction for aggravated assault can be severe, including lengthy prison sentences, a felony criminal record, and other penalties.

However, it is important to note that there is great flexibility in the length of the sentence, and a knowledgeable attorney can work towards ensuring the shortest prison sentence allowed by law.

With the potential for serious consequences, including jail time, it is crucial to have a skilled assault attorney by your side. The violent crime lawyers in Phoenix of Suzuki Law Offices understand the gravity of these charges and are dedicated to providing you with the best defense strategy possible.

Who Is Considered an “Officer” Under the Law

Assault on an Officer charges can apply to a number of people employed in positions that involve public safety.

Under ARS § 13-1204(A)(8), an “officer” is defined as someone who engages in official duty such as:

• Peace officers 
• Paramedics
• Firefighters
• Teachers or school employee
• Healthcare practitioners
• Law enforcement
• Code enforcement officer
• Correctional officers
• Emergency medical personnel

Assaulting any personnel like the above, with the knowledge that he/she is an officer, can result in aggravated assault charges, a felony conviction, substantial fines, mandatory prison time, and other severe penalties. 

This is why it is so important to seek help from an experienced police officer assault defense attorney in Phoenix to help guide you through the legal process and protect your rights. 

Crimes Related to Assaulting Law Enforcement Officials

It is a criminal to assault an officer. Assaulting or injuring a police officer is a serious criminal that carries serious penalties; however, the exact nature of those repercussions will depend on the details of the incident.

Class 5 Felony

For example, you would be charged with a Class 5 felony offense if you were accused of assaulting a police officer while they were engaged in the execution of official duties.

Class 4 Felony

If the assault resulted in any type of physical harm to the officer, your charges could be elevated to a Class 4 felony.

Class 3 Felony

You could face charges for a Class 3 felony if the police officer suffered temporary or substantial disfigurement, loss, or impairment of any body part or a fracture to any part of their body.

Class 2 Felony

If a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument was used in the assault or the officer sustained serious physical injuries, it is likely that you would be charged with a class 2 felony.

The penalties for any type of felony conviction will be severe, so please don’t wait to contact our firm.

Assaults against police officers in Arizona can be harsh. Consider the following:

• The minimum mandatory sentence for a Class 2 felony offense is five years in jail.
• The minimum mandatory sentence for a Class 3 felony is three years and six months.
• For a Class 4 felony, the minimum sentence is two years and six months.
• The minimum mandatory sentence for a Class 5 felony is two years in jail.

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Taking a Police Officer’s Firearm – Aggravated Assault

In addition to the charge of aggravated assault on a police officer, you could face separate criminal charges and additional penalties for knowingly taking or attempting to exercise control over a law enforcement officer’s firearm.

Under Arizona law, you would be charged with a Class 3 felony if you have been accused of committing any of the following offenses:

• You took or attempted to take a duty officer’s firearm
• You took or attempted to take a weapon other than a firearm from an officer

Under these circumstances, an implement is defined as any object that is capable of injuring or restraining an individual; however, this does not include handcuffs. If you have been charged with this criminal offense, you should not delay in contacting a Phoenix police officer assault defense attorney at Suzuki Law Offices.

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Fighting Charges for Resisting Arrest

An attempt at resisting arrest can result in a charge of assault on a police officer. Prosecutors can construe a mere touching or brushing up against an officer while attempting to evade arrest as an assault. 

You need a police officer assault defense lawyer in Phoenix who can determine what really happened and apply that set of facts to the law to build a strong defense. When you work with our aggravated assault lawyers, we will act immediately to preserve critical evidence, which may include police car videos and police station videos.

Explore Potential Defense for Assault on a Police Officer

To convict someone of this charge, the prosecutor must be able to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the assault occurred with the knowledge that the other person was a police officer. Our legal team can review the details of your arrest and help you explore possible defenses.

We will also review the sequence of events in question with a private investigator’s help if we believe this will support our defense efforts. Whenever possible, we will seek to obtain a dismissal of your charges. If this is not an option, we may seek to obtain a reduction of your charges.

Some possible legal defenses for assault on a police officer charge include:

• Self-Defense: We can explore whether the police officer initiated the attack, which caused you to respond in self-defense.
• Constitutional Rights Violations: If the police officer did not read you your Miranda Rights after an arrest, we may be able to use that in your favor.
• False accusations: In some cases, we can assess whether the police officer falsely accused you of assault. 

Contact a Violent Crimes Defense Law Firm in Phoenix Now

If you find yourself facing such allegations, it’s critical to retain an experienced criminal defense attorney who can build you a strong defense strategy. Richard Suzuki devoted his early career as a prosecutor at the state and federal levels.

He now channels that same tenacious advocacy towards defending the rights and liberties of our clients. You can feel confident that our deep well of litigation experience and prosecutorial insights make us the best choice to fight on your side.

Don’t put your future at risk. Contact us today for a free initial consultation to learn how we can help.

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