Safford Domestic Violence Defense Lawyer

Facing domestic violence charges is scary, but you do not have to face them alone. A Safford violent crimes lawyer from Suzuki Law Offices will stand by you and advocate for you as you go through the legal process. 

Our team includes former prosecutors with inside knowledge and experience of how the other side of the criminal justice system works, and your Safford domestic violence defense lawyer will be a loyal ally while providing insightful, effective representation.

How a Safford Domestic Violence Attorney Can Help You from the Start

From the moment your legal partnership begins, your attorney will take measures to protect your rights and build your case. First, your attorney can speak on your behalf or give you guidance for responding when questioned by law enforcement. Other than providing your name, do not say anything else to officers or anyone else about your charges or the circumstances prompting them.

Your Safford criminal defense lawyer will carefully monitor law enforcement’s actions and look into the details of your arrest. This monitoring and investigating protects you from rights violations or will expose those that occurred during your arrest and booking, potentially presenting grounds for charge dismissal.

At your arraignment, a judge will set your bail. Your attorney will present arguments advocating for the least restrictive bail terms possible. In some situations, you may be able to leave on your own recognizance without paying a bail fee. If you must pay, your attorney can help you organize that process.

Building a Strong Defense Strategy

After examining your situation, the team at Suzuki Law Offices will begin crafting a strong defense strategy. We build strategies based on the particulars of each client’s situation. Still, there are some common foundational arguments that support domestic violence defenses:

• Self-Defense: Any injuries your accuser sustained resulted from your need to protect yourself from the violence they threatened or perpetrated against you
• Accident: Injuries sustained by your accuser resulted from an accident, not intent, and domestic charges usually require intent on the part of the accused
• False Accusation: Your accuser’s claim is false, perhaps resulting from jealousy or a desire to “get even” for a perceived slight

As the accused, you probably do not know how to defend yourself against false domestic violence accusations, but your domestic violence defense attorney in Safford does. Your attorney also knows other common reasons domestic violence cases are dismissed, and if any apply to your situation, will pursue a dismissal. Whatever specifics characterize your case, you can trust our team to build a strong defense. 

Negotiating a Plea Bargain or Going to Court

If your charges cannot be dismissed, your attorney may negotiate a plea bargain with the prosecution. The goal of a plea bargain is to have your charges and penalties reduced. Your attorney will discuss the terms of the plea bargain with you, explaining the pros and cons of accepting so you can make a wise decision.

You may decide to refuse a plea bargain and fight your case in court. Our team comprises skilled, aggressive trial attorneys with years of experience fighting for the prosecution’s side. This experience serves as a useful and effective weapon during trial proceedings.

Arizona Domestic Violence Charges Explained

It is illegal to inflict or threaten to inflict violence on someone else under most circumstances in Arizona. When that violence, or threat of violence, is inflicted on someone the alleged accuser is in a domestic relationship with, the behavior counts as “domestic violence.” Arizona Revised Statutes RS 13-3601 establishes the various relationships considered “domestic.”

Domestic violence charges can be misdemeanors or felonies. When considering felonies vs. misdemeanors: What is the difference, the defining factor is that felonies are more serious offenses than misdemeanors and carry more significant consequences. Charges of domestic violence can rise to the felony level when the incident:

• Is a repeat offense
• Occurred under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Occurred in the presence of a child or minor
• Violated a restraining order
• Involved the use of a firearm or other weapon
• Resulted in serious injury or death

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Potential Consequences of Domestic Violence Convictions

Penalties for domestic violence convictions vary depending on whether the charges are at the misdemeanor or felony levels and, more specifically, what class of misdemeanor or felony. The punishment can include jail or prison time, fines, or both. Convicted offenders can experience additional collateral damage affecting other areas of their lives.

Misdemeanor Consequences

Under RS 13-707 sentencing for misdemeanors and RS 13-802 fines for misdemeanors, respectively,  the schedule for possible jail time and fines are:

• Class 1 misdemeanor: six months and up to $2,500
• Class 2: four months and up to $750
• Class 3: thirty days and up to $500

Felony Consequences

The schedule for sentencing imposed upon a felony conviction is established in the Arizona State Legislature, and RS 13-801 addresses potential fines. The schedule includes many variables, and a domestic violence defense lawyer in Safford will work to ensure any sentence or fine applied to you does not exceed what the law allows. You can count on us to fight to keep your charges and penalties at the lowest level attainable.

Collateral Damage

Prison and fines are, unfortunately, not the only consequences of a conviction. Incarceration keeps you away from family and friends, and your relationships can suffer. Fines affect your and your family’s financial stability.

A criminal conviction can also prevent you from securing certain employment opportunities or lead to the revocation of some professional licenses. Your reputation can suffer, and even landlords may be less likely to rent your living space if they see a conviction, especially for a felony, on your record. Our experienced team will work aggressively to protect you from as many of these consequences as possible. 

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Fighting for You with Integrity and Skill

Suzuki Law Offices is dedicated to protecting clients’ rights. We are here to ensure that you are treated fairly in the criminal justice system and to help you move on from a difficult situation into a better future. Connect with us at any time–we are available 24/7–and trust us to fight for you with integrity and skill.

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