When emotions rage in domestic relationships, people end up making bad decisions that result in domestic violence. Arizona laws are harsh on domestic violence crimes. The police and prosecutors are aggressive in enforcing domestic violence charges. A conviction can ruin your life, sometimes in unpredictable ways. We understand how domestic violence may have impacted your personal life and how it has influenced your emotions. You don’t need to handle this on your own. You don’t have to go through this with only your family. We at Snader Law are here and we can help.
If you have been charged with aggravated assault, you need a reliable Phoenix criminal defense attorney from Snader Law Group to help you clear your name and fight the allegations. Our legal team will protect your rights and secure your freedom. Call our criminal defense law firm now and schedule an initial consultation.
Why Do I Need an Aggravated Assault Attorney in Arizona?
Dealing with actual or alleged aggravated assault is a difficult and stressful experience surrounded by many negative implications. Aggravated assault charges can ruin your reputation and turn your life upside down. If aggravated assault allegations have been made against you, working with a skilled Phoenix aggravated domestic violence attorney should be your priority.
At Snader Law Group, we have extensive experience in handling aggravated assault cases. We can provide you with important guidance and confident legal representation in all aspects of your criminal case. Our Arizona board-certified criminal attorney Howard Snader can provide the aggressive and proactive defense you need to protect your rights today. We have a passion for justice and work tirelessly toward obtaining a favorable outcome for our clients in Phoenix, AZ and its surrounding areas.
Call us now at (602) 825-3031 and get the best defense for your case.
What is Aggravated Domestic Violence?
Domestic violence refers to crimes committed by and against individuals who share a domestic or intimate relationship. These kinds of relationships often involve current or former spouses, family members, or current or former dating or sexual partners.
Every state defines domestic violence crimes differently. In some states have statutes that apply specifically to acts of violence committed among individuals in domestic relationships, such as domestic assault or domestic battery. Other states treat domestic violence as an aggravating factor that triggers increased or enhanced penalties for the underlying violent act.
Domestic violence charges are raised to aggravated domestic violence charges (felony) when a person is accused of a domestic violence crime within 7 years or 84 months of a conviction for a prior misdemeanor domestic violence crime. If you or a loved one is facing domestic violence or aggravated domestic violence charges, it is crucial to seek legal advice from a credible Phoenix criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible to help you fight for your rights.
What are the Types of Domestic Violence Crimes?
Domestic violence is defined as violent or aggressive behavior within the home, involving the violent domestic abuse of a spouse or partner. It can occur under various circumstances and can take the form of many different types of violence. A knowledgeable Phoenix aggravated domestic violence lawyer can help you determine the different types of domestic violence crimes.
Domestic violence can be physical, emotional, sexual, financial, or psychological. The crime of aggravated domestic violence can include a wide range of offenses including:
- Manslaughter
- Negligent homicide
- First-degree murder or Second-degree murder
- Endangerment, threatening, or intimidating
- Disorderly conduct
- Simple assault or Aggravated assault
- Unlawful imprisonment
- Custodial interference
- Kidnapping
- Sexual assault
- Criminal trespassing
- Interfering with judicial proceedings
- Cruelty to animals
- Harassment or Aggravated harassment
- Stalking
- Surreptitious photographing or filming
- Child or vulnerable adult abuse, or emotional abuse
- Dangerous crimes against children.
What are the Penalties for Aggravated Domestic Violence in Arizona?
Arizona law takes domestic violence very seriously. Aside from harsh criminal penalties, a domestic violence conviction will also go on your permanent record, affect your employment opportunities, and even impact divorce and family law matters. It can also come with stiff penalties in terms of jail, probation, fines, and counseling. If you are facing a domestic violence charge, try to avoid a conviction with the help of a qualified Phoenix aggravated domestic violence attorney.
The severity of the aggravated domestic violence penalties depends on the underlying act, the defendant’s criminal history, and the circumstances of the criminal offense. For instance, domestic assault might start as a misdemeanor. However, if the alleged victim received a serious physical injury, the defendant used a weapon, or the defendant has prior assault convictions, it can quickly escalate to a felony.
If you have been accused of aggravated domestic violence in Arizona, you can potentially be charged with a class 5 felony conviction, which is punishable by:
- 1 to 4 years prison sentence
- $750 to $150,000 fine
- firearm restrictions
- mandatory counseling or anger management classes
- restrictions on probation, supervised release, or parole
- mandatory no-contact or restraining orders
- defendants with two prior convictions for a domestic violence offense must serve a minimum of four months in jail
- defendants with three or more prior convictions for domestic violence offenses must serve a minimum of eight months in jail
What are the Defenses for Aggravated Domestic Violence in Arizona?
If you are accused of aggravated domestic violence, you don’t have to accept all the criminal charges. With the help of a seasoned Phoenix aggravated domestic violence lawyer, you can come up with legal defenses to fight the charges. Some of the common legal defenses for the crime of aggravated domestic violence are:
Self-Defense
You can fight domestic violence charges by arguing that you were acting in self-defense. You may assert that the alleged victim was the initial physical aggressor. Perhaps the victim was trying to attack you, and you responded by attacking the victim back. Therefore, if you have used reasonable force to protect yourself from an attack by the victim, you should not face charges.
Insufficient Evidence
The state may have insufficient evidence to prove domestic violence or aggravated domestic violence beyond a reasonable doubt. In most cases, the majority of evidence in domestic violence cases consists of victim and witness statements. If the prosecutor does not have sufficient evidence against you, he or she may not be able to accuse you of domestic violence.
False Accusation of Fabricated Evidence
Cases of domestic violence mainly depend on the victim’s word or testimony against the defendant. It’s hard for the prosecutor to even prove what happened. Unfortunately, men and women have falsely accused a spouse or partner of domestic violence purposefully. When couples are going through divorce or child custody battles, one spouse may accuse the other of aggravated domestic violence. A spouse may accuse domestic violence to gain the upper hand in child custody and divorce battles.
Call Our Experienced Phoenix Aggravated Assault Lawyer Now!
Aggravated assault convictions can be devastating for you and your family. A conviction has the potential to result in long-term limitations on every facet of your life. The possible consequences of a guilty verdict in a felony aggravated assault case can be extensive and harsh.
If someone has accused you of aggravated assault, it is highly advisable to seek legal advice from our competent Phoenix aggravated assault lawyers from Snader Law Group as quickly as possible. Our criminal defense law firm can provide you with the aggressive defense you need to fight your aggravated assault charges.
Our Arizona board-certified criminal attorney Howard Snader can help you build a strong defense strategy and protect your freedom. We fully understand the legal process and will make every effort to put you in the most favorable position possible for your unique case.
Contact us now and schedule an initial consultation to know more about your legal options.