Are you facing domestic violence charges in Tucson, AZ? If you are convicted, your criminal record can affect day-to-day life. If you’re in this situation, it’s important to learn what kind of penalties you could face and what you can do to protect your future.
By working with an experienced criminal defense attorney, you can build a plan to address the domestic violence accusations against you. For help with a domestic violence charge in Tucson, Arizona, we’re here for you. We have 45 years of combined experience.
Contact Katsarelis Law Criminal Defense Attorneys at (520) 510-0439 to schedule a free consultation with a Tucson domestic violence lawyer.
How Katsarelis Law Criminal Defense Attorneys Can Help If You’re Arrested For Domestic Violence in Tucson
If you’re facing domestic violence charges in Tucson, Arizona, working with a criminal defense lawyer is one of the most important steps you can take. Here’s how our firm can help you:
- We’ll begin by scheduling a free consultation with you to listen to your side of what happened.
- We will then begin gathering and reviewing every detail of your case better to understand the charges against you and any potential defenses.
- Our team will explain your legal options, giving you a clear understanding of what to expect going forward. This could include pre-trial motions, negotiating a plea deal with the prosecutor, and even a trial in some cases.
- If you’ve been served a restraining order, we will ensure that you have a chance to fight back and that you know the conditions and restrictions that are in place.
Members of our legal team have been recognized by Martindale-Hubbell, The National Trial Lawyers, and Justia for their achievements.
For help with a domestic violence charge, let us assist. Contact Katsarelis Law Criminal Defense Attorneys to schedule a free consultation with a Tucson domestic violence lawyer.
Overview of Domestic Violence in Arizona
Domestic violence is not a crime on its own; it is an add-on to other crimes. This means that any crime can be domestic in nature, depending on the relationship between the defendant and the alleged victim.
Domestic violence in Tucson refers to any form of harmful or threatening behavior toward a family or household member. It can be physical, emotional, or sexual and can also involve stalking, intimidation, manipulation, and attempts to control a partner, family member, or person living in the same household.
These laws typically apply to spouses, romantic partners, parents, children, or individuals living under the same roof. Courts also look at whether the people involved share a familial or romantic connection when considering domestic violence charges.
What Are the Penalties For Domestic Violence in Tucson, Arizona?
In Arizona, the penalties for a domestic violence conviction depend on the underlying charge, the severity of the injury the victim faced, if any, criminal history, and other factors.
First-Offense Domestic Violence
Most first-time charges are class 1 misdemeanors, punishable by six months in jail, fines of up to $2,500, and probation of up to five years. However, if the crime involves a weapon or causes harm, the charge can be upgraded to a felony.
Aggravated Domestic Violence
A third or subsequent conviction for domestic violence will be classified as aggravated domestic violence, which is a felony. The exact prison sentence will depend on how many prior convictions there are, but a conviction can lead to significant prison time.
Defendants may also be required to pay fines, make restitution, complete anger management programs, and perform community service. Judges are prohibited from reducing sentences or granting probation until the defendant has served the minimum jail time required.
To learn more about the potential consequences of your case, contact a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible.
What Defenses Can Be Raised If I’m Arrested For Domestic Violence?
If you’re charged with domestic violence, you have options to defend yourself. Below are a few possible defenses that can be raised when you’re facing these charges:
Self-Defense
This may be a valid defense if you can show that you used reasonable force to protect yourself or someone else from harm. Evidence such as injuries, text messages, or eyewitness statements may help support your case. You’ll also need to prove that any force you used was proportionate to the harm you were facing.
Accident
Sometimes, injuries can occur by mistake. In these instances, your lawyer can try to demonstrate that you didn’t intend any harm and didn’t mean to cause injuries to the alleged victim. To use this defense, your lawyer can present witness testimony, gather photographs of the scene, or obtain medical records to show that there weren’t any serious injuries or that any injuries were not caused by intentional harm.
False or Exaggerated Accusations
People occasionally make claims out of anger or to gain an upper hand in family legal battles, like custody disagreements. If this is the case, providing evidence proving the accusation is untrue and that you’re innocent can be a strong defense. This could include phone records, text messages, or statements from the victim or witnesses that conflict with the prosecution’s version of events.
Constitutional Rights Violations
Certain evidence might be excluded from the case if law enforcement violated your rights at any stage of the arrest or investigation – by conducting an unlawful search or interrogating you without reading your Miranda warnings. This can reduce the prosecution’s ability to prove their claims. By filing motions to suppress unlawfully obtained evidence, your lawyer may weaken the case against you and potentially prevent a conviction.
Your criminal defense lawyer will determine what the best defense is for your case.
Schedule a Free Case Evaluation With Our Tucson Domestic Violence Attorney
If you’re facing allegations of domestic violence, this is not something to take lightly. You’re facing significant legal penalties, like fines and prison sentences, but you’re also facing serious personal consequences that can last for many years to come. Our criminal defense team is here to help, and we will take all necessary steps to build a strong defense and discredit the prosecutor’s claims.
Contact Katsarelis Law Criminal Defense Attorneys to schedule a free consultation with a Tucson domestic violence lawyer.