Phoenix DUI Lawyer Blog

Domestic Violence Laws, Penalties and Your Defense

"Never try to resolve the Domestic Violence charges your own... Any contact with the victim could result in additional charges. Contact a Tempe, AZ Domestic Violence Attorney first."

Like many crimes, Tempe, Arizona is tough on domestic violence. Many think of domestic violence charges as something that "only happens to someone else". But the fact is that domestic violence offenses occur daily, in every neighborhood, to people all around you. It's just not something people want to discuss with others. It happens when and to those you least expect. If you are charged with a Tempe, Arizona domestic violence offense, you should contact a Tempe, criminal attorney as soon as possible. The mistake many people make, after receiving Tempe, Arizona domestic violence charges is that they try to resolve it own their own. Never try to resolve the Domestic Violence charges your own. Any contact with the victim could result in additional charges. Consult a Tempe, AZ Domestic Violence Attorney first.

Tempe, Arizona domestic violence laws fall under Arizona State Law A.R.S. Criminal Code 13. Domestic Violence law encompasses a long list of crimes. Arizona Law defines domestic violence specifically within the following references:

"A.R.S. 13-3601. Domestic violence; definition; classification; sentencing option; arrest and procedure for violation; weapon seizure; notice

A. "Domestic violence" means any act which is a dangerous crime against children as defined in section 13-705 or an offense defined in section 13-1201 through 13-1204, 13-1302 through 13-1304, 13-1502 through 13-1504 or 13-1602, section 13-2810, section 13-2904, subsection A, paragraph 1, 2, 3 or 6, section 13-2916 or section 13-2921, 13-2921.01, 13-2923, 13-3019, 13-3601.02 or 13-3623, if any of the following applies:..."

Some think of "domestic violence" as a destructive dispute between spouses only. But in reality domestic violence laws apply to many different types of domestic relationships and include acts of abuse, to former spouses, partners, former partners, friends, acquaintances, any family members, children, elderly persons living with you, persons you are dating, persons with whom you have a child, and children and the list can go on. Any situation can bear its own unique set of circumstances or domestic relationship.

Domestic Violence crimes include any physical abuse, sexual abuse, mental abuse, harassment, custodial interference, fear or threat of violence, assault, and homicide.
Domestic violence charges are taken very seriously in Tempe Arizona. What may have started out as something minor in nature, may have become serious than you realized, and someone was hurt. If convicted of Arizona Domestic Violence, the penalties are harsh. If you have been accused of a Tempe, Arizona domestic violence crime it is important that you consult a Criminal Attorney experienced in defending domestic violence charges.

CONSEQUENCES OF A DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CONVICTION
If you receive a conviction of domestic violence in Tempe, Arizona, the state may revoke or limit child visitation rights, right to bear arms, and other privileges. Then they will impose penalties of jail, fees, fines, restitution, restraining orders, probation, counseling, a criminal record, and in some serious cases, long term or life prison sentences.
Domestic violence cases involving weapons or bodily injury to the victim are usually charged and prosecuted as Felonies. These convictions generally result in lengthy state prison sentences. If the domestic violence crimes are charged as a Tempe, misdemeanor, it is still a crime. But the penalties should not exceed 6 months in county jail. A conviction still results in a criminal record, fines, fees restitution, counseling, probation, and restraining orders and other punishments. The main difference is in the amount of fines and fees, and the length of incarceration time in jail or prison. In Tempe, the domestic violence laws almost always require that the defendant complete a Domestic Violence Counseling Treatment program, such as anger management classes or anger control therapy with a psychologist. In many cases, the court prohibits the defendant from having any contact with the victim. Often this means the defendant can not return home, for a court ordered period of time.

WHAT A TEMPE, DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ATTORNEY CAN DO
You will need an experienced Tempe, Arizona Domestic Violence attorney or Tempe, Arizona Criminal Defense Attorney who is well versed at defending domestic violence cases. They will gather and examine all the evidence available and build a defense based on your unique set of circumstances. Once the police have charged you or arrested you, they are not likely to change their mind, based on what you have to say. Your Tempe, Arizona Criminal Defense Attorney will be your voice. They will draw from their education, training, experience, litigation, case laws, Tempe, Arizona laws, and aggressively challenge any charges that are unjustified, defend your constitutional rights, and make every effort to get your case dismissed, evidence suppressed or charges reduced for the best possible outcome in your case. That is the job of your Tempe, Arizona domestic violence attorney.