Phoenix Violent Crime Defense Lawyer

Why Should You Call Suzuki Law Offices When You Are Facing Violent Crime Charges?

• Richard Suzuki has worked as a state and federal prosecutor
• We are available to take your call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
• Suzuki Law Offices has defended hundreds of clients
• We will start your case with a free, no-risk consultation

Common Types of Violent Crimes

A violent crime is a criminal act that involves the use of force or the threat of force against another person or group of people, causing physical or psychological harm.

These crimes typically result in injuries, harm, or even death to the victim. Violent crimes are considered serious offenses in most legal systems and can lead to severe penalties, including imprisonment.

Common types of violent crimes include:

Assault

Assault refers to the intentional act of causing fear of physical harm or actual physical injury to another person. It encompasses a spectrum ranging from simple assault, which involves threatening behavior, to aggravated assault, which entails causing serious injuries while using a weapon.

Robbery

Robbery occurs when force, intimidation, or threats are employed to take property or money directly from another person or establishment. It involves a direct confrontation with the victim.

Guns and Weapons Crimes

Crimes involving guns and weapons revolve around the unlawful possession, use, or discharge of firearms or other weapons. Examples include the illegal possession of firearms, displaying a weapon, or armed robbery.

Murder and Manslaughter

Murder entails the deliberate killing of another person with premeditation and malice aforethought, while manslaughter involves causing someone’s death without prior planning or intent. Both offenses are grave crimes, with murder carrying the most severe penalties, including lengthy prison sentences and the possibility of the death penalty.

Domestic Violence

Domestic violence refers to any form of physical, emotional, or psychological abuse or violence occurring within a domestic or familial relationship. It can involve partners, spouses, parents, children, or other family members.

A criminal defense law firm will fight for alternative sentencing options and can work to get your charges reduced or even dropped altogether. 

Kidnapping

Kidnapping involves the illegal abduction and forcible restraint of an individual against their will, often with motives such as ransom demands or other criminal purposes.

Child Abuse

Child abuse encompasses the physical, emotional, or sexual mistreatment or neglect of a child. It is both a severe crime and a violation of a child’s rights and well-being.

Sexual Assault

Sexual assault involves non-consensual sexual activity or contact and can vary in severity, including instances of rape. The potential implications of being convicted of a sex crime in Arizona are extremely serious. Our legal team will provide the aggressive representation necessary to have the best shot at avoiding consequences.

Hate Crimes

Hate crimes refer to acts of violence committed against individuals or groups based on their race, religion, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or other protected characteristics. These crimes are motivated by bias or prejudice.

Gang Crimes

Gang crimes encompass a range of offenses committed by members of criminal gangs or street gangs. These crimes may include assault, drug trafficking, robbery, and other unlawful activities associated with gang involvement.

Terrorism

Terrorism entails acts of violence or intimidation aimed at creating fear or furthering political, ideological, or religious objectives. It can encompass various forms, including bombings, shootings, and cyberattacks.

Common Legal Defenses Against Violent Crimes

Legal defenses against violent crimes are strategies used by defendants and their attorneys to challenge the prosecution’s case or mitigate the charges they face. The availability and effectiveness of these defenses can vary depending on the specific circumstances of the case, the applicable laws, and the strength of the evidence.

Some common legal defenses against violent crimes include:

Self-Defense

Self-defense is a widely recognized legal defense in cases where the defendant claims they used force to protect themselves or others from imminent harm or a threat of violence. The defendant must reasonably believe that using force was necessary to prevent injury or death.

Defense of Others

Similar to self-defense, this defense involves using force to protect another person from harm when the defendant reasonably believes that such action is necessary.

Defense of Property

In some cases, individuals may use force to protect their property from theft or damage. However, this defense is typically limited and must be proportionate to the threat.

Alibi

To prove that a defendant could not have committed a crime, an alibi must be shown, showing that the defendant was not physically present at the time of the incident.

Lack of Intent

Some violent crimes require specific intent or knowledge of the consequences of one’s actions. If the defendant can show that they lacked the necessary intent or knowledge, it may be a valid defense.

Insanity

Insanity is a complex defense that argues the defendant was mentally ill at the time of the crime, rendering them incapable of understanding the wrongfulness of their actions. The criteria for establishing legal insanity vary by jurisdiction.

Intoxication

In cases where the defendant was involuntarily intoxicated or lacked the capacity to form intent due to voluntary intoxication, this defense may be raised. However, its success depends on the jurisdiction and specific circumstances.

Duress

A duress defense asserts that the defendant was forced or coerced into committing a violent crime against their will, often due to threats of harm to themselves or others.

Mistaken Identity

If the prosecution cannot prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant is the person who committed the crime, a mistaken identity defense may be used.

When you are dealing with criminal charges, you need effective defense. Our violent crimes attorneys in Phoenix can help you through the legal process and provide you with solid legal strategies and aggressive defense. 

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How “Dangerous Allegations” Can Affect Your Charges

Serious accusations, such as the use of a deadly weapon, the use of a dangerous instrument, or inflicting serious bodily injury, can result in mandatory prison sentences for violent crimes, even for individuals with no prior offenses.

These factors significantly elevate the severity of the charges. In plea negotiations, it is common for the prosecution to insist on the minimum prison sentence for these offenses. The use of a deadly weapon involves the presence or utilization of a firearm during the commission of a crime.

The use of a dangerous instrument encompasses objects like a knife or a bat. Serious bodily injury refers to injuries caused by violence that are life-threatening or have lasting effects.

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Your Future Is On the Line – Get Legal Representation Now

When you hire Suzuki Law Offices, we will scrutinize all aspects of your case, from the initial arrest to police conduct to all available defense strategies.

Our goals are focused on having your charges dismissed or reduced, and we draw from decades of experience and insight as former prosecutors to pursue the best results possible.

If you have been accused of a serious felony, don’t wait to contact a Phoenix violent crime attorney who can make the most of your defense, work to get your charges reduced or dropped, and fight to clear your name of a criminal record.

Contact a Violent Crimes Defense Lawyer in Phoenix Today

Lead Attorney Richard Suzuki is an accomplished criminal defense lawyer, a former Deputy Maricopa County Attorney, and a former Assistant U.S. Attorney. He uses his experience to gauge the strength of the case against you and give you honest and knowledgeable advice about your legal options.

We can explore all viable defenses to your charges, including self-defense or defense of a third party, mistaken identity, and/or lack of intent to cause harm or commit a crime.

After an arrest, time is of the essence. You need aggressive defense representation. This is why the Phoenix violent crime lawyers at Suzuki Law Offices are available to take your call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Contact us today for a free initial consultation.