Violent crimes are taken very seriously in the state of Arizona and are judged severely. If you find yourself facing these accusations, you should contact a Safford violent crimes lawyer to receive skilled legal counsel. To avoid losing many years of freedom, it is important to have a strong legal defense when you go to trial.
Suzuki Law Offices has an extensive history of success and excellence. We help you navigate Arizona’s imposing judicial system. A Safford criminal defense lawyer will defend your right to legal representation and your constitutional rights, including the right to a fair trial.
We understand the uncertainty you may feel about the outcome of these charges, but you can be confident that we will not stop defending you.
What Constitutes a Violent Crime
Violent crimes are offenses that cause serious harm to other people by using force against them or threatening the use of it. A violent crime has the potential to hurt or even kill another person. Violent crimes most commonly consist of:
- Robbery
- Domestic violence
- Murder
- Kidnapping
- Assault
- Sexual assault
- Child abuse
- Gangs
- Acts of terror
- Hate crimes.
Violent crimes are among the 4 most common types of felony offenses and rank at number two. Murder, manslaughter, rape, and assault are particularly common within this category, These particular felony offenses are also likely to result in serious prison time.
Defenses Against Violent Crimes
There is a wide variety of defenses that may be applicable to your situation and that your lawyer may choose to use in your defense strategy. Each one will have a different bearing on your case and potential outcome. Some of these defenses include:
- Having a solid alibi
- The crime was an act of self-defense, defending others or defending property
- No intent or reason to have committed the crime
- The alleged crime was committed under duress
- Lack of capacity due to alcohol impairment
- Defendant was improperly identified
- Insanity
Besides preparing your defense, it is common to wonder when my criminal defense lawyer can challenge the evidence against me.
Once the prosecution’s discovery and arguments have been presented, your Safford violent crimes lawyer can challenge the procedures used to gather and authenticate evidence or challenge arguments they make based on hearsay or irrelevant information. Talk to your lawyer about what defenses will be applicable to your case.
Sentences for Violent Crimes in Arizona
Sentences for violent crimes can vary in Arizona. They depend on the nature of the crime, whether or not any mitigating or aggravating factors were applied, and whether or not it was a first offense.
As such, violent crimes can range from as low as a misdemeanor or Class 6 felony to a Class 1 felony, in accordance with the Arizona criminal code sentencing provisions.
The more severe the offense, the more severe the punishment. For the less severe classes, sentences may include fines and jail time, while the more severe classes may include extensive prison time, some of which may not provide eligibility for parole.
Depending on the other factors mentioned above that may be taken into account, sentences may fluctuate from standard sentencing.
It is very important to talk with your lawyer about what class of sentence your crime is considered and what type of sentence may be applied. They will discuss your options with you and help you prepare for the implications on your life. They will also keep this in mind when developing your defense.
Your Rights in a Violent Crimes Case in Arizona
When you are arrested, you are likely to be read the Miranda warning and should follow its directions. It is in your best interest to say nothing and retain legal representation to speak on your behalf. This can make a big difference in your case and ensure nothing you say is used against you.
You also have rights under the Fourth Amendment, Fifth Amendment, and Sixth Amendment. These laws provide you with the constitutional right to due process, a quick and fair trial, and the right to hear the evidence against you. You are also protected from unreasonable search or seizure and are not allowed to be tried twice for the same crime.
An Experienced Lawyer will Fight for You on Your Behalf
When you are facing charges for a violent crime, it is in your best interest to hire an experienced Safford violent crimes attorney immediately and have them speak on your behalf.
When they take your case, they will investigate the details of your alleged crime and the prosecution’s arguments and gather evidence to use in your case. They will use all of this information to build a strong defense aimed at getting your charges or sentence reduced or even dismissed.
As your Safford violent crimes lawyer develops your defense, they will consider a variety of factors. They will evaluate whether or not any mitigating factors in your case can be applied.
They will also talk to the prosecution to learn what they are charging you with and what evidence they are planning to use against you in your case.
Since violent crimes often have more stringent and extensive punishments, your lawyer will aggressively fight to get you the lowest sentence possible to minimize the impact on your life.
With their intimate knowledge of the criminal justice system and trial process, they will present a strong defense for your case to combat arguments by the prosecution. They will seek to persuade the judge and jury to reduce your charges and get you a more favorable outcome.
Hire a Violent Crimes Lawyer in Safford with a Proven Track Record of Success
When facing charges for a violent crime, a violent crimes attorney in Safford gives you the best chance at a favorable outcome.
The knowledgeable team at Suzuki Law Offices does not stop fighting for you and is committed to providing you with excellent service and representation.
Schedule a free consultation with our firm today and learn more about what we can do for you.
Call or text (602) 682-5270 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form