If you or someone you love is facing a violent crime charge, it is okay to feel scared. These situations are serious, and the stakes are high. What you need right now is a calm, experienced team that knows exactly what to do.
A violent crimes lawyer in Avondale can stand by your side through every step of the process. At Suzuki Law Offices, we have been fighting for clients since 2007. Our lead attorney, RJ Suzuki, is a former federal prosecutor who knows how the other side thinks.
We are available 24/7, including weekends, because legal emergencies do not follow a schedule. We treat our clients like you would treat your family. When you need Avondale criminal defense lawyers who are calm, prepared, and genuinely in your corner, you need Suzuki.
Violent Crime Definition
A violent crime is any criminal offense in which someone threatens to use force or causes harm to another person. These crimes can result in serious injury or death. Common examples of violent criminal offenses include:
- Assault and aggravated assault
- Child abuse
- Murder
- Robbery
- Sexual assault
A criminal conviction for any of these offenses can carry life-changing consequences. Our Avondale violent crimes attorneys fight for people facing criminal charges in Maricopa County and beyond. Contact us to learn how we can help.
Violent Crime Penalties
You may face a prison sentence, fines, and other penalties if you are convicted of a crime of violence. Police officers will likely do everything they can to make sure you are punished to the fullest extent of the law. They may even try to push for you to get a life sentence.
How police respond to your case may have far-flung effects on their ability to get a conviction. For example, police officers may question witnesses relating to your criminal charge and look for a wide range of evidence to support their case against you. If they succeed, they may help a prosecutor build a compelling argument that results in a conviction.
Violent Crime Legal Defense
You may believe that if you do nothing to dispute a violent offense charge, it will go away on its own. Unfortunately, this does not happen, and the prosecution will do whatever it can to get a conviction. Your attorney may consider many legal strategies to help you show the court you do not deserve to be punished, such as:
Self-Defense
There are times when you can use self-defense as a justification for acting in a certain way. As an example, someone may try to hurt you, and you are forced to defend yourself to avoid injury or death. In this example, your lawyer may be able to prove you were acting in self-defense rather than intentionally trying to hurt someone.
Property Defense
You may have hurt someone due to the fact that you were trying to protect your property from getting damaged or stolen. In this situation, you may be able to claim you were defending your property. Your violent crimes lawyer in Avondale may be able to use a property defense legal strategy if they believe they can show the court your actions were warranted.
Insufficient Evidence
The prosecution may make claims against you that are simply untrue. They may have limited evidence to make it clear to the court that you actually committed a crime of violence. At this point, your violent crimes attorney in Avondale may be able to raise doubts about the prosecution’s evidence, which may make it difficult for the court to convict you.
Alibi
You may be charged with a violent crime in spite of the fact that you were not near the scene when it happened. With help from your lawyer, you may be able to prove your alibi. Your attorney may use photos, videos, and other forms of proof to verify you were somewhere else when a crime was committed.
To build a successful legal strategy, it may be beneficial to go over your case with an attorney immediately after you are charged.
Miranda Rights
If law enforcement failed to inform you of your Miranda rights during your arrest or interrogation, any statements you made may be inadmissible in court. Your criminal lawyer will review how your arrest was handled and challenge any violations that could affect your case.
The sooner you contact a criminal defense attorney after being charged, the more time your legal team has to build a strong defense. Do not wait, because early action matters.
Violent Crime Plea Deal
A Phoenix criminal defense lawyer may negotiate a plea deal for you. This option may be available in your violent crime case, and if you move forward with it, may allow you to avoid a lengthy prison sentence. Your Avondale violent crimes lawyer can help you prepare a plea agreement that may be approved by the prosecution.
Your attorney and the prosecution may find common ground, resulting in a plea deal that works well for all sides. Conversely, the prosecution may be unwilling to budge on their goal to get you convicted. You may not have the option to resolve your case without a trial.
If no plea agreement is in place before your trial, your attorney will present your argument in court, and the prosecution will argue their case against you. The court will review the proof provided by all parties and consider the immediate and long-term ramifications of any decision it makes.
How a Criminal Conviction Can Affect Your Future
A criminal conviction for a violent offense does not just mean time behind bars. The consequences can follow you for years after your release. A felony conviction on your record can make it harder to find employment, secure housing, obtain professional licenses, and maintain custody of your children.
In some cases, a conviction can also affect your immigration status or your right to vote. The long-term impact of a criminal conviction is significant, which is why it is so important to take your criminal charges seriously from the very beginning.
Our legal team understands what is at stake. We work hard to help our clients avoid the most severe outcomes and protect their futures as much as possible.
Contact an Avondale Violent Crimes Defense Lawyer for a Free Consultation
Facing violent criminal charges in Maricopa County can be one of the most stressful times of your life. The criminal justice system moves fast, and every decision you make early on can shape the outcome of your case.
You deserve honest legal advice from trial attorneys who understand criminal law inside and out. At Suzuki Law Offices, we take the time to walk you through your legal options and build a defense strategy tailored to your situation.
RJ Suzuki is a former federal prosecutor who has seen how these cases are built from both sides. That experience matters when your future is on the line. We are available 24/7, and we treat every client like family. If you are ready to take the first step, contact Suzuki Law Offices today for a free consultation.
Call or text (602) 682-5270 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form