Facing a violent crime charge in Fountain Hills is one of the most frightening experiences a person can go through. The stakes are high, the process moves fast, and the decisions you make early on can shape everything that follows.
At Suzuki Law Offices, we are your voice in action: calm, prepared, and working for you from day one. Our Fountain Hills criminal defense lawyer team is available 24/7, including weekends, because charges don’t wait for business hours.
When you call us, you reach people who understand what you are going through. Attorney RJ Suzuki is a former Assistant United States Attorney and federal prosecutor with 30 years of experience. As a violent crimes defense lawyer in Fountain Hills, he brings that prosecutorial perspective to your defense.
What Qualifies as a Violent Crime Under Arizona Law
Arizona law covers a broad range of offenses under the violent crimes category. Understanding what you are charged with is the first step toward building a defense.
Under Arizona Revised Statutes, violent crimes generally include offenses that involve the use or threat of physical force against another person. Common charges include:
- Assault and aggravated assault
- Armed robbery and carjacking
- Kidnapping and unlawful imprisonment
- Homicide, including manslaughter and murder
- Domestic violence offenses classified as violent
- Drive-by shooting and discharging a firearm
The specific charge matters significantly. A Class 2 felony carries far different consequences than a Class 6 felony, and many violent crime statutes in Arizona carry mandatory prison terms that leave judges little discretion. Knowing exactly what you face allows us to target the right defense from the start.
Arizona also classifies certain offenses as “dangerous” when a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument is involved. A dangerous designation can dramatically increase the sentencing range, making it critical to understand how your charge is categorized before you make any decisions about your case.
Self-Defense Laws and Justification in Arizona
Arizona has strong self-defense protections, and many violent crime charges are defensible on justification grounds. Arizona is a stand your ground state, which means you are not required to retreat before using force if you are in a place you have a legal right to be.
In Arizona, a person may use physical force against another when and to the extent a reasonable person would believe it is necessary to protect themselves from unlawful physical force. Deadly force is justified when a person reasonably believes it is necessary to prevent death or serious physical injury.
Self-defense applies not only to protecting yourself but also to defending others who are in immediate danger. To use self-defense successfully, the threat must have been imminent, and your response must have been proportional.
A Lawyer Can Help You Prove Self-Defense
These are fact-specific questions, which is why how the evidence is gathered and presented makes a real difference. Our team includes former law enforcement investigators who know how to analyze the facts of a confrontation with the same scrutiny the prosecution will apply.
If prosecutors claim you were the initial aggressor, or that your use of force was excessive, we examine witness statements, physical evidence, and the sequence of events to build a clear picture of what actually happened.
Mandatory Minimum Sentences for Violent Crimes in Arizona
One reason violent crime charges demand immediate attention is Arizona’s mandatory sentencing structure. Unlike some states where judges have broad discretion, Arizona law locks in minimum prison terms for many violent offenses.
Mandatory terms mean that plea negotiations and sentencing mitigation carry enormous weight. The evidence our team gathers, the motions we file, and the arguments we make at every stage of the case can determine whether you face the minimum, the presumptive, or the maximum sentence.
Some of the most impactful work in violent crime defense happens well before any trial begins. Here are the factors that most commonly influence sentencing outcomes in Arizona violent crime cases:
- Whether a deadly weapon or a dangerous instrument was involved
- The defendant’s prior criminal history and repetitive offender status
- Whether the victim suffered serious physical injury
- Whether the offense was committed in the presence of a minor
- Cooperation with law enforcement and acceptance of responsibility
- Mitigating factors presented at the sentencing hearing
What to Do After a Violent Crime Arrest
The most important step is to exercise your right to remain silent. Police are trained to gather information during questioning, and anything you say can be used against you. Politely decline to answer questions beyond providing basic identifying information, and ask to speak with an attorney immediately.
Do not attempt to explain what happened or provide your version of events without a lawyer present. Even a truthful, well-intentioned account can be recorded in a way that creates problems later. We have seen cases where a client’s attempt to cooperate was used to establish elements of the charge that the prosecution was still building.
Contact Suzuki Law Offices as soon as possible. We are available 24/7 and can begin working on your case right away, gathering evidence, reviewing the arrest circumstances, and advising you on every step that follows. Early involvement allows us to preserve evidence, identify witnesses, and begin building your defense.
Why Clients Choose Suzuki Law Offices
Suzuki Law Offices has spent 30 years representing people facing serious criminal charges across Arizona. We know this area, the courts, and the prosecutors our clients are up against. We have former and retired law enforcement investigators working in-house.
This means we approach every case with an understanding of how investigations are conducted and where they go wrong. RJ Suzuki’s background as a former federal prosecutor means he has sat at the other side of the table, and he uses that experience to anticipate and counter the prosecution’s strategy.
Our Fountain Hills violent crimes defense lawyers treat our clients the way we would treat family. That means honest conversations about what you are facing, consistent communication throughout your case, and representation that reflects genuine investment in the outcome. You will never be left guessing about the status of your case.
Clients working with our Fountain Hills violent crime defense team can expect:
- 24/7 availability, including nights and weekends
- Direct access to experienced attorneys, not just support staff
- In-house investigation resources with former law enforcement backgrounds
- Diligent case preparation at every stage
- Clear, consistent communication from first call through resolution
Contact a Violent Crimes Lawyer in Fountain Hills Today
A violent crime charge in Fountain Hills requires a defense built on preparation, experience, and a clear understanding of Arizona law. The sooner you have legal representation in place, the more options remain available to you.
Contact Suzuki Law Offices today for a free consultation. RJ Suzuki and our team are available around the clock and ready to review your case, answer your questions, and get to work.
You need Suzuki, and our Fountain Hills violent crimes defense attorneys are here when you need us most.
Call or text (602) 682-5270 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form