When you first discover you are being investigated for suspicion of committing a violent crime, you may panic. If you are arrested and charged with causing serious bodily injury or the death of another, you could be facing harsh criminal penalties, including life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Do not hesitate to contact a reputable Peoria violent crimes lawyer from Suzuki Law Offices 24/7 when you need a powerful criminal defender on your side.
Arizona sentencing guidelines include devastating consequences for individuals convicted of violent crimes. You are going to need a dedicated and highly experienced Peoria criminal defense lawyer working for you if you hope to clear your name of these serious allegations. Learn more about how to approach your defense strategy when you contact our legal team to request a confidential consultation.
Common Ways to Challenge Violent Crimes Allegations
Your Peoria violent crimes attorney with Suzuki Law Offices will need to go over every single detail of your case to determine which defense is most suitable. Your criminal record, the presence of aggravating or mitigating factors, and the nature of the offense could all have an impact on which defense strategy makes the most sense. Some of the most common defenses we have used to defend against violent crime accusations include:
- The crime was committed out of necessity – If you needed to commit a violent crime for the greater good, as described by ARS § 13-411, we may be able to avoid criminal charges. For instance, if you knocked out someone who was fleeing the scene after being accused of committing a school shooting, the prosecutor may not move forward with criminal charges against you.
- You were defending yourself or others from harm – You can argue self-defense if you only used a reasonable and proportionate amount of force to protect yourself, under ARS § 13-404, or someone else, under ARS § 13-406, from imminent harm or death.
- Your constitutional rights were violated – If law enforcement officials failed to read you your Miranda Rights when they took you into police custody, the charges against you could be dismissed.
- You have an alibi – If we can provide the prosecutor with proof that you were not at the scene of the crime when the violent offense occurred, we might be able to avoid criminal charges. We will need to look through phone records, video footage, and receipts to provide the district attorney with concrete evidence of your alibi.
- The crime was committed under duress – If someone else forced you to commit the crime through intimidation or the threat or use of force, we may be able to show the jury that you are a victim as well.
- Police conducted an unlawful search and seizure – If the prosecutor is relying on unlawfully obtained evidence to convict you, violating your Fourth Amendment rights, they may not have a case if we can get this evidence suppressed at trial.
These are just a few possible defense strategies that could be used to potentially secure an acquittal or reduced charges. It is uncommon for people charged with violent crimes to qualify for pretrial diversion or other sentencing options. For this reason, you should prepare to work out a plea agreement with a district attorney or defend your case with everything we have at trial.
Which Crimes Are Considered Violent Under Arizona Law
A knowledgeable Peoria Tucson armed robbery defense lawyer from our firm may be able to defend you no matter what type of violent crime you have been accused of committing. Our team has successfully challenged a wide variety of violent crimes over the last 30 years. Some of the most common types of violent crime charges our clients have faced include:
- Robbery under ARS § 13-1902
- Kidnapping under ARS § 13-1304
- First-degree murder under ARS § 13-1105
- Drive-by shooting under ARS § 13-1209
- Domestic violence under ARS § 13-3601
- Arson under ARS § 13-1703
- Assault under ARS § 13-1203
These are only a few examples of crimes that could be considered violent in Arizona. If the offense involves a deadly weapon or instrument or if anyone was seriously injured or killed, it could be classified as a violent crime. When you contact us for a free consultation, you can learn more about the charges against you and the strength of the state’s case.
What Happens When Convicted Of a Violent Crime
It is up to your Peoria road rage defense lawyer from Suzuki Law Offices to secure the most favorable outcome possible based on the specific details of your case. Unfortunately, with violent crimes come harsh criminal penalties. In addition to a potential fine of up to $150,000, you could also face incarceration or even the death penalty.
Incarceration
The lower-level violent crimes may land you in prison for decades. Higher-level violent crimes, such as first-degree murder, could result in a life sentence without the possibility of parole. If you are a habitual offender, you may not be eligible for parole or early release until you have completed at least 25 years of your sentence.
The Death Penalty
The state of Arizona does still recognize the death penalty as a viable punishment according to ARS § 13-751. Several factors will determine whether the death penalty is on the table. You could be facing the death penalty if:
- There are no mitigating factors that warrant leniency.
- You were at least 18 years old when the offense occurred.
- Any aggravating circumstances are present, such as committing multiple murders or murdering someone over the age of 70 or under the age of 15.
It is important to note that the jury is responsible for deciding whether the death penalty should be imposed. This decision is not made by the judge presiding over your case. If you are convicted of a violent crime and sentenced to death, expect your case to go through multiple appeals before your options have been exhausted.
Turn to a Reputable Violent Crimes Lawyer in Peoria for Help Today
Over the last three decades, Suzuki Law Offices have advocated for the rights of the accused and the innocent. We have represented tens of thousands of clients over the years and have refined our approach to better serve our clients’ needs. Depending on the circumstances of your case, negotiating a plea may be your best option if you hope to get home to your family sooner.
Your results-driven violent crimes attorney in Peoria with our firm will know more about which defense strategies are most likely to produce a favorable outcome after reviewing the specific details of your case.
When your freedom and future are on the line, it has never been more important for you to take your defense seriously. Reach out to our office by phone or through our confidential contact form to schedule your no-cost, risk-free initial consultation as soon as today.
Call or text (602) 682-5270 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form