An aggravated assault charge has the potential to change your life. If convicted, you are subject to incarceration, loss of civil rights, and other penalties and collateral consequences. Get help from an aggravated assault defense lawyer in Peoria. Together, you and your attorney can look for ways to defend against a conviction.
Suzuki Law Offices gives you access to former prosecutors who know the ins and outs of Arizona’s criminal justice system. Our team is always available—24 hours a day, seven days a week—to help those charged with aggravated assault in any way we can.
To learn more, speak with one of our experienced Peoria violent crimes lawyers today.
Why You Should Hire a Lawyer if You Have Been Arrested for Aggravated Assault
Your aggravated assault defense attorney in Peoria wants to safeguard your freedom. They understand the legal challenges you will face as you fight back against your charge. Your lawyer tackles these challenges and positions you to get a favorable case outcome.
Initially, a Peoria criminal defense lawyer learns about your arrest. They ask you questions and understand all that your aggravated assault charge entails. From here, your attorney builds your legal defense. They search for evidence to strengthen their argument. If warranted, they can negotiate a plea deal with the prosecution.
Suzuki Law Offices blends compassionate legal guidance with aggressive advocacy. By doing so, we can provide top-tier legal help as you contest your aggravated assault charge. Schedule a consultation so you can meet The Suzuki Law Offices team and discuss your case with us.
What It Means to Be Charged with Aggravated Assault
According to the Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS) § 13-1204, you can be charged with aggravated assault if the police claim that you have caused a serious injury to someone or attacked them with a deadly weapon. Also, you could be charged with aggravated assault if you are over 18 and the police say you attacked someone under 15.
Generally, aggravated assault falls under the violent crimes category in terms of the most common types of felony offenses in Arizona. If you are convicted of aggravated assault, you could have to cope with consequences that affect you for the rest of your life.
Your Peoria aggravated assault defense lawyer will describe the short- and long-term implications of getting convicted of a violent crime. They make sure you understand the penalties of an aggravated assault conviction and work diligently to help you avoid them.
What to Expect if You are Convicted of Aggravated Assault
In Arizona, aggravated assault is treated as a felony ranging from Class 6 to Class 2 (most severe). Below are details about the prison sentence that you can receive depending on the class of your aggravated assault charge:
- Class 6: A prison sentence of up to three years
- Class 5: A prison sentence of up to four years
- Class 4: A prison sentence of up to eight years
- Class 3: A prison sentence of up to 15 years
- Class 2: A prison sentence of up to 21 years
Along with having to serve prison time, you could get a fine of up to $150,000, be ordered to pay restitution to the assault victim, and be subject to other fees and assessments. In addition, these are collateral consequences of an aggravated assault conviction you need to consider.
Collateral Consequences That Can Come with an Aggravated Assault Conviction
After you serve a prison sentence relating to an aggravated assault conviction, you may struggle to enjoy your life in the same way you did previously. You may notice your conviction restricts your freedom in many ways, including by:
- Keeping you from possessing a firearm
- Preventing you from voting in elections or holding public office
- Stopping you from traveling internationally
- Hampering your ability to buy a home
- Hurting your chances of landing your dream job
Your criminal defense attorney cannot change the penalties or collateral consequences of a conviction for aggravated assault. However, they can prepare a legal defense that the prosecution may struggle to dispute. If this defense is successful, you could have the charge against you reduced or dismissed.
Defense Strategies Your Aggravated Assault Defense Lawyer in Peoria May Use in Your Case
As you debate what to do after you get arrested for aggravated assault, think about what can happen if you go through the legal process alone.
If you move forward with this option, the prosecution will capitalize on the situation and do what they can to make sure you are punished. Alternatively, you can hire a criminal defense attorney, and they will evaluate myriad legal defenses, such as:
Self-Defense or Defense of Others
Your attorney can argue that had you not acted the way you did, you or someone you know could have been badly injured or killed. They may present evidence that shows you used reasonable and proportionate force to defend yourself or others.
Mistaken Identity
Unfortunately, the police can make a mistake and charge you with a crime that someone else committed. If this happens and you are charged with aggravated assault as a result, your lawyer can explain to the court that you are the victim of mistaken identity.
Lack of Evidence
A prosecutor must provide the court with a preponderance of evidence. Even if the prosecution has proof, your lawyer can raise a reasonable doubt about it. It is also possible that your attorney can question how evidence was obtained, which could prompt the court to suppress proof that the prosecution had planned to use against you.
Trust a criminal defense attorney who has received dozens of positive client reviews to craft your legal strategy. Your lawyer looks at the facts of your case and the evidence at your disposal to put together an argument that will resonate with the court.
Choose an Arizona Criminal Defense Law Firm with a History of Excellence and Integrity
Suzuki Law Offices provides nuanced, results-driven advocacy for those who have been charged with aggravated assault and many others. Allow our Peoria aggravated assault defense attorneys to be your voice in action throughout your defense. Call now so that we can begin reviewing your case and legal options with you.
Call or text (602) 682-5270 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form