When facing an arrest, you may be charged with a violent crime against another person, which can vary from simple assault to murder. Violent crimes are taken especially seriously, which means you will likely face harsh penalties. Fortunately, you do not have to accept those penalties and plead guilty.
You can instead talk to us at Suzuki Law Group before you appear on trial. With a Tempe violent crimes lawyer on your side, you can expect a strategically aggressive criminal defense tailored specifically to your case and the evidence available. When you are ready to clear your name when you are accused of a violent crime, do not hesitate to reach out to a highly experienced Tempe criminal defense lawyer at our firm for a confidential case review.
Types of Violent Crimes You May Be Charged With
In the United States, according to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting Program, more than 10 million arrests were made in 2019, with more than 495,000 of these arrests made for violent crimes. However, violent crimes can cover a wide range of offense types, meaning your case could be anywhere on a spectrum of offenses. Below are just a few possibilities of violent crimes we are prepared to defend:
- Domestic violence under Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS) §13-3601
- Carjacking under ARS §13-1814
- Kidnapping under ARS §13-1304
- Sexual assault
- Murder under ARS §§13-1105 and 13-1104
- Armed robbery under ARS §13-1904
- Assault under ARS §13-1203
These crimes can vary significantly in severity, meaning your charges can include a variety of penalties depending on the specifics of your case. Without help, this situation can be difficult to navigate, and it is easy to make mistakes when you are charged with a serious crime and face an experienced prosecution. Fortunately, your violent crimes lawyer in Tempe can provide guidance and representation throughout your case.
Aggravating Factors May Significantly Worsen Your Charges
As you prepare for a legal defense, you may also face aggravating factors, as defined in ARS §13-701. These factors are details that worsen the severity of the crime, which can lead to more serious charges. In some cases, they can even elevate a misdemeanor to a felony.
For example, you may have been accused of domestic violence, which is already a serious charge. However, if there are aggravating factors, such as a minor having witnessed domestic violence or a gun being brandished or used during the incident, your penalties may be raised significantly. That can lead to much harsher penalties, including longer sentences and higher fines.
Pushing back against the allegations of aggravating factors is just as important as fighting the charges themselves. Because aggravating factors can come with such harsh penalties, your violent crimes attorney in Tempe may first pursue evidence that can remove those factors from your case. Reducing or dismissing these aggravating factors can help you avoid a harsher sentence.
Penalties for a Violent Crime Conviction Could Be Severe
As you face accusations of a violent crime, understanding the penalties that you may face can help you move forward. In some cases, it may feel less severe, or it may be difficult to understand how serious the charges are before you know what penalties may come with them. Understanding these penalties and their severity can help you take action with help from your Tempe violent crimes attorney at Suzuki Law Group.
Fines
You may face significant financial penalties if you have been charged with a violent crime. Depending on the severity of the charges, your fines may total up to thousands of dollars depending on the sentence you face under ARS §13-802 for misdemeanors alone. That can have a severe impact on your financial status for years.
Even if you are charged with a violent crime in Tempe but are not convicted, you may face financial penalties from the victims. Your criminal case may include financial penalties like victim restitution, according to ARS §13-804, but you may also be open to a civil lawsuit as well. Keep in mind that the burden of proof in these cases is lower, meaning that you may have other financial penalties to consider.
Jail or Prison Time
One of your biggest worries when charged with a violent crime may be jail or prison time. The specifics can vary, depending on the violent crime, but they can range widely for felony charges, including up to a lifetime for the most severe felony charges. Those convictions can leave you away from your family and loved ones for years, decades, or a lifetime.
Worse, aggravating factors can impact the severity of these charges. While your charges may have been a misdemeanor because of the aggravating factors described in ARS 13-701, your case may be elevated to a felony, which changes the sentence from jail time to prison time. That can make a significant difference in how your case is handled.
Collateral Consequences
Remember that if you are convicted of a violent crime, you may face penalties beyond your sentence even after completing these steps. While you may have been released from prison and your fines have been paid, your criminal record will still be visible and available for others to see. That can greatly affect situations where you must complete a background check.
For example, you may be looking for housing. However, during a background check, your potential landlord may have noticed you have felony charges. While ARS §13-904(e) does not bar those with criminal records from employment, you may still face difficulties navigating many areas if people choose not to hire, provide housing, or offer loans to you.
Defend Your Case with the Support of an Experienced, Strategic Violent Crimes Attorney in Tempe
A violent situation can have a lasting impact on your criminal record. You may have been charged with a violent crime that can change the course of your life, leaving lasting damage to your future for years to come. If you do not pursue a strong defense, that can lead to ongoing hardships that leave you unable to return to the life you once lived.
Fortunately, at Suzuki Law Group, we offer aggressive defense strategies and a multitude of resources that can help clients like you recover when charged with a criminal offense. We are prepared to take action on your behalf, representing you in court and pursuing the best possible outcome for your case. When you are ready to get legal support on your side through a respected Tempe violent crimes lawyer, simply reach out by calling or filling out our online contact form.
Call or text (602) 682-5270 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form