If you are currently facing charges for violent crimes, you need a West Valley Phoenix criminal defense lawyer who can provide legal representation. The state of Arizona punishes violent crimes extremely harshly, and you need an advocate who can protect your rights and freedoms to the greatest extent possible.
The team at Suzuki Law Offices has decades of legal experience and a desire to serve justice in everything we do. We can defend you against charges for violent crimes and identify options for reduced sentencing or charge dismissal.
Contact our offices online or call today to speak to a knowledgeable West Valley Phoenix violent crimes lawyer.
Why You Need a Criminal Defense Lawyer for Violent Crimes
The consequences of violent crimes can be great and result in extensive prison sentences and civil fines. When facing severe violent crime charges, the stakes are too high to leave any element of your case up to chance.
A criminal defense lawyer can provide knowledge and guidance, protecting you from the charges and state overreach. Your attorney can represent you in court and present evidence to counter the prosecution’s argument.
Without a violent crimes lawyer, you will be at a severe disadvantage, especially in a state like Arizona that is known for its harsh criminal laws and sentencing. You need someone who can provide effective legal counsel and mitigate the worst consequences of a conviction.
Types of Violent Crimes We Manage in West Valley Phoenix
Violent crimes are criminal acts that involve actual or threatened physical harm to another person. Below are some common offenses that are classified as violent crimes in Arizona:
Assault
ARS 13-1203 defines assault as intentionally causing physical injury to another or causing another to reasonably believe they are under the immediate threat of harm. Knowingly touching someone with the intent to hurt them also counts as assault in Arizona.
Aggravated assault is an elevated charge and is defined as assault that causes serious injury or that is performed with a deadly weapon. Assault of a minor under the age of 15 may be charged as aggravated assault.
Robbery
The elements of robbery are theft accomplished by the use of force to secure the property or prevent resistance from taking the property. Robbery doesn’t require the offender to actually harm the victim—just the threat of harm will suffice. As with other violent crimes, using a weapon while in the commission of a robbery can result in a significantly harsher sentence.
Homicide
Homicide is the killing of another human and is divided into four types in Arizona:
- First-degree murder is intentionally killing with premeditation.
- Second-degree murder is an intentional killing without premeditation (e.g., crime of passion)
- Manslaughter is unintentional homicide caused by the recklessness of another person (e.g., drunk driving causing death)
- Negligent homicide is death that is caused by criminal negligence or carelessness (e.g., mishandling a firearm).
Kidnapping
Kidnapping involves intentionally restraining a person to serve as ransom, to harm them, or to interfere with political or governmental functioning. Kidnappers can receive reduced charges if they release the victim without harming them before being arrested. However, kidnapping of a minor under the age of 15 can result in the maximum penalty.
Domestic Violence
Domestic violence includes any dangerous or violent act that is committed against a victim where any of the following are true:
- The victim and defendant are married, in a sexual/romantic relationship, or living in the same house.
- The victim and defendant have children together.
- The victim is pregnant due to the defendant.
- The victim is related to the defendant by blood or law.
- The victim is a child who lives in the same household as the defendant.
Subsequent domestic violence convictions can have increasingly severe penalties, resulting in an aggravated domestic violence charge for a third offense.
Penalties for Violent Crimes in West Valley Phoenix
Most violent crimes in Arizona are charged as felonies and carry a minimum prison sentence of at least one year. More severe violent crimes carry harsher sentences up to and including life in prison. Some crimes, such as first-degree murder, can carry the death penalty in Arizona.
In addition to prison, violent offenders may have to pay civil fines and pay restitution to the victim or their family. For most violent crimes, a conviction will result in the loss of firearm privileges. Factors such as prior criminal offenses or the identity of the victim can result in a harsher criminal sentence.
Defending Against Violent Crimes
A West Valley Phoenix violent crimes lawyer can explore several strategies to defend you against criminal charges for a violent offense:
- Self-defense. Violent acts can be justified if they were committed in self-defense or defense of another. Arizona is a Castle Doctrine and Stand Your Ground State, so individuals don’t have to retreat before using violent or lethal force to defend themselves.
- Lack of intent. Most violent crimes, such as assault, require the offender to intentionally harm the victim or make them believe they will be hurt.
- Mistaken identity. The commission of a violent crime can be chaotic and confusing, and victims might incorrectly identify an innocent party as the perpetrator.
- Procedural errors. Criminal cases can be thrown out of court if the police or prosecution violated procedural rules regarding investigation/evidence handling.
Suzuki Law Offices: Violent Crimes Lawyer in West Valley Phoenix
When facing violent crime charges, time is of the essence. Your best option is to find a violent crimes lawyer as soon as possible to start building your defense. You have a right to competent and effective legal counsel and should take advantage of this right to the greatest possible extent. Suzuki Law Offices is here 24/7 to offer our assistance and criminal defense knowledge to your case.
Contact our offices online or reach out by phone to schedule a case consultation with a violent crimes lawyer in West Valley Phoenix.
Call or text (602) 682-5270 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form