Peoria Domestic Violence Lawyer

Being accused of domestic violence in Arizona is a serious matter that can impact your life long before your day in court. Depending on the specific charges and your criminal history, a conviction could come with minor fines and probation, or years of imprisonment and a felony on your criminal record.

Whether you face misdemeanor or felony charges, representation from a Peoria domestic violence lawyer is essential. The skilled attorneys at Grand Canyon Law Group know how to handle your case the right way and fight for a positive outcome that protects your future. We are here to stand up for you and your rights.

What Constitutes “Domestic Violence” in Peoria?

According to Arizona Revised Statute §13-3601, someone commits “domestic violence” if they commit an offense against a household or family member. This includes current and former spouses, current and former intimate partners, people related by blood or marriage, and people cohabitating in the same house or apartment. Various offenses may be categorized as domestic violence based on the person allegedly targeted by the defendant:

• Any dangerous crime against children, as defined under A.R.S. §13-705
• Any form of negligent homicide, manslaughter, or murder under A.R.S. §13-1102 through 13-1105
• Endangerment, under A.R.S. §13-1201
• Threatening or intimidating, under A.R.S. §13-1202
• Simple or aggravated assault, under A.R.S. §13-1203 or 13-1204
• Custodial interference, under A.R.S. §13-1302
• Unlawful imprisonment, under A.R.S. §13-1303
• Kidnapping, under A.R.S. §13-1304
• Sexual assault, under A.R.S. §13-1406
• Trespassing, under A.R.S. §13-1502 through 13-1504
• Criminal damage, under A.R.S. §13-1602
• Interfering with judicial proceedings, under A.R.S. §13-2810
• Disorderly conduct, under A.R.S. §13-2904(A)(1), (2), (3), or (6)
• Cruelty to animals, under A.R.S. §13-2910(A)(8) or (9)
• Preventing someone from calling for emergency services, under A.R.S. §13-2915(A)(3)
• Intimidation over the phone or computer, under A.R.S. §13-2916
• Simple or aggravated harassment, under A.R.S. §13-2921 or 13-2921.01
• Stalking, under A.R.S. §13-2923
• Surreptitious photographing or recording, under A.R.S. §13-3019

As our seasoned local attorneys can further explain, individuals convicted twice of domestic violence within a single 84-month period may face aggravated charges under A.R.S. §13-3601.02 for a third or subsequent offense. Additionally, anyone who causes a child or vulnerable adult in their care to suffer physical injury may face charges under A.R.S. §13-3623.

Possible Options for Resolving Domestic Violence Charges

Importantly, individuals allegedly targeted by criminal domestic violence have no authority to “drop” charges against the defendant. The state will generally continue prosecuting the case with or without the alleged victim’s cooperation. That said, it is sometimes possible to argue in favor of the prosecutor dropping domestic violence charges with assistance from the alleged victim if the charges arose from a minor dispute that has since been resolved. There are also diversion programs available to first-time offenders as an alternative to criminal prosecution.

Assistance from our dedicated lawyers in Peoria is crucial to exploring every avenue for defense in a domestic violence case. Grand Canyon Law Group can listen to a defendant’s side of the story and tailor an effective strategy to the specific situation.

Talk to a Peoria Domestic Violence Attorney Today

Domestic violence is prosecuted harshly by the Arizona court system, especially if you were previously convicted on similar charges. Whether this is your first offense, getting help from capable legal counsel will be vital to resolving your case and minimizing the damage to your professional and personal life.

A Peoria domestic violence lawyer is here to discuss your options in detail during a private consultation. Schedule yours by calling Grand Canyon Law Group today.