The State of Arizona vigorously prosecutes individuals who have been arrested and charged with committing acts of Domestic Violence.  Whether suspected of  a misdemeanor or felony offense, a Domestic Violence conviction will carry harsh results  including probation, potential jail or prison terms, mandatory counseling classes, etc.  In addition to the penalties provided by Arizona law however,  there are a number of collateral consequences which can accompany a Domestic Violence conviction and have a negative impact upon a person's life.

Attorney Raymond Kimble is a former police officer and felony prosecutor and  has successfully represented hundreds of individuals throughout Arizona over the last twenty years who have been accused of domestic violence. If you have been charged with Domestic Violence in Tempe, Phoenix, Mesa, Scottsdale or any other city within Maricopa or Pina County,  it is vital that you contact a highly skilled criminal lawyer immediately. Tempe Domestic Violence lawyer Raymond Kimble will recognize available defenses, prepare a solid defense, challenge the prosecution's evidence and do everything in his power to negotiate a reduction or dismissal of the charges

What is Domestic Violence?

Domestic violence in Arizona is generally defined as threats or actual acts of abuse or violence between family members, individuals who live together, people involved in an intimate relationship or people who share a child in common.  The legislature has classified a number of crimes which can be classified as Domestic Violence offenses.  These include, but are not limited to:

• Abuse of a Child or Vulnerable Adult Abuse                                                               
• Aggravated Assault
• Assault
• Criminal Trespass
• Custodial Interference
• Dangerous Crimes against Children
• Disorderly Conduct
• Endangerment
• Harassment
• Interfering with Judicial Proceedings
• Kidnapping or Unlawful Imprisonment
• Manslaughter
• Murder
• Negligent Homicide
• Sexual Assault
• Stalking
• Threatening and Intimidating

The classification of a Domestic Violence charge is generally dependent upon the nature of the underlying offense which is alleged to have been committed.  For example, Aggravated Assault, Kidnapping or Sexual Assault are felony crimes that are prosecuted in Superior Court while Assault, Interference with Judicial Proceedings (ie. Violating an Order of Protection) or Disorderly Conduct are misdemeanor charges that require an appearance in City or Justice Courts.  People who commit any Domestic Violence offense after being convicted of two prior Domestic Violence offenses within the preceding seven years will be prosecuted for Aggravated Domestic Violence.  Aggravated Domestic Violence is a felony charge regardless of the underlying offense which was committed.  

Collateral Consequences of a Domestic Violence Conviction

Again, the potential for jail or prison terms, probation and mandatory counseling are harsh realities that often result from a Domestic Violence conviction.  However, the penalties imposed by Arizona law are not all of the consequences someone may endure after being convicted of a Domestic Violence offense.  Other consequences people may suffer include:

1. The Loss of Civil Rights Such as the Right to Vote or Possess a Firearm.  Anyone convicted of a felony offense is not permitted to vote.  Moreover, federal law prohibits people from possessing a firearm after they've been convicted of any Domestic Violence offense which is inherently violent in nature such as assault 
2. Child Custody Issues - Family court judges routinely take acts of domestic violence into consideration when deciding whether to award someone joint or sole custody of children and while considering issues such as parenting time, support, etc.
3. Housing - Often, individuals who are applying to rent an apartment or secure a mortgage must undergo a background check.  Apartment complexes are known to deny applications to people who have criminal records.  Additionally, mortgage companies can refuse to extend credit to those who've been convicted of felony or misdemeanor offenses.
4. Fingerprint Clearance Cards - Many individuals are required to acquire and maintain a fingerprint clearance card for licensing and employment purposes.  A Domestic Violence arrest can result in the suspension or revocation of a fingerprint clearance card and ultimately lead to the loss of employment or career opportunities.

PHOENIX DOMESTIC VIOLENCE LAWYER

Protect Your Rights: Call (480) 833-8613

There are many defenses available to individuals who have been arrested and charged with Domestic Violence.  Moreover, and depending upon the facts of a particular case, many Domestic Violence cases can be resolved without a permanent conviction being placed on your record.  Consequently, it's very important to contact an attorney who has experience in defending Domestic Violence charges if you are facing a charge of this type. 

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