Domestic Violence Defined:

Domestic violence involves alleged 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. 

Historically, people associated domestic violence as a crime that occurred only between spouses or people who are intimately involved. However, domestic violence can involve children, siblings, parents, grandparents, and co-habitants. Moreover, domestic violence is not limited to acts of physical abuse. Under Arizona law, domestic violence can include, but is not limited to the following offenses:

• 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

Domestic Violence Penalties:

Domestic violence offenses can be prosecuted as misdemeanor of felony crimes.  Convictions for domestic violence offenses can carry severe penalties including probation, jail or, in certain situations, prison. At a minimum, you risk losing important civil rights such as the ability to own or possession a firearm.  Additionally, professional licenses can be revoked, fingerprint clearance cards can be suspended and you can be evicted from apartment complexes which maintain crime free housing addendums.

If You are Arrested for Domestic Violence:

If you have been arrested for domestic violence in Arizona, there are a number of steps you should take. These include:

1. Obeying all Court Orders  - Usually, someone charged with domestic violence is prohibited from having contact with any alleged victims and witnesses and cannot return to the scene of the crime.  As difficult as this may sound, since domestic violence offenses generally involve close family members and occur within one's home, it is very important that you comply with any release conditions imposed by the court.  If you violate any court orders, your release can be revoked, you can be returned to jail and potentially charged with new offenses.

2. Recall Your Version of the Incident - In order to present a legitimate defense, you must be familiar with the facts of your case and have adequate recall of what actually occurred.  Consequently, it is important to draft a summary of the incident as close to the event as possible and while it is still fresh in your mind.  Additionally, you should make a list of any potential witnesses which includes their contact information.

3. Understand You are Facing Serious Consequences - Again, domestic violence offenses can be prosecuted as misdemeanors or felonies, can involve mandatory probation, classes, fines, jail time or even prison.  Also, aside from losing important civil rights, domestic violence offenses can affect custody and visitation rights a spouse may otherwise have following a divorce.  

4. Immediately Consult with an Attorney - An experienced criminal defense attorney who regularly represents clients in domestic violence matters can be of invaluable assistance to you.  An attorney can negotiate a favorable outcome, recognize issues which may be beneficial at trial or in getting a case dismissed and help you avoid future consequences which might result from an arrest.  If you hire an attorney, your lawyer can also guide you through various court hearings and help things proceed as smoothly as possible.

Call (480) 833-8613 for a Free Consultation

Defend Your Legal Rights and Reputation Against Domestic Violence Charges

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 and has been defending people charged with these crimes for many years. Mr. Kimble knows how to prepare a solid defense, challenge the prosecution's evidence and negotiate a reduction or dismissal of the charges

With a seasoned Tempe criminal defense lawyer on your case, you will have your rights protected as your attorney fights to secure a favorable outcome on your behalf. Attorney Raymond Kimble has successfully represented hundreds of individuals throughout Arizona over the last twenty years who have been accused of domestic violence.