Have You Been Charged With A Violent Crime?
OUR criminal defense attorneys offer aggressive representation for assault
Violent crime charges in Arizona are often the most severe charges a person could face. These charges typically arise when an individual has allegedly committed an act or threat of physical harm against another human being. However, it is important to remember that an accusation does not mean you are guilty. The Valley Law Group’s violent crime and assault lawyers are here to build the defense necessary to help overcome these charges.
Our skilled criminal law team puts the rights of our clients first. The prosecutors and judges in Arizona do not take charges of assault or other violent crimes lightly, and we are committed to doing everything we can to offer you the best chance for a successful case outcome. When you work with an experienced attorney from The Valley Law Group, you stand a better chance of securing reduced charges or having your case dismissed altogether.
Why Choose Our Criminal Defense Attorneys?
If you find yourself facing charges of violent crimes or assault in the state of Arizona, you need an attorney who understands the unique nuances of these cases and is ready to aggressively advocate for your rights and freedoms. At The Valley Law Group, our team of experienced and award-winning assault and battery attorneys is prepared with the necessary tools and resources to review your case, determine the optimal defense, and go toe-to-toe with the prosecution.
When you secure representation from The Valley Law Group, you won’t just be receiving legal care and advice. You will also gain a personalized and professional approach to the counsel and representation that is provided to you. We offer a tailored and hands-on approach to all client cases, and we are recognized across the state as a law firm committed to both legal excellence and compassionate care for each and every one of our clients.
The right time to build a defense begins from the moment you are arrested. Working with our team early in the process can positively contribute to the success of your case. In many violent crime cases, timely intervention by a skilled criminal defense attorney can make all the difference. At The Valley Law Group, we can ensure a tailored and personalized defense strategy for violent crime charges, including aggravated assault, homicide, and domestic violence.
Understanding Assault and Violent Crime Charges in Arizona
Violent crimes are complex matters that can threaten your freedom and your livelihood and should not be taken lightly. Domestic violence laws and other legal ordinances that pertain to these charges in Arizona can be complicated and often confusing for those who are not familiar. With our commitment to protecting your rights and interests, the attorneys at The Valley Law Group are here to better help you understand the charges you are navigating.
Utilizing our years of experience, we have successfully represented clients facing a litany of violent crime charges. Our top strategies include creating a well-rounded knowledge of the law as it applies to many types of violent crime accusations.
Assault and Battery
Assault charges can arise from situations in which an individual threatens to or does use violence against another person. This violent threat can be sexual, physical, or verbal in nature. Cases of aggravated assault often involve serious harm or the use of a weapon. Battery, often charged along with assault, occurs when the threat becomes physical.
Child Abuse
Any crime against a child is unacceptable, and violators should be held accountable. This charge typically arises from situations in which a child is found to be sexually, physically, or emotionally mistreated and harm or the risk of harm, has been caused.
Domestic Violence
These charges refer to actual abusive acts or threats of violence towards members of one’s family or individuals in some kind of domestic relationship.
Homicide
Homicide charges are brought against an individual who has allegedly taken the life of another person. This can include either murder, the intentional killing of another human being, or manslaughter, defined as unintentional killing.
Kidnapping
This charge occurs when an individual has allegedly taken another person – whether a child or an adult– and held them against their will, keeping them concealed from other people. Typically, this person is also held as a hostage, as a shield, or for ransom.
Rape/Sexual Assault
Arising from situations in which the one facing charges has allegedly committed an unwanted and non-consensual act of a sexual nature against another individual, these charges can stem from acts ranging anywhere from unwanted touching to sexual penetration and assault.
Robbery
These charges refer to the act or threat of violence when taking property from another person. In some cases, armed robbery charges can follow acts of violence, including the use of a weapon.
Stalking
Charges of this nature are often due to one individual experiencing concerns for their personal safety. These stem from the individual fearing they are allegedly repeatedly followed or harassed by the individual facing the charges.
Statutory Rape
Typically brought against an individual who has allegedly committed sexual acts with another individual who is under the legal age of consent, these charges and other sexually related charges are often considered the most heinous. Prosecutors seek to punish these types of crimes to the fullest extent of the law.
If you find yourself facing any of these or other violent crime charges, contact an attorney from The Valley Law Group who can begin to build a solid defense strategy for you right away. The penalties for these charges can range in severity, depending on several factors of the crime itself. Typically, the more severe the crime or harm allegedly committed, the harsher the charges.
Other influencing factors can include:
- Whether or not the crime involved the use of a deadly weapon
- Whether or not the individual who allegedly committed the crime has any prior criminal convictions
- Whether or not the individual committed the alleged crime against a person who is considered a minor
- Whether or not the crime resulted in the serious bodily injury or death of a human being
- Whether or not the crime was aggravated in nature
- Whether or not the crime was considered dangerous or non-dangerous
- Whether or not the alleged victim was pregnant at the time the crime occurred
In the state of Arizona, those facing charges of violent crimes can expect to face substantial consequences, including:
- Fines
- Jail or prison time
- Probation
- The existence of a permanent criminal record
With a criminal record, you may be unable to vote, lose your right to own or purchase a weapon, and must often forgo your right to seek public office. Additionally, you can also expect to experience difficulty finding housing, future education or employment opportunities, financing for loans, such as for vehicles or home purchases, difficulties in securing a lease, and facing social stigmas surrounding a conviction.
Our Comprehensive Violent Crime Defense Services
We guide clients through each stage of preparation:
Initial Consultation and Case Evaluation
When you enter our offices to begin the process of building a defense, the first step we will take is to evaluate your overall case via a thorough and detailed review. We are prepared to listen to your side of the story with compassion and understanding and provide our honest thoughts on your situation. This initial consultation will allow us to understand your case and begin building a defense.
Investigation and Evidence Gathering
Next, it will be up to our team to build a solid defense on concrete evidence and by casting doubt on the prosecution’s case. We thoroughly examine any police reports, statements given by eyewitnesses, and available footage or photographs from the scene of the alleged crime. In doing so, our attorneys will be prepared to challenge the prosecution’s evidence in your defense.
Negotiation with Prosecutors
We will then move to negotiate with the prosecutors that have been assigned to your case. With our extensive and complete knowledge of the laws surrounding violent crimes, we can work toward a reduction or dismissal of charges or work to pursue a satisfactory plea bargain or alternative to your potential sentencing.
Court Representation
If your charges proceed to trial, we will be there every step of the way, providing you with comprehensive and effective representation. We have a proven track record of successfully defending our clients to a judge and jury. Let us present arguments against the prosecution, examine any witnesses, and ensure a fair trial takes place while you rest assured you are receiving the best legal care.
Post-Conviction Support
At The Valley Law Group, our counsel and representation do not end if you are convicted. We are here to offer our services if you wish to seek an appeal or pursue an expungement of your records or a reinstatement of your driver’s license. Our violent crime and assault and battery lawyers want to be here to help you take control of your life and build a better one as you move toward a brighter future.
The Legal Process for Assault and Violent Crime Cases
Arrest and Booking
Following an arrest for an alleged violent crime, you will be taken to the police station and booked. This process typically includes fingerprinting, the recording of personal information, and photographing. It is essential to your case that you remain calm and cooperative but do not speak about the case of the alleged crime until your legal representation has arrived.
Initial Appearance
Within the first 24 hours following your arrest, you will be brought before a judge or commissioner and informed of the allegations brought against you. Again, it is important to remain calm in these moments and cooperate with the powers that be, but do not speak on your own behalf.
Arraignment
You will then be formally charged and enter a plea of either guilty, not guilty or no contest. It is best to have your attorney present with you at this arraignment as they will be able to enter the right plea on your behalf.
Pre-Trial Business
During this step, your violent crime lawyers will face the prosecuting attorney, present evidence, and file motions. When these circumstances occur, it is a good idea for you to stay in constant communication with your lawyer and provide them with any information they might request from you.
Plea Negotiation
Your attorney will then negotiate with the prosecution to reach a specific plea deal that could result in a reduction of your charges or a more satisfactory sentence. The best thing you can do in this phase is to trust the knowledge and skill of your legal team.
Trial
Your case will then go to trial, but only if a plea deal agreement cannot be reached. Both sides of the argument will present their case via evidence, and witnesses may be called upon to enter their testimony. The judge and jury will then determine a verdict. Again, during this time, it is best for you to trust your attorney.
Sentencing
If found guilty, the judge will then determine your sentencing, which can include fines, community service, probation, or jail time. It is important to display your remorse and willingness to comply with the sentencing.
Post-Conviction
Once sentencing has been handed down, you might find yourself with an opportunity to appeal. The attorneys at The Valley Law Group can help you craft a strong appeal if these circumstances arise. It is vital that you maintain contact with your lawyer following your sentencing.
From the moment you contact our team to the final day of your hearing, you gain a valuable resource that will see your case through the end of the trial and beyond. We know that cases may not always end as planned, but that doesn’t mean the support we offer you doesn’t continue. From trial to post-litigation, our team is on your side.