DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Do You Know Your Rights?

Domestic violence includes any act of violence, such as assault, disorderly conduct, trespassing, or interfering with judicial proceedings, when the victim in the case has some kind of domestic relationship to the defendant. This relationship can include a family relationship, a romantic relationship (past or present), having a child in common, and having been roommates. If a person is charged with any one of these crimes and has an additional domestic relationship with the victim, the prosecutor will add an additional charge of domestic violence.

Arizona law considers any of the following crimes to be a Domestic Violence offense:

• Abuse of Child of Vulnerable Adult

• Assault

• Aggravated Assault

• Criminal Damage

• Criminal Trespass

• Custodial Interference

• Dangerous Crimes Against Children

• Disorderly Conduct

• Endangerment

• Harassment

• Interfering with Judicial Proceedings

• Kidnapping

• Telephone to Harass

• Threatening and Intimidating

• Unlawful Imprisonment

• Stalking

A conviction for a domestic violence related offense can have serious consequences, even if the offense itself is treated as a misdemeanor. It can affect ongoing or future proceedings in family court, including child custody and visitation issues. It can affect employment opportunities, especially if your employment requires a fingerprint clearance or a security clearance. It can also affect your right to possess a firearm.

Because the potential consequences of a domestic violence conviction are very serious, it is important to take the charges seriously by hiring an attorney who is experienced in the field, reviewing the options carefully and making an informed decision on how to proceed with your case. I have over 35 years of experience in handling these types of cases and a very high success rate. I will meet with you to discuss the facts of the case and possible defenses. I will review the police reports with you and help you to make an informed and strategic decision on how to proceed. If you decide to proceed with a trial on the charge, I will represent you to 100% of my abilities.