Mesa Domestic Violence Lawyer

Arrested for Domestic Violence in Maricopa County?

A domestic violence arrest in Arizona is a deeply serious matter, carrying significant legal consequences that can impact your freedom, reputation, and future. If you or a loved one has been arrested for domestic violence in Mesa, Maricopa County, or anywhere in Arizona, swift and experienced legal action is crucial.

At Knowles Law Firm, PLC, our dedicated Mesa domestic violence defense lawyers understand the complexities of Arizona's domestic violence laws. We have successfully defended clients in thousands of criminal cases, including domestic violence allegations. Our experience allows us to build a robust defense strategy tailored to your unique situation.

Call (602) 702-5431 or contact us online to schedule a free case review.

What Is Domestic Violence in Arizona?

Unlike many criminal charges, “domestic violence” in Arizona isn't a standalone crime. Instead, it is a legal designation applied to an underlying criminal offense when the alleged victim and the accused share a specific relationship as defined by Arizona Revised Statutes (A.R.S.) § 13-3601. This means a wide range of common offenses can be classified as domestic violence, including assault, disorderly conduct, threatening or intimidating, criminal damage, harassment, stalking, and endangerment, among many others.

The Key Element: Qualifying Relationships for Domestic Violence Cases

For a crime to be designated as domestic violence under Arizona Revised Statutes (A.R.S.) § 13-3601, the relationship between the alleged victim and the defendant must fall into one of these categories:

• Current or former marriage
• Persons residing or having resided in the same household
• Persons who have a child in common
• One party is pregnant by the other party
• Related by blood or court order (e.g., parent, grandparent, sibling)
• Currently or was a romantic or sexual relationship

Police in Arizona often have a mandatory arrest policy in domestic violence incidents, even if they didn't witness the act, if there's probably cause of physical injury or use of a weapon.

Serious Penalties for Domestic Violence Convictions

A conviction for a domestic violence offense carries penalties that go beyond those of the underlying crime. Depending on the severity of the underlying offense and the defendant's criminal history, potential penalties for charges designated as crimes of domestic violence:

• Jail or Prison Time: From days to years, depending on the classification (misdemeanor or felony).
• Significant Fines and Surcharges: Potentially thousands of dollars.
• Mandatory Domestic Violence Offender Treatment Programs: Required by A.R.S. § 13-3601.01.
• Probation: Often with strict conditions.
• Loss of Firearm Rights: A federal prohibition on possessing firearms if convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.
• Impact on Child Custody and Divorce Proceedings: A domestic violence conviction can severely affect family court matters.
• Aggravated Domestic Violence (A.R.S. § 13-3601.02): If you accumulate multiple domestic violence convictions within 84 months, you could be charged with a Class 5 felony, leading to harsher sentencing without eligibility for probation.

What Are the Penalties for Violating a Protective Order in Arizona?

If you have been arrested for violating a protective order, you need to contact a Mesa domestic violence lawyer as soon as possible. A protective order is a court order that prohibits the defendant from contacting the victim in any way. This can include talking, emailing, texting, calling, or coming within a certain distance of the victim.

Penalties for violating protective orders can include:

In Arizona, violating a protective order is typically charged as a Class 1 misdemeanor—the most serious level of misdemeanor under state law. If convicted, you may face:

• Up to 6 months in jail
• A fine of up to $2,500, plus additional surcharges
• Probation and other court-imposed conditions

Beyond these immediate penalties, a violation can have serious consequences for any related domestic violence case. It can be viewed by the court as a sign of noncompliance or escalating behavior, potentially impacting custody issues, plea negotiations, or sentencing in your underlying case.

If you're accused of violating a protective order, it's essential to act quickly. Knowles Law Firm, PLC can help you understand your rights and develop a strategic defense to challenge domestic violence allegations while working to minimize the impact on your future.

Building a Strong Domestic Violence Defense

Being accused of domestic violence doesn't mean you're guilty. Our Mesa criminal defense attorneys thoroughly investigate every aspect of your case to identify weaknesses in the prosecution's evidence and build the strongest possible defense. Common defense strategies against domestic violence allegations include:

• Self-Defense or Defense of Others: You acted reasonably to protect yourself or another person from imminent harm.
• False Accusations: Allegations made out of anger, revenge, or to gain an advantage in divorce or custody disputes.
• Lack of a Qualifying Relationship: The parties involved do not meet the legal definition of a "domestic" relationship under A.R.S. § 13-3601.
• Mistaken Identity or Lack of Evidence: The prosecution cannot prove you committed the alleged act.
• Violations of Your Constitutional Rights: Including unlawful search and seizure or Miranda rights violations.

Why Choose Knowles Law Firm, PLC for Your Mesa Domestic Violence Case?

When your freedom and future are on the line, you need a law firm with a proven track record. Our attorneys at Knowles Law Firm, PLC bring a unique and comprehensive perspective to criminal defense. With experience both as dedicated defense counsel and as former prosecutors, they possess extensive knowledge from both sides of the courtroom, successfully defending individuals against domestic violence charges in Mesa and throughout Maricopa County.  against domestic violence charges in Mesa and throughout Maricopa County. We are aggressive advocates, relentless in protecting our clients' rights and challenging the prosecution's case at every turn. We understand that every case is unique, which is why we offer personalized strategy, taking the time to listen to your story, understand your goals, and develop a customized defense. 

Turn to a Domestic Violence Defense Attorney in Mesa Today

If you're facing domestic violence charges in Mesa, Arizona, don't delay. The sooner you contact an experienced attorney, the better your changes of a favorable outcome. We are available 24/7 to answer your urgent questions and start building your defense.

Get the individualized care and strong defense you need. Contact us at (602) 702-5431 today to request your free case review.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Should I Do Immediately After Being Accused of Domestic Violence?

If you find yourself accused of domestic violence, the immediate steps you take can affect your case significantly. Firstly, it's crucial to remain calm and refrain from engaging directly with the accuser, as this could escalate the situation. Contacting a knowledgeable domestic violence attorney in Mesa, such as the team at Knowles Law Firm, PLC, should be your top priority. They can provide guidance on how to navigate the charges and protect your rights effectively.

It’s also advisable to collect any evidence that may support your case, such as text messages, emails, or witness contacts, while ensuring you do not contravene any court orders currently in place. Remember, adhering strictly to any imposed protective orders is essential until the matter is legally resolved. Your attorney can help you understand these orders fully and the implications of violating them.

How Long Does a Domestic Violence Case Take in Mesa?

The timeline for domestic violence cases in Mesa can vary significantly, depending on several factors, such as the complexity of the case, the court’s docket, and whether the accused opts for a trial or reaches a plea agreement. Generally, preliminary hearings can occur within weeks of the accusation, with comprehensive trials potentially spanning several months.

Clients working with Knowles Law Firm, PLC will benefit from a proactive approach that carefully manages timelines and expectations. We strive to expedite the process where possible, keeping our clients informed of any developments and strategic decisions that may impact the case duration. Each case is unique, and maintaining transparent communication is crucial to navigating this legal journey efficiently.

Can Domestic Violence Charges Be Dropped?

In Mesa, the decision to drop domestic violence charges typically lies with the prosecutor, not the victim. Once the police are involved, and a charge is filed, the state takes over the prosecution. However, several factors can influence the decision to drop charges, including insufficient evidence, contradictory witness statements, or credibility issues.

The attorneys at Knowles Law Firm, PLC can work towards presenting evidence and building a case that highlights these potential issues to the prosecutor. We negotiate diligently to achieve the most favorable outcome, whether that means pursuing a dismissal, reduced charges, or alternative resolutions that avoid the most severe penalties.