Simple assault under ARS § 13-1203 ranges from a Class 3 misdemeanor (30 days jail) to a Class 1 misdemeanor (6 months jail) depending on whether the conduct involved offensive touching, reasonable apprehension, or physical injury. Aggravated assault under ARS § 13-1204 is a felony carrying up to 15 years in prison for dangerous offenses.

Simple assault involves minor injury, threat of injury, or offensive touching. Aggravated assault applies when the assault involves a deadly weapon, causes serious physical injury, involves strangulation, targets a protected person (police officer, teacher, healthcare worker), or is committed against a child under 15. Aggravated assault is always a felony.

Yes. Under ARS § 13-404, Arizona law allows the use of physical force to defend yourself against another person’s unlawful use or attempted use of physical force. You must have reasonably believed that force was immediately necessary. Self-defense is a complete justification that can result in dismissal or acquittal.

A dangerous offense involves the use, threatening exhibition, or discharge of a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument. Aggravated assault with a weapon is classified as dangerous, which means mandatory prison time — the judge cannot grant probation. A first-offense Class 3 dangerous felony carries 5-15 years.

Yes. Assault charges can be dismissed through self-defense claims, lack of evidence, witness credibility issues, false accusation defenses, constitutional violations, or successful completion of diversion programs. An experienced assault lawyer evaluates every possible avenue for dismissal.

Mutual combat — where both parties voluntarily participated in a fight — can be a strong defense. It undermines the prosecution’s theory that one person was the sole aggressor. However, Arizona does not recognize mutual combat as a complete legal defense. It is used to challenge credibility and pursue reduced charges or dismissal.

Yes. Under ARS § 13-1203(A)(2), you can be charged with assault for intentionally placing someone in reasonable apprehension of imminent physical injury — even without any physical contact. This is a Class 2 misdemeanor carrying up to 4 months in jail.

First-time misdemeanor assault offenders may qualify for diversion programs through the Phoenix City Prosecutor’s Office or Maricopa County Attorney’s Office. Successful completion results in dismissed charges. Eligibility depends on the specific offense, criminal history, and circumstances.

Assault defense costs vary based on charge severity and case complexity. Misdemeanor assault cases typically range $2,000-$5,000 while felony aggravated assault defense can cost $7,500-$25,000 or more for dangerous offense cases. Tamou Law Group offers affordable payment plans and free consultations.

Arizona allows record expungement for certain charges under ARS § 13-911. Eligible cases include dismissed assault charges, acquittals, and some completed misdemeanor convictions after waiting periods. Felony assault convictions are more difficult to expunge. Tamou Law Group handles expungement cases throughout Phoenix and Maricopa County.

A felony assault conviction results in loss of firearm rights. Additionally, if the assault carries a domestic violence designation, even a misdemeanor conviction permanently prohibits gun ownership under both Arizona and federal law (Lautenberg Amendment).

Under ARS § 13-406, Arizona law justifies the use of force to protect a third person from another’s unlawful use of physical force. Defense of others is treated the same as self-defense and can result in complete dismissal or acquittal of assault charges.

We provide aggressive, strategic assault defense with a team that includes former prosecutors and public defenders. Over 1,000 cases won, fast response times, serious case preparation, and focused advocacy to protect your freedom, record, and reputation across Phoenix and Maricopa County.