Arizona Violent Crimes Lawyer: Aggressive Defense for Serious Charges
Violent crime charges in Arizona are among the most serious offenses you can face, often carrying life-changing consequences if convicted. Whether you’re accused of assault, homicide, or armed robbery, having an experienced Arizona violent crimes lawyer by your side can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. Tamou Law Group offers aggressive defense strategies tailored to the unique details of your situation, ensuring your rights are protected at every stage of the legal process.
What is Considered a Violent Crime in Arizona?
In Arizona, violent crimes are defined as offenses that involve the use or threat of physical force or violence against another person. These crimes typically result in severe physical harm or pose a substantial risk of such harm. Some common examples of violent crimes in Arizona include:
- Aggravated assault with a dangerous or deadly weapon – ARS §13-1204
- Armed Robbery – ARS §13-1904
- Arson to a building or structure while it is occupied – ARS §13-1704
- Dangerous crimes against children – ARS §13-705
- Domestic Violence – ARS §13-3601
- Drive by shootings – ARS §13-1209
- Felony Assault – ARS §13-1203
- First degree burglary – ARS §13-1508
- Homicide – ARS §13-1101 to §13-1105 (depending on the type)
- Kidnapping – ARS §13-1304
- Manslaughter – ARS §13-1103
- Murder – ARS §13-1105 (First Degree), ARS §13-1104 (Second Degree)
- Participating in a criminal syndicate or street gang crimes – ARS §13-2308
- Sexual Assault – ARS §13-1406
The penalties for violent crimes in Arizona are severe and can include significant prison time, large fines, probation, and lifelong criminal records. In certain cases, the death penalty or life imprisonment may be sought by the prosecution, especially in first-degree murder charges. A Tamou Law Group Arizona violent crimes lawyer can help with determining where your charges fall.
Punishments for Violent Crimes in Arizona
Arizona violent crimes are categorized as felonies, the most serious criminal offenses under Arizona law. Felonies are further classified as Class 1 through Class 6, with Class 1 felonies being the most severe and Class 6 felonies carrying the lightest penalties. The sentencing range for these felonies depends not only on the classification but also on the defendant’s criminal history, specifically their felony category.
- Category 1 Felon: No prior felony convictions. Individuals falling under this category face the minimum sentencing range for the applicable felony class.
- Category 2 Felon: One prior felony conviction. Defendants in this category are subject to an increased sentencing range, which is higher than the minimum, but not as severe as Category 3.
- Category 3 Felon: Two or more prior felony convictions. This category carries the highest sentencing range, significantly increasing the potential prison time due to the defendant’s repeat offender status.
For example, a Class 3 felony normally carries a sentencing range of 2 to 8.75 years in prison for a Category 1 felon (no priors). However, for a Category 2 felon (with one prior felony), the range increases to 3.5 to 16.25 years, and for a Category 3 felon (two or more priors), the sentence can increase to 7.5 to 25 years. The sentencing guidelines are hard to follow, that’s why having an Arizona violent crimes lawyer helps to determine your true exposure with the charges filed.
The defendant’s felony category plays a critical role in determining their exposure to harsher sentences, especially when facing violent crime charges. Having a skilled Arizona violent crimes lawyer is essential to challenge the prosecution’s classification of prior convictions or seek alternative sentencing to mitigate the potential penalties.
Here is a breakdown of the felony classifications and the sentencing ranges for each:
Class 1 Felony
- Category 1 Felon (No priors): Life imprisonment or death penalty.
- Category 2 Felon (One prior): Same as above (life imprisonment or death penalty).
- Category 3 Felon (Two or more priors): Same as above (life imprisonment or death penalty).
Example: First-degree murder (ARS §13-1105).
Class 2 Felony
- Category 1 Felon (No priors): 3 to 12.5 years in prison.
- Category 2 Felon (One prior): 4.5 to 23.25 years in prison.
- Category 3 Felon (Two or more priors): 10.5 to 35 years in prison.
Example: Armed robbery (ARS §13-1904), Aggravated assault with a deadly weapon (ARS §13-1204).
Class 3 Felony
- Category 1 Felon (No priors): 2 to 8.75 years in prison.
- Category 2 Felon (One prior): 3.5 to 16.25 years in prison.
- Category 3 Felon (Two or more priors): 7.5 to 25 years in prison.
Example: Kidnapping (ARS §13-1304), Second-degree burglary (ARS §13-1507).
Class 4 Felony
- Category 1 Felon (No priors): 1 to 3.75 years in prison.
- Category 2 Felon (One prior): 2.25 to 7.5 years in prison.
- Category 3 Felon (Two or more priors): 6 to 15 years in prison.
Example: Aggravated DUI, certain domestic violence charges (ARS §13-3601).
Class 5 Felony
- Category 1 Felon (No priors): 6 months to 2.5 years in prison.
- Category 2 Felon (One prior): 1 to 3.75 years in prison.
- Category 3 Felon (Two or more priors): 3 to 7.5 years in prison.
Example: Criminal damage, possession of a dangerous weapon.
Class 6 Felony
- Category 1 Felon (No priors): 4 months to 2 years in prison.
- Category 2 Felon (One prior): 9 months to 2.75 years in prison.
- Category 3 Felon (Two or more priors): 1.5 to 5.75 years in prison.
Example: Some lower-level assault cases, disorderly conduct with a weapon.
The range of sentencing increases significantly for Category 2 and Category 3 felons, underscoring the importance of having an experienced Arizona violent crimes lawyer to challenge prior conviction designations, negotiate plea deals, or argue for lesser sentences. This can dramatically impact the potential penalties a defendant faces for violent crimes in Arizona
Enhanced Penalties for Violent Crimes
Certain circumstances can enhance the penalties for violent crimes in Arizona. These include the use of a deadly weapon, committing the crime against a vulnerable victim, or if the defendant has prior convictions for violent offenses. For example:
- Aggravated assault with a deadly weapon (ARS §13-1204) is a Class 3 felony, but if a firearm is used, the sentence can be enhanced, increasing the potential prison time.
- Dangerous crimes against children (ARS §13-705) have mandatory minimum prison sentences, with no possibility of early release for good behavior.
In many cases, an Arizona violent crimes lawyer will be essential in negotiating plea deals or challenging the prosecution’s evidence to avoid enhanced penalties and reduce sentencing.
Sentencing Guidelines and Mitigating Factors
Arizona’s sentencing guidelines provide judges with discretion to consider mitigating factors, which can result in reduced sentences. Common mitigating factors include:
- No prior criminal history
- Acceptance of responsibility (pleading guilty)
- Mental health issues
A skilled Arizona violent crimes lawyer can present these mitigating factors in court, potentially influencing the judge’s decision to impose a more lenient sentence. It’s crucial to have an experienced lawyer who understands Arizona’s sentencing laws and how to apply them effectively to your case.
Courts in Arizona Where Violent Crimes Are Handled
Violent crimes in Arizona are typically prosecuted in Superior Courts. Depending on where the crime took place, your case may be heard in one of the following courts:
- Apache County Superior Court (St. Johns)
- Cochise County Superior Court (Bisbee)
- Coconino County Superior Court (Flagstaff)
- Gila County Superior Court (Globe and Payson)
- Graham County Superior Court (Safford)
- Greenlee County Superior Court (Clifton)
- La Paz County Superior Court (Parker)
- Maricopa County Superior Court (Phoenix)
- Mohave County Superior Court (Kingman, Bullhead City, and Lake Havasu City)
- Navajo County Superior Court (Holbrook and Show Low)
- Pima County Superior Court (Tucson)
- Pinal County Superior Court (Florence)
- Santa Cruz County Superior Court (Nogales)
- Yavapai County Superior Court (Prescott and Camp Verde)
- Yuma County Superior Court (Yuma)
Each court has its procedures and tendencies, and an experienced Arizona violent crimes lawyer will have knowledge of how these courts operate, ensuring that you get the most strategic defense possible.
Why You Need an Experienced Arizona Violent Crimes Lawyer
Arizona violent crime charges are aggressively prosecuted within this state, often backed by substantial law enforcement resources. Without an experienced defense attorney, you face the full weight of the criminal justice system, which can be overwhelming. At Tamou Law Group, we understand the high stakes involved in violent crime cases and take a proactive approach to defense.
Our approach includes:
- In-depth investigation: An Arizona vi0lent crimes lawyer will scrutinize every aspect of the prosecution’s case, from witness testimony to forensic evidence, ensuring that no stone is left unturned.
- Expert witnesses: An Arizona vi0lent crimes lawyer will collaborate with professionals such as forensic experts, medical professionals, and psychologists to challenge the prosecution’s evidence.
- Negotiation: When appropriate, An Arizona vi0lent crimes lawyer will work to negotiate a plea deal that could reduce the charges or penalties you face, potentially sparing you from the harshest sentences.
- Trial defense: Should your case go to trial, An Arizona vi0lent crimes lawyer will be prepared to fight for you in court, leveraging our extensive knowledge of Arizona law and courtroom experience.
What to Do If You’re Facing Violent Crime Charges
If you or a loved one are facing charges for a violent crime in Arizona, time is of the essence. The sooner you contact an experienced violent crimes lawyer, the better your chances of building a strong defense. You should avoid speaking to law enforcement without legal representation, as anything you say could be used against you.
At Tamou Law Group, we offer immediate consultations to discuss the details of your case. Our priority is ensuring that you understand your rights and the potential strategies available to you.
Contact Tamou Law Group: Skilled Arizona Violent Crimes Lawyers
Facing violent crime charges is one of the most challenging experiences you can go through. With potential life-changing consequences on the line, you need a defense team with the knowledge, experience, and determination to fight for your freedom. Tamou Law Group is here to provide the aggressive and comprehensive defense you need.
Call us today at 623-321-4699 or fill out our online form to schedule a consultation. Let our team of experienced Arizona violent crimes lawyers help you navigate this difficult time and work towards the best possible outcome.
