Tamou Law Group: Your Trusted Domestic Violence Lawyer 

When you’re facing domestic violence charges in Arizona, the stakes are incredibly high. A conviction can result in serious penalties, including jail time, fines, the loss of firearm rights, and long-term damage to your personal and professional life. It’s essential to have a seasoned domestic violence Arizona lawyer on your side to protect your rights, guide you through the legal process, and provide a robust defense. At Tamou Law Group, we focus on defending clients against domestic violence charges, ensuring that they receive the best legal representation possible.

Understanding Arizona’s Domestic Violence Laws

Domestic violence in Arizona is defined under Arizona Revised Statute (ARS) 13-3601. This law covers a broad range of violent or threatening behavior that occurs between individuals who share a certain type of relationship, such as family members, cohabitants, or romantic partners. Domestic violence can include physical assault, emotional abuse, harassment, stalking, and even threats of violence. If you’ve been accused of domestic violence, it’s critical to consult an experienced domestic violence Arizona lawyer to explore your legal options and build a strong defense.

 

What is Considered Domestic Violence in Arizona?

In Arizona, domestic violence is not a stand-alone crime but rather a designation that applies to certain criminal offenses based on the relationship between the accused and the victim. Crimes such as assault, criminal damage, disorderly conduct, and threatening or intimidating can all be classified as domestic violence if the parties involved have a qualifying relationship.

At Tamou Law Group, we have extensive experience defending clients against domestic violence charges. We understand the nuances of Arizona’s domestic violence laws and how these laws apply to different situations. As your domestic violence Arizona lawyer, Michael Tamou will work diligently to challenge both the domestic violence designation and the underlying criminal charges.

Qualifying Relationships Under ARS 13-3601

Under ARS 13-3601, a crime can be classified as domestic violence if the accused and the victim share one of the following relationships:

1. Marriage or Former Marriage: The accused and the victim are currently or were previously married.
2. Cohabitation: The accused and the victim currently live together or have lived together in the past.
3. Shared Child: The accused and the victim share a child, whether biological or adopted.
4. Pregnancy: The victim is pregnant by the accused.
5. Blood or Legal Relationship: The accused and the victim are related by blood or through a legal arrangement, such as a court order. This includes parents, grandparents, children, siblings, in-laws, and stepfamily members.
6. Romantic or Sexual Relationship: The accused and the victim are currently or were previously involved in a romantic or sexual relationship. The court will consider factors such as the type of relationship, its length, the frequency of interactions, and the time elapsed since the relationship ended.

These relationship categories are essential in determining whether a crime will be labeled as domestic violence. Tamou Law Group will carefully evaluate the nature of the relationship to ensure that the domestic violence designation is appropriate.

The Seriousness of Domestic Violence Charges

Being charged with domestic violence in Arizona carries significant legal consequences. A domestic violence conviction can affect many aspects of your life, from your career to your family relationships. Some of the most serious consequences include:

• Loss of Firearm Rights: A conviction for domestic violence, even if it’s a misdemeanor, can result in the loss of your right to possess firearms.
• Mandatory Counseling: Individuals convicted of domestic violence are often required to attend domestic violence counseling or anger management programs.
• Felony Charges for Repeat Offenders: If you’ve been convicted of domestic violence more than once, subsequent charges can be elevated to felony domestic violence, which carries more severe penalties, including longer jail or prison sentences.

At Tamou Law Group, we understand the gravity of these charges and are dedicated to providing a thorough defense. As your domestic violence Arizona lawyer, Michael Tamou will fight to protect your rights and minimize the consequences of a conviction.

Aggravated Domestic Violence in Arizona: ARS 13-3601.02

If you have multiple domestic violence convictions, you may face charges of aggravated domestic violence under ARS 13-3601.02. This law applies when an individual is convicted of three or more domestic violence offenses within a seven-year period. Aggravated domestic violence is classified as a Class 5 felony, which can carry severe penalties, including mandatory jail time.

For first-time felony offenders, Arizona law requires a minimum of four months in jail. The potential prison sentences for aggravated domestic violence are as follows:

• First Felony Conviction: 0.5 to 2.5 years in prison
• Second Felony Conviction: 1 to 3.75 years in prison
• Third Felony Conviction: 3 to 7.5 years in prison

At Tamou Law Group, we know that even minor offenses can escalate into serious felony charges if they are part of a pattern of domestic violence. As your domestic violence Arizona lawyer, we will fight to reduce or dismiss your charges and protect your future.

Domestic Violence Against Pregnant Victims

Arizona law imposes heightened penalties for domestic violence committed against pregnant victims. If the accused knew that the victim was pregnant at the time of the offense, the court may increase the maximum sentence by up to two additional years. When a felony charge involves physical harm to a pregnant victim, the penalties become even more severe.

If you are facing charges of domestic violence against a pregnant victim, it is critical to seek legal representation from an experienced domestic violence Arizona lawyer. At Tamou Law Group, we understand the seriousness of these charges and will work tirelessly to build a strong defense.

Consequences of a Domestic Violence Conviction in Arizona

A domestic violence conviction in Arizona can have life-changing consequences. The penalties depend on the underlying criminal charge but can include:

• Jail or Prison Time: Depending on whether the underlying charge is a misdemeanor or felony, a domestic violence conviction can result in jail or prison time. Felony domestic violence charges carry longer sentences.
• Fines and Restitution: Convictions often result in significant fines, and the court may order you to pay restitution to the victim.
• Loss of Civil Rights: Felony convictions can lead to the loss of your right to vote, hold public office, and possess firearms.
• Employment Challenges: A domestic violence conviction can make it difficult to find or keep a job, especially in professions that require a clean criminal record.

At Tamou Law Group, we are committed to helping our clients avoid these serious consequences. As your domestic violence Arizona lawyer, Michael Tamou will work to have your charges reduced or dismissed and will explore every legal option to protect your future.

Crimes That Can Be Charged as Domestic Violence in Arizona

Many different criminal offenses can be classified as domestic violence in Arizona if the victim shares a qualifying relationship with the accused. Common crimes that may be charged as domestic violence include:

• Assault 
• Criminal Damage
• Criminal Trespass 
• Threatening or Intimidating
• Disorderly Conduct
• Stalking and Harassment
• Endangerment

At Tamou Law Group, we have the experience and knowledge necessary to defend against all of these charges. As your domestic violence Arizona lawyer, we will craft a defense strategy that challenges the domestic violence designation and the underlying criminal offense.

Diversion Programs for First-Time Offenders

In some cases, first-time domestic violence offenders may be eligible for a diversion program. Diversion programs offer an alternative to traditional prosecution and allow defendants to avoid a criminal conviction by completing specific requirements, such as domestic violence counseling or anger management classes. Once the program is completed successfully, the charges are dismissed.

If you’re eligible for a diversion program, Tamou Law Group will work with the court and prosecutors to secure this option for you. A diversion program can help you avoid the long-term consequences of a domestic violence conviction, making it an excellent choice for many first-time offenders.

Building a Strong Defense: Tamou Law Group’s Approach

When facing domestic violence charges, it’s essential to have a domestic violence Arizona lawyer who can build a strong defense tailored to your specific case. At Tamou Law Group, we take a comprehensive approach to defending our clients, exploring every possible legal strategy to achieve the best outcome.  A Domestic Violence Arizona Lawyer is what you need in order to make sure that you have the best defense.

Common defense strategies include:

• Challenging the Relationship: For a charge to be classified as domestic violence, there must be a qualifying relationship between the accused and the victim. We will carefully examine the relationship to ensure that it meets the legal criteria for a domestic violence charge.
• Defending the Underlying Charge: Even if the domestic violence designation is valid, there may be viable defenses to the underlying criminal charge, such as self-defense, violations of Miranda rights, or illegal search and seizure.
• False Allegations: Domestic violence cases can sometimes involve false allegations made in the heat of a family dispute or during contentious divorce or custody proceedings. We will thoroughly investigate your case to uncover any evidence of false claims or ulterior motives.

As your domestic violence Arizona lawyer, Michael Tamou will work tirelessly to protect your rights and fight for the best possible outcome in your case.

Why Choose Tamou Law Group?

At Tamou Law Group, we understand the serious nature of domestic violence charges and the impact they can have on your life. With years of experience handling domestic violence cases in Arizona, we are dedicated to providing a strong defense tailored to your unique situation. Our commitment to our clients is unmatched, and we will work tirelessly to ensure that your rights are protected at every step of the legal process.

If you or a loved one has been charged with domestic violence in Arizona, don’t wait. Contact Tamou Law Group today to schedule a consultation. As your trusted domestic violence Arizona lawyer, we will assess your case, explain your legal options, and fight to secure the best possible outcome.

Contact Tamou Law Group Today

If you’re facing domestic violence charges in Arizona, it’s crucial to have an experienced domestic violence Arizona lawyer on your side. Call Tamou Law Group at 623) 321-4699, or fill out our online consultation form to schedule your consultation today. We’re here to protect your rights and ensure that you receive the strongest defense possible.

At Tamou Law Group, we proudly serve clients throughout Arizona, including Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, and surrounding areas. Let us help you navigate your domestic violence case with confidence and skill.