What to Do If You're Being Accused of Domestic Violence in Scottsdale, AZ 2026

| Dec 27, 2025 | Domestic violence

If you’ve been accused ofdomestic violence in Scottsdale, AZ, whether it is a valid or false accusation, it is important that you understand the implications of domestic violence-related charges. That way, you can know what to do if you’re being accused of domestic violence in Scottsdale.

The First Thing You Should Do If You’ve Been Accused of Domestic Violence

Allegations of domestic violence should be taken seriously. When you’ve been accused of domestic violence, the smartest thing you can do is to hire a domestic violence lawyer. Do this as soon as possible. Connecting with a reputable criminal defense attorney with an established practice in your area is key to optimizing your case outcome.

Arizona Domestic Violence Laws

There is no explicit domestic violence offense named in Arizona’s laws. However, it is attached to cases in which defendants commit an offense against someone with whom they have a certain relationship. Domestic violence occurs when someone commits a crime, such as stalking, endangerment, or assault, against one of the following parties in relation to the defendant:

A spouse or former spouse by marriage
The other parent of a shared child
Someone pregnant with their child
A family member of theirs or their spouse, such as a parent, a grandparent, a child, a grandchild, a brother, a sister, or a family member-in-law
A stepchild or stepsibling
A current or former romantic or sexual partner

Arizona Domestic Violence Charges

If an individual is charged with an offense, such as assault or harassment, against someone mentioned above, the penalties for the underlying crime are typically enhanced when domestic violence is attached. Additional sentencing often includes mandatory participation in a domestic violence offender treatment program. Below are common charges linked to domestic violence cases in Arizona:

Harassment
Stalking
Endangerment
Criminal damage
Disorderly conduct
Kidnapping
Threats and intimidation

Domestic violence offenders also typically lose their right to own firearms. For repeat offenders, more severe penalties can be included in their sentencing. This is especially true if the charge is elevated to aggravated domestic violence.

If you’ve been accused of domestic violence, do the following:

Take the allegations seriously, even if you feel you were wrongly accused.
Do not contact the victim or the party making the accusations.
Contact a Scottsdale domestic violence attorney.

Why You Need to Hire a Domestic Violence Lawyer

An attorney can be a great resource for information and legal advice, in addition to legal representation. It can only improve your case to talk to a seasoned criminal defense attorney. They can explain your rights and advise you on what you legally can and cannot do. They can also provide guidance on what you can do to make a good impression between now and your hearing.

A good attorney knows how to talk to prosecutors, as well as law enforcement agencies, like the Maricopa Police Department, on your behalf. They can analyze any evidence against you for procedural mistakes and challenge any illegal actions taken against you. Once your attorney has thoroughly investigated your domestic violence case, they can craft a defense. Common defense strategies in domestic violence cases include false accusations and self-defense.

Maricopa County does not go easy on domestic violence offenders. This is an effort to combat the 24,562 calls to the Maricopa County domestic violence hotline that came in during 2024. You have a right to an attorney. Don’t give up that right. It may be the only positive factor that you have to influence your case, reputation, and livelihood.

Why Choose Us?

Davidson Criminal Defense & DUI Law Firm is a reputable criminal defense law firm. Partnering with the Scottsdale domestic violence attorney from our firm is one of the smartest moves you can make in a domestic violence case. We are well-respected in the jurisdictions of Scottsdale and the surrounding communities. We understand the nature of domestic violence cases, which require a different approach than other practice areas of criminal defense.

FAQs

What Should You Do If You Have Been Falsely Accused of Domestic Violence?

If you have been falsely accused of domestic violence, do not contact your accuser, commonly referred to as “the victim.” Instead, focus your efforts on documenting the facts in your case that tell your side of the story. Also, contact a domestic violence lawyer; they can advise you on the steps to take, according to your case’s details.

What Qualifies as Domestic Violence in Arizona?

Domestic violence in Arizona occurs when someone commits a crime, such as assault or harassment, against someone with whom they have a certain domestic relationship. These relationships are defined in Arizona domestic violence laws. Examples include:

The perpetrator’s spouse
Their former spouse
Their family member
A family member of their spouse or former spouse
Someone in another of the qualifying relationships

Why Do Most Domestic Violence Cases Get Dismissed?

Most domestic violence cases do not get dismissed. If a case is dismissed, it is because there was insufficient evidence or it was proven that the accusations were false. Legitimate domestic violence cases are carried out to the end, but cases that are represented by domestic violence lawyers with experience can result in minimized charges and penalties.

What Is the False Accusation Law in Arizona?

In Arizona, the false accusation law cites anyone who participates in false reporting to law enforcement agencies with a Class 1 misdemeanor. This includes any unfounded statement or report knowingly made that misrepresents factual events. This is the most severe misdemeanor class. A conviction for a Class 1 misdemeanor can result in up to six months in prison.