Chandler Domestic Violence Lawyer

Top Rated Domestic Violence Attorney in Chandler, AZ

Facing domestic violence allegations or charges can change your life in an instant. Your family, career, housing, and community standing may be damaged before legal proceedings even begin. Consulting with a Chandler domestic violence lawyer from Davidson Criminal Defense & DUI Law Firm can help you understand how the criminal justice system handles these types of cases, as well as the potential ramifications of a domestic violence charge.

Our Commitment to Our Clients

At Davidson Criminal Defense & DUI Law Firm, we know criminal charges can be very stressful for you and your family. Our law firm supports clients in Chandler and across the Phoenix metro area who find themselves in challenging legal circumstances.

Everyone deserves to be treated with respect by the legal system and to have someone clearly explain their legal rights and options. We strive to allow our clients to tell their story, and we help them understand each phase of the legal process while working hard to protect their rights.

Understanding Arizona Domestic Violence Laws

In Arizona, domestic violence is defined as a type of crime committed against someone with whom the perpetrator has an intimate, familial, or cohabiting relationship.

Arizona Revised Statutes § 13-3601 explains that domestic violence laws may be applicable when the accused and victim are current or former spouses, parents who have a child in common, current or former dating partners, relatives, roommates, or members of the same household. Domestic violence offenses can include:

• Assault
• Stalking
• Disorderly conduct
• Threatening or intimidating
• Harassment
• Unlawful imprisonment

According to the University of Arizona, one in ten men and one in four women in Arizona have experienced physical abuse, intimate partner stalking, or contact sexual violence. In 2022, the AZ Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence reported that there were 101 homicides connected to domestic abuse statewide.

Common Forms of Domestic Violence

Many people believe domestic violence only involves physical contact, but this narrow view does not reveal the whole legal picture. Many types of emotionally, verbally, sexually, physically, or financially damaging conduct can lead to domestic violence charges, depending on the relationship between the people involved.

When police officers respond to a domestic violence call, they are often required to make judgment calls based on the information they have available at the time. This can lead to questions about what really happened.

Those needing a safe place to stay away from home in Chandler and elsewhere in Maricopa County may wish to consider taking advantage of local domestic violence resources.

Protective Orders and Domestic Violence

If you are accused of domestic violence, a judge can restrict how you interact with the alleged victim by issuing a protective order, which may limit your ability to communicate with that person, visit their home, or spend time in other locations they frequent, such as their workplace or school.

Failure to comply with a court order can lead to criminal charges. It’s essential to thoroughly examine any court orders if you’re involved in a domestic violence case and to understand precisely what actions are permitted and prohibited. Protective orders are issued in civil courts, but they can become part of a criminal case if violated.

According to a 2023 statement from Chandler Councilmember Christine Ellis, Chandler Municipal Court usually processes around 75 orders of protection per month.

Domestic Violence Courthouses in Chandler

Depending on the nature of the charges, domestic violence cases in Chandler may be filed in municipal court, justice court, or the AZ Superior Court. If your case proceeds to litigation, it may be heard at the Chandler Municipal Court, located at 200 East Chicago Street.

Hire a Domestic Violence Lawyer

If you have been charged with domestic violence, it can be important to hire a domestic violence lawyer, as they can help advocate for you in legal proceedings.

A lawyer can also inform you of your rights and let you know if they have been violated. Should your case go to court, a lawyer can build an appropriate defense for you to help you work toward a favorable outcome.

Domestic violence accusations often come with protective orders. A Chandler domestic violence attorney can explain the order to you so that you do not unintentionally violate its terms, which may be complex.

FAQs

Can a Domestic Violence Charge Affect My Ability to Own a Firearm?

Under Arizona law and federal law, some convictions for domestic violence can affect your right to own a firearm. Firearm laws can be complex, and the penalties you face can reach far beyond your criminal case. If you have been accused of domestic violence, it’s important to speak to an attorney about how a conviction might affect your future firearm ownership and purchases.

Does a Domestic Violence Arrest Show Up in Employment Background Checks in Chandler?

Yes, a domestic violence arrest can show up in employment background checks. Many employers run criminal background checks on potential employees. Based on the type of check, an arrest, pending charge, or conviction could show up in the search results. Employers may have policies related to criminal history, especially if the job entails serving vulnerable people, working with money, or operating in security-sensitive positions.

What Happens if There Were No Witnesses to an Alleged Domestic Violence Incident?

Domestic violence cases in Arizona often go forward even when there were no witnesses to the alleged incident. Prosecutors can use statements, photos, medical reports, recordings, texts, or other evidence. Although a lack of witnesses does not typically mean an automatic dismissal, it could potentially affect how evidence is weighed.

Can a Domestic Violence Conviction Affect College Enrollment?

Yes, a domestic violence conviction can affect college enrollment. Many colleges require you to reveal criminal convictions on your application. Although having a conviction may not automatically disqualify you from admission, it may be considered when reviewing your application. It may also affect your eligibility for on-campus housing, scholarships, internships, or certain academic programs.

Davidson Criminal Defense & DUI Law Firm Can Help Protect Your Rights

Being accused of domestic violence can have a drastic effect on your life, even if you are not convicted. When you hire a domestic violence lawyer from Davidson Criminal Defense & DUI Law Firm, we can advocate for you throughout this challenging process. Contact us today to take advantage of our over 20 years of legal experience.