Scottsdale Domestic Violence Lawyer

Facing allegations of domestic violence in Scottsdale can feel hopeless. You may be wondering what options you have and if there is even anything you can do to fight these allegations. Whether your charges have arisen from a familial dispute in Sweetwater Ranch or from a misunderstanding taking place near Thunderbird Park, you need a Scottsdale domestic violence lawyer who understands the local legal landscape and is ready to fight for you.

Davidson Criminal Defense & DUI Law Firm: Defending You Against Domestic Violence Allegations

Since the firm’s inception in 2005, attorney Joshua S. Davidson has been fighting for the rights of clients across the Scottsdale and greater Phoenix areas. As a former prosecutor, he has the experience and knowledge necessary to make the court system work in your favor.

Over the last several decades, our team has secured a multitude of not guilty verdicts and worked to have clients’ charges reduced so that no prison time would be required, and now we’re ready to do the same for you. Hire a domestic violence lawyer from our firm to support you today.

Understanding Domestic Violence Law and Relationships in Scottsdale

In the state of Arizona, “domestic” is a specific relationship, defined under certain law statutes. In most cases of domestic violence, these relationships are those that exist between two or more people, where at least one party is the alleged victim and the other is the supposed defendant, or perpetrator. These types of different relationships can include:

• Married individuals, those who have been married, or couples who have simply lived together in the past
• Individuals who share a child together
• Any individuals related by blood or through law/marriage, such as a parent, stepparent, grandparent, stepgrandparent, sibling, and aunts and uncles
• A current or former sexual or romantic partner
• A relationship where either the victim or the defendant is pregnant, with the other party involved
• Situations in which the victim is a child — every 44 minutes, one or more children in Arizona witness an act of domestic violence, typically between parents

There are several factors that the legal system will look at to ensure that the relationship involved in the case qualifies. These factors include the type of relationship shared between the parties involved, the length of the relationship, how long it has been since the relationship ended, if applicable, and how frequently the victim and defendant interact with one another.

ACTS CLASSIFIED AS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IN SCOTTSDALE

SEXUAL ASSAULT

Sexual assault can be classified as domestic violence when it involves coercion, threats, or force by a partner or spouse. If you’ve been accused and need legal intervention, reach out to our lawyers immediately.

HARASSMENT OR STALKING

Harassment or stalking can be classified under domestic violence and incurs serious penalties. Don’t face your charge alone, reach out to our law firm for a strong defense and protection of your rights.

THREATS AND INTIMIDATION

Misunderstandings in relationships can become serious charges rather quickly. When you’re accused of instilling fear through threats and intimidation with a family member, you could face domestic violence charges.

CHILD OR ELDER ABUSE

Most kinds of abuse against a child or elder is serious and can be classified as domestic violence. This includes physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a child or vulnerable adult.

PHYSICAL HARM

You should seek the help of a Scottsdale legal professional if you are experiencing accusations of physical harm from a family member, spouse, or house-mate. Our lawyers at Davidson Criminal Defense can help.

UNLAWFUL IMPRISONMENT OR KIDNAPPING

Arizona takes unlawful imprisonment or kidnapping very seriously, especially as it relates to domestic situations. If convicted of domestic violence through kidnapping, you could face prison time and hefty fines among other things.

NEGLIGENT HOMICIDE

Domestic violence as negligent homicide can happen when someone was reckless which unintentionally caused a death. Those accused face harsh penalties. Get the help you need by calling our law office.

CRIMINAL TRESPASS

Protect your rights and freedoms after a criminal trespass accusation by a family member. With years of experience and a track record of success, you can be sure that you will have some of the best legal representation on your side.

Common Penalties for Domestic Violence in Arizona

When you are charged with domestic violence in Scottsdale and the surrounding area, a conviction can signal the end of your life as you know it. While many penalties will ultimately depend on the nature and severity of the underlying charge, such as assault, stalking, or negligent homicide, most penalties will range from some amount of fines to long periods of incarceration.

There are certain cases in which the presence of aggravating factors can increase the punishments involved. These aggravating factors can include the use of a deadly weapon or if the victim is pregnant at the time of the incident. You may also face penalties like loss of child custody or visitation rights, forfeiture of firearms, and difficulty securing housing or employment. In fact, individuals with a criminal conviction face a 30% unemployment rate in Arizona.

COMMON DEFENSES TO DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ALLEGATIONS

Self-Defense & Defense Of Others

Some people who are accused of domestic violence can use the self-defense or defense of others argument, but they must have used reasonable force and the threat must have been imminent.

Defense of Property

Defense of property can be a strong legal defense when it comes to fighting against domestic violence charges. Video footage, damaged items, and witnesses can help prove your case in court.

Illegal Search or Seizure

After an arrest, prosecutors and law enforcement will work hard to find evidence to prove their case. If any evidence was obtained without a warrant or proper search, that evidence can be thrown out of court.

Miranda Rights Violation

Miranda rights must be read to the accused before interrogation. If you were interrogated and police failed to read your Miranda rights, contact our lawyers and we can work towards excluding certain statements.

Consent as a Defense

When there are complex familial relationships involved, there can be confusion or misunderstandings when it comes to consent. This defense is strongest when backed by texts, audio, or witnesses.

Defense Based on Duress

If you were forced or threatened to commit a crime for fear of immediate danger of death or injury, you could use this as a defense against your domestic violence charge. Contact us today for a consultation to see how we can help!

Hire a Domestic Violence Lawyer From Our Firm Today

At Davidson Criminal Defense, we have represented many individuals and families and have built up a track record of success. We believe in aggressively fighting for our clients and building a strong defense while providing compassion and friendly services. When you’re accused of a crime, it can have a significant impact on your life. We want to help you get through this difficult time by making sure your rights and freedoms are protected. Contact us today for a free consultation to find out how we can help you!