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If you’ve been arrested for a violent crime in Phoenix, you’re likely facing serious charges. Even an arrest for violent crimes can tarnish your reputation. A conviction could absolutely shatter it. That’s why you need a qualified Phoenix violent crimes attorney on your side. Ybarra Maldonado Law Group has extensive experience and a successful track record of handling violent crime cases.

For a serious violent crime charge, you shouldn’t settle for a mediocre defense team. You deserve a capable Phoenix criminal defense lawyer who won’t rest in their legal representation of your case. At YMLG, we defend those falsely accused of serious criminal charges and fight to either have those charges dropped or the sentence reduced. To schedule a consultation with us about your case, please call 602-910-4040 today. We also help with expungement in Arizona and Arizona Prop 207 cases.

Hire a Proven Violent Crime Defense Attorney

Not only do we handle cases that go to state court, but we also handle cases at the federal level. Our firm has an experienced Arizona federal defense lawyer who can work with you. That means we can offer a strong legal defense no matter how serious your charge is. Our law office offers a full range of legal services for our clients, meaning we will never leave you to navigate the legal system on your own.

If you’re facing a murder charge, child abuse charge, domestic assault or domestic violence charge, or charges for other serious crimes, we’re here for you. The 5th Amendment of the Constitution protects those accused of criminal charges with the famous “innocent until proven guilty” line. Our criminal defense lawyers stand by that doctrine and aim to uphold it in every single case, no matter the charge.

What Is a Violent Crime?

According to the National Institute of Justice, a violent crime involves an alleged victim being hurt or threatened with harm or violence. In Arizona, these criminal offenses draw harsh penalties if the defendant receives a violent crime conviction.

Virtually all violent crime offenses in Arizona involve prison time with the potential for additional punishments or hefty restitution fees. Other potential punishments include mandatory anger management classes, required community service, probation, and a criminal record. Therefore, any violent crime case should have qualified legal representation for the defendant.

ARS 13-706

ARS 13-706 outlines the sentencing and definitions of various violent crimes in Arizona. It is important to note that different penalties exist depending on one’s existing criminal record, if any. Other notable factors include whether or not the offense was a federal crime, prior convictions, and other relevant aggravating factors.

These types of crimes generally involve the use of physical force or the threat of force. Violent crimes may or may not involve a deadly weapon, unlawful killing, battery, felony assault, a dangerous instrument, or even a sexual act. A crime involving the use of a deadly weapon generally brings a harsher prison sentence.

It is also important to note that, in Arizona, even if you have no prior convictions, you may still receive a lengthy prison sentence. Additionally, cases that involve federal property, police officers, minor children, and women see harsher sentencing.

Types of Violent Crimes

In Arizona, a “violent or aggravated felony” includes all of the following.

First-degree murder
Second-degree murder
Aggravated assault
Drive-by shooting
Kidnapping
Sexual assault
Dangerous crimes against children
First-degree burglary
Arson
Armed robbery
Terrorist threats or acts
Child sex trafficking

Being accused and convicted of any of the above crimes carries severe penalties, including years in prison, a life sentence, and even the death penalty. Nobody wants to spend the rest of their life in prison for a crime they didn’t commit or that they committed in self-defense. That’s why we offer criminal defense for most violent crimes: to help you avoid those severe consequences.

Penalties in Arizona for Violent Crimes

Crimes involving violence are some of the most severe in the state of Arizona. This is because of the harsh penalties that a violent crime offense can bring. Generally, the severity of the penalties depends on whether the alleged offender inflicted serious bodily injury on the alleged victim.

Therefore, the more severe the crime, the harsher the penalties tend to be. In the following sections, we give general outlines of the penalties one might face if convicted of those dangerous offenses.

Murder and Homicide

Homicide crimes involve causing the death of another person, but the charges vary depending on the mindset of the defendant. Examples of homicide crimes include first-degree murder, second-degree murder, manslaughter, and negligent homicide. Having experienced Phoenix criminal lawyers on your side is essential in homicide cases.

Assault and Battery

These are among the most common of all violent crimes. However, it’s important to understand that assault does not require physical harm to be assault. It can also include threatening someone with harm or physical force.

Domestic Violence

The difference between domestic violence and other charges is based on the relationship between the defendant and the victim. If someone is charged with assault against a complete stranger, the crime is assault.

However, if someone is charged with assault against their spouse, the crime is domestic violence. Generally, a domestic violence charge carries harsher penalties than assault. Domestic violence could occur against spouses, romantic partners, roommates, or family members.

Kidnapping

In Arizona, kidnapping is more than simply luring another person into a place to be kidnapped. It can also involve holding someone against their will. This criminal offense has very serious potential penalties for offenders.

Sexual Assault or Rape

In Arizona, this crime occurs when one person engages in sexual acts with another person without their consent. This includes oral contact. It is a very severe violent crime with severe penalties, including prison time and sex offender registration.

How Can a Criminal Defense Lawyer Help?

Many individuals accused of violent crimes wonder how exactly a criminal defense attorney can help them. For starters, the criminal justice system is highly complex and requires years of study to understand fully. A violent crime defense lawyer will understand the ins and outs of the system and be able to explain it to their clients in simple terms.

We offer guidance and protection for our clients from the beginning of their cases to the end. We can even appeal your case if you feel unsatisfied with the outcome or if you feel your rights have been violated as an accused person. A good criminal defense lawyer will always put your needs and interests above all else.

They will also work tirelessly to prove your innocence, reduce your sentence, and thoroughly investigate your case. The evidence we gather during an independent investigation will be used in an attempt to secure an acquittal or even a dismissal of your charges.

Not only do we obtain evidence from the alleged crime scene, but we also question the police officers who handled your case. We contact witnesses, work with investigators, hire experts, and review the evidence from the prosecution. The purpose of our investigations is to find mitigating evidence that may help your case, as well as to find weaknesses in the state’s case against you.

Defense Strategies for Violent Crime Charges

Alibi

This is one of the most powerful defenses you and your violent crimes lawyer can use if you face violent crime charges. It basically shows that you couldn’t possibly have committed the alleged offense. The reason is that you were in a completely different location when it occurred.

Duress

This shows that you were forced or coerced into committing criminal acts by the use of threats or physical force. However, you must also show that you actually believed that the threat would be carried out and that you couldn’t have avoided committing the crime.

Self-Defense

In certain cases, such as domestic violence cases, assault, or battery cases, this is a common strategy. Essentially, you and your criminal defense lawyer work to show that you acted to protect yourself or others from harm.

Entrapment

This is a valid legal defense that violent crimes attorneys use in Arizona. Entrapment occurs when law enforcement officials give someone the idea of committing a crime and then induce them into committing it. In other words, they would never have committed the crime had law enforcement not intervened.

Defense of Property

Defendants can use this defense if they reasonably believe that they had to use physical force to prevent criminal trespassing or theft of their property.

Lack of Mental State

This defense argues that the defendant did not have the appropriate mental state to either intend to commit the crime or to understand the wrongfulness of the crime.

Insufficient Evidence

Guilt must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. If the prosecution cannot meet this standard, you cannot be convicted.

Mistaken Identity

This aims to question the reliability of witnesses. Maybe the defendant has similar characteristics, or maybe the lighting was poor when you were identified.

Call a Phoenix Criminal Defense Lawyer for Violent Crimes in Phoenix

At Ybarra Maldonado Law Group, a Phoenix criminal defense attorney with our firm stands ready to represent you. With considerable trial experience, we’re prepared to go to court for you if necessary. Good criminal defense lawyers will stop at nothing in defense of their clients.

Arizona is one of several states known for its aggressive prosecution and harsh penalties, including the death penalty. That’s why it is imperative that you choose defense lawyers with passion and experience. Tell us your story today by calling 602-910-4040.

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