Domestic Violence Lawyer
Sometimes an argument that otherwise would have been forgotten can turn into a criminal charge with significant implications. Don't let a charge change the trajectory of your life. Our domestic violence lawyers in Tucson, AZ, can help clear your name and allow you to move forward with your freedom.
What Is Considered
Domestic Violence in Arizona?
Domestic violence is defined as violent, abusive, or threatening behavior against someone who is a household member, family member, current or former spouse, or other certain close relationship. Domestic violence cases may result due to claims of:
- Abuse
- Assault
- Stalking
- Harassment
- Trespassing
- Kidnapping
- Sexual assault
- Endangerment
- Cruelty to animals
- Custodial interference
- Threats and intimidation
- Unlawful imprisonment
- Exhibiting a weapon during an argument
- Murder
Domestic Violence Charges
Are Serious
Domestic violence is a serious crime that can result in a misdemeanor or felony in Arizona, depending on the severity of the incident. Domestic violence is charged as a misdemeanor when the incident is less serious, like a verbal threat or minor physical altercation. It is charged as a felony when the incident is more serious or an individual commits their third or subsequent domestic violence crime within a seven-year period.
Some penalties for domestic violence charges and convictions include:
- Fines
- Losing your right to vote
- Giving you a bad reputation
- Putting a stain on your criminal record
- Preventing you from seeing your children
- Preventing you from buying or owning a firearm
- Limiting your career opportunities and job prospects
- Sentencing you to a domestic violence offender treatment program
- Jail time
With so many of your freedoms on the line, you need a Tucson domestic violence attorney on your side. Attorneys Joseph P St. Louis and Ryan Huffman are ready to protect your rights and reputation.
Don't Put This Off Contact a Domestic Violence Attorney Now
In the past, domestic violence was not always treated as a serious offense, and true victims were not always taken seriously. As a result, changes to domestic violence laws and the Arizona Constitution have given victims substantially more power in the legal system.
Under the law, anyone who accuses someone of domestic violence is considered a victim of domestic violence at the time they make the accusation, without proving that a crime has occurred. An unfortunate side effect of giving true victims more power in the legal system is that individuals making false claims have been given the same protections as a true victim—including potentially removing the accused from the family home and preventing them from possessing a firearm, all based on an unproven accusation.
With the cards already stacked against you, we highly recommend putting a Tucson domestic violence lawyer on your side to tell your story, navigate the criminal justice system, and protect your freedoms. We can review your domestic violence case during a free consultation at our Tucson criminal defense lawyer office. Reach out today.
Our Law Firm Is Committed to Protecting Your Rights
“Our premier, award-winning law firm only handles criminal defense charges. This level of focus allows us to pursue the best possible results for our clients.”
How Our Attorneys Can Defend You
Our Tucson domestic violence lawyers are fully committed to doing whatever it takes to get our clients the best possible outcome. We may employ one of several strategies, such as:
Joseph St. Louis has represented clients at over 200 jury trials and Ryan Huffman set an office record for the most trial wins in the shortest period of time. Together, they make a reliable team.
Has an Order of Protection Been Filed Against You?
If it's alleged that you committed an act of domestic violence within the last year (and sometimes longer), an Order of Protection may be obtained against you. In Arizona, an Order of Protection can:
- Order that your accuser be granted exclusive use of a shared residence.
- Prevent you from contacting the alleged victim and other specified parties, such as your children, or going to their homes, places of employment, or schools.
- Prevent you from possessing or purchasing a firearm, and require you to transfer any firearms you own to a law enforcement agency.
- Order that you complete a domestic violence offender treatment program.
- Give your accuser sole care and custody of a pet.
If you have been served with an Order of Protection, you are entitled to a hearing to challenge the order within five days if you have been removed from your home, and within ten days in all other cases. Contact St. Louis Huffman Law to begin your defense against the allegations made against you and to remove or modify the order.
Injunctions Against Harassment
When the parties are not in a relationship that would qualify a crime to be charged as a domestic violence offense, someone may still seek an injunction against harassment against you, based on a claim that you have committed a series of acts that constitute harassment. The injunction can prevent you from contacting the alleged victim and other specified parties, and prevent you from going to their home, places of employment, or school.
If you have been served an injunction against harassment, you are entitled to a hearing to challenge the order within 10 days. The Tucson defense attorneys at St. Louis Huffman Law are ready to create a vigorous defense against the allegations. Contact us today to have your side of the story heard.
We Will Fight For You
"During your initial consultation, we'll explain what you are facing given your charges and offer strategies for challenging the state’s evidence. When you become a client, we’ll stand by your side and fight until your case reaches the best possible solution.”
