Accusations of domestic violence or spousal abuse in Mesa will often arise from some other underlying situation. An alleged victim will occasionally make false accusations against a family member or someone they are dating if there are any jealousy or anger issues, child custody disputes, or in an effort to gain a more favorable position in a divorce proceeding.
Domestic violence allegations can result in very serious penalties and repercussions, including an inability to own or possess a firearm, a criminal record, jail or prison sentences, fines or other fees, and/or ineligibility to apply for certain jobs, professions or educational opportunities.
If you have been accused of spousal abuse or a domestic violence offense, it is important to remember that just because you have been charged with a criminal offense does not necessarily mean you will receive a conviction. Therefore, it is essential to hire an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Mesa who will make every effort to defend the allegations against you.
Mesa Domestic Violence LawyerIf you have been charged with a domestic violence crime in Mesa, or any of the surrounding areas in Arizona, including Mesa, Gilbert, Tempe, Chandler, Scottsdale or East Valley, contact the Law Office of James E. Novak. Attorney James Novak is knowledgeable in all areas of Arizona’s domestic violence and will make every effort to help you avoid the most serious penalties and repercussions to the charges against you. Call the Law Office of James E. Novak for a free consultation at (480) 413-1499 about your allegations of family abuse or spousal abuse in Mesa.
Domestic violence is defined under ARS § 13-3601 as any act that is a dangerous crime against a child or any act that involves violence against a family member or spouse if:
Domestic violence offenses can include, but are not limited to:
Some of the most commonly charged domestic violence offenses in Mesa can include, but are not limited to the following:
Domestic Assault – ARS § 13-1203 – An individual can be charged with domestic assault in Arizona if they:
This offense is punishable as a class 1, 2 or 3 misdemeanor.
Aggravated Domestic Assault – ARS § 13-1204 – An individual can be charged with aggravated domestic assault if they commit domestic assault and:
This offense can result in a class 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 felony conviction.
Child Abuse – ARS § 13-3623 – An individual can be charged with this offense if they cause a child to suffer physical injury, cause or allow the health of a child to be injured, or cause or allow a child to be placed in a situation where they are endangered. This offense can result in a class 6, 5, 4, 3, or 2 felony conviction.
Child Endangerment – ARS § 13-1201 – An individual can be charged with this offense if they recklessly engage in conduct that causes danger to a child with a substantial risk of immediate death or physical injury. This offense is punishable as a class 1 misdemeanor or a class 6 felony.
Violation of Order of Protection – ARS § 13-3602 – An individual can be charged with this offense if they violate the terms of a court-ordered protective order. A protective order, restraining order, protection order, or order of protection is a court order that prohibits various types of contact between family members and spouses. At a protective order hearing, the judge determines whether domestic violence has occurred and if it is likely to occur in the future after both parties present evidence witnesses. The judge will issue a protective order if they determine domestic violence has occurred.
Aggravated Domestic Violence – An individual can be convicted of an aggravated domestic violence offense if they commit a third or subsequent domestic violence offense within 84 months of any previous offense. Aggravated domestic violence can result in a class 5 felony conviction.
The sentencing range for domestic violence offenses in Tempe are defined in Chapters 7 and 8 of Title 13 of the Arizona Revised Statutes. These penalties generally range from a maximum to a minimum term of imprisonment, but first-time offenders are usually given a presumptive sentence. The presumptive penalties can increase or decrease, depending on various factors, including:
The Arizona presumptive sentences for misdemeanor and non-dangerous felony domestic violence offenses for a first-time offender are as follows:
The Arizona presumptive sentences for dangerous felony domestic violence offenses for a first-time offender are as follows:
Additionally, an individual who is convicted of a domestic violence offense must complete a domestic violence offender treatment program. Felony domestic violence offenders may also be required to pay a fine up to $150,000.
Arizona Revised Statutes – Chapter 26 of Title 13 of the Arizona Revised Statutes defines the state’s domestic violence offenses and the punishments an individual can receive if they are convicted of a domestic violence offense. This link is to Arizona’s legal definition of domestic violence, in addition to offenses that can result in domestic violence charges.
Arizona Domestic Violence Information – This link is to the Arizona Supreme Court’s website, which provides information on domestic violence, including terms associated with domestic violence, examples of protective orders and miscellaneous resources on domestic violence in Arizona.
An Abuse, Rape, Domestic Violence Aid and Resource Collection – AARDVARC is a national organization that provides domestic violence resources and miscellaneous information on domestic violence throughout Arizona.
Arizona Child Protective Services (CPS) – This website provides information on child protective services (CPS) in Arizona and general family laws in the state. Also available on this site are methods to report child or family abuse and miscellaneous resources on family and protective services in Arizona.
Contact the Law Office of James E. Novak today for a consultation about your alleged domestic violence charges throughout Maricopa County in Arizona. James Novak is an experienced criminal lawyer in Tempe who will make every to find defenses or mitigating factors applicable to your situation that may result in a reduction or a dismissal of your charges altogether. Contact the Law Office of James E. Novak at (480) 413-1499 for a consultation about your alleged domestic violence offense throughout Maricopa County in Arizona.