Assault charges under Arizona law cover a wide variety of actions, both physical and verbal, that involve harm coming to another person. If you have been charged with assault, it is crucial to seek legal representation immediately. While Arizona law does distinguish between acts committed intentionally and those that were a result of recklessness, the stigma surrounding an assault conviction may cause you to lose certain opportunities, experience difficulty in the job market, and risk elevated charges if you commit a criminal offense in the future.
An experienced assault defense lawyer can help you navigate the complexities of felony assault charges, ensuring that your rights are protected and that you receive the best possible defense.
With so much at stake, you need to find the lawyer who will fight relentlessly to get your criminal charge reduced or dismissed entirely. Don’t risk it with a public defender; choose Diaz Law to get a personalized and highly focused defense strategy to fight your assault charges and prove your innocence. Attorney Hector Diaz is proud to offer a free initial consultation to understand your case and discuss your next steps. So don’t wait - contact our office today!
Attorney Hector Diaz has built his career on a foundation of legal ingenuity, leaving no stone unturned in his pursuit of favorable outcomes for his clients. Experienced assault lawyers like Hector Diaz are crucial for providing strong legal defense against assault charges. With decades of experience at his previous firm, Quarles & Brady LLP, Hector Diaz cut his teeth on high-profile cases and complex defense matters. Now, as a private practitioner, he wants to bring his expertise back home for clients in the Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, and greater Phoenix areas.
As a seasoned defense attorney, Hector Diaz has the expertise to handle complex assault cases and provide clients with the strongest possible defense. As a bilingual Spanish and English-speaking firm, we hope to serve as many Arizonans as possible.
While attorney Hector Diaz may be a regular guest on 12News, he takes great care to keep his clients’ cases out of the public eye. Through his network of contacts in the legal sphere and his determination to tackle cases promptly, Hector Diaz has gained a reputation for discreet resolutions, sometimes even before a charge has been made.
There are a number of situations in which a person might commit or be a victim of assault. An individual might be charged with assault after a fight at a restaurant or bar, as part of a road rage incident, or due to threats they might have made in an argument.
Assault charges can have a significant impact on an individual’s life, affecting their freedom, personal relationships, and future opportunities. In Arizona, assault is considered a serious crime, and the consequences of a conviction can be severe.
If you are facing assault charges, it is essential to understand the legal process and the potential penalties involved. An experienced assault defense lawyer can help you navigate the complex criminal justice system and protect your rights. With their expertise, you can develop a strong defense strategy to minimize the potential consequences of an assault charge.
Arizona law defines assault as:
“intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causing physical injury to another person or placing them in reasonable apprehension of imminent physical injury”
There are different types of assault charges, including simple assault and aggravated assault, with special considerations made if the assault involved sexual harassment, the use of a vehicle, or was committed against a government employee (e.g., an officer). Aggravated assault is a more severe form of assault that involves the use of a deadly weapon, serious physical injury, or reckless behavior that puts another person at risk of serious injury. A Scottsdale assault lawyer can help you understand the specific circumstances of your case and the potential penalties involved.
Simple assault, without aggravating circumstances such as past convictions, will usually lead to a misdemeanor conviction. Arizona Law lays out the expectations as follows:
Class 1 Misdemeanor: intentionally or knowingly causing physical injury
Class 2 Misdemeanor: recklessly causing physical injury
Class 3 Misdemeanor: intentionally leading a person to think they will be physically injured OR knowingly touching a person with the intent to injure, insult, or provoke
As can be seen above, both intent and the actual harm caused are taken into consideration when determining your sentence. Luckily, misdemeanor charges carry far lighter sentences and fines than felony charges. For the levels listed above, the maximum penalties are laid out by Arizona law as:
● Class 1 Misdemeanor:
○ Fines: up to $2,500
○ Imprisonment: up to 6 months
○ Probation: up to 3 years
● Class 2 Misdemeanor:
○ Fines: up to $750
○ Imprisonment: up to 4 months
○ Probation: up to 2 years
● Class 3 Misdemeanor:
○ Fines: up to $500
○ Imprisonment: up to 30 days
○ Probation: up to 1 year
The values and time periods listed above are the maximums of each category, and it is at the discretion of the judge to decide what combination or choice of penalties to give. A skilled lawyer will take your circumstances into consideration when negotiating with the prosecution and will fight to get the most favorable outcome possible.
A defense strategy is critical in assault cases, as it can help minimize the potential consequences of a conviction. An experienced defense lawyer can review the evidence, identify potential weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and develop a strong defense strategy.
Possible defenses to assault charges include:
● Self-defense
● Defense of another person
● Lack of intent
A skilled defense lawyer can also assure the careful handling of evidence, challenge the prosecution’s witnesses, and negotiate with the prosecutor to reduce the charges or penalties. Attorney Hector Diaz will never encourage you to accept an easy plea without considering the case from all angles.
Hiring a professional assault defense lawyer can provide numerous benefits, including exceptional customer service, expert knowledge of Arizona law, and a dedicated team of professionals who can help you navigate the legal process. A law firm with experience in assault cases can provide you with the guidance and support you need to make informed decisions about your case. They can also help you understand your legal rights, the potential penalties involved, and the possible defenses to assault charges. With their expertise, you can develop a strong defense strategy and minimize the potential consequences of an assault charge.
The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. The Diaz Law team is licensed to practice law in Arizona. We invite you to contact us, but please be aware that contacting us does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Please do not send any confidential information to us until an attorney-client relationship has been established.
If you are facing assault charges, it is essential to seek legal advice as soon as possible. A free consultation with an experienced assault defense lawyer can provide you with a better understanding of your case and the potential penalties involved. During the consultation, you can discuss your case, ask questions, and get a sense of the lawyer’s experience and expertise.
A skilled defense lawyer can also help you understand the legal process, the potential consequences of a conviction, and the possible defenses to assault charges. With their guidance, you can make informed decisions about your case and develop a strong defense strategy to protect your rights and minimize the potential consequences of an assault charge.
For your chance to schedule a free consultation with attorney Hector Diaz, contact our office today!