Violent Crimes – Arizona

Tempe Violent Crime Defense Attorneys

Serving Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa & All of Arizona

The number of violent crimes charged in the United States and Arizona has increased dramatically in recent years. Because of this, Arizona has significantly increased the penalties for violent crime convictions. Almost all violent crimes carry a presumption of prison time.

If you are charged with a violent crime, you need a criminal defense attorney who has a proven track record of success defending these cases. At Oliverson Law DUI & Criminal Defense, our Tempe violent crime attorneys have experience on all sides of violent crime investigations. Our attorneys include a former police officer, former felony prosecutors, and a former judge. We have over 30 years of combined experience, as well as extensive knowledge in all areas of forensic science, DNA, ballistics, blood/breath/urine analysis, drug recognition technology, and latent fingerprint technology. In short, we have the experience and skill necessary to fight for you and your rights.

What Qualifies as a Violent Crime?

Under A.R.S. 13-901.03, a violent crime is one that does or can result in injury or death to another person. Such offenses also include those that involve the use of a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument. With such a broad definition, several offenses against others can be considered violent crimes.

Types of Violent Crime Cases We Handle

We have successfully represented clients facing all types of violent crime charges, including:

• Assault
• Aggravated assault
• Burglary
• Drive-by shooting
• Weapons offenses
• Kidnapping
• Robbery
• Stalking
• Harassment

Dangerous Offenses in Arizona

Under Arizona law, some criminal offenses are considered “dangerous.” To classify your charges as “dangerous,” the state must prove that your case involves “an offense involving discharge, use or threatening exhibition of a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument or the intentional or knowing infliction of serious physical injury on another person.” If the state alleges that your charges constitute a “dangerous” offense and you are convicted, the court will be required to sentence you to prison. This will have a substantial impact on your and your family’s future.

Violent Crime Defenses

The use of physical or deadly force against another person may, in some situations, be charged as a violent crime. However, in other circumstances, such action may be justified and used as a defense in a criminal case.

Possible ways to defend against violent crime charges include, but are not limited to:

• Self-defense: If the person who used physical or deadly force against another did so to protect themselves from immediate harm, their actions may be justified under A.R.S. 13-404. The amount of force used must be reasonable for the situation, meaning it does not exceed what the other person was attempting to use.
• Defense of others: Under A.R.S. 13-406, a person may be justified in using physical or deadly force against another if they did so to protect a third party from immediate injury. Again, the actor’s actions are warranted only when they were proportionate to the attack they were preventing.
• Defense of property: According to A.R.S. 13-408, if an individual is committing theft or damage to property, the property owner may be justified in using force to stop such actions.

Contact Oliverson Law DUI & Criminal Defense

When your freedom is at stake, it is vital you hire an experienced and aggressive criminal defense attorney to be on your side and fight for you at every stage of the legal process. At Oliverson Law DUI & Criminal Defense, we utilize a team-based approach. When you choose to work with us, you will get the skill, experience, and knowledge of all of our Tempe violent crimes attorneys. This allows us to build powerful, persuasive cases and find innovative, personalized strategies aimed at seeking the best possible outcome in your case.

Our firm proudly represents clients from across Arizona, including those located in Tempe, Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Mesa. We offer a free and confidential initial consultation and are available 24/7 to assist our clients. We’ve helped thousands of people facing serious charges. Find out how we can help you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is considered a violent crime in Arizona?

Under A.R.S. §13-901.03, a violent crime includes any offense that causes or threatens serious physical injury or involves the use of a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument. Common examples include assault, aggravated assault, robbery, kidnapping, and weapons offenses.

What are the penalties for violent crimes in Arizona?

Violent crimes in Arizona often carry a presumption of prison time. Sentences vary based on the severity of the offense and whether it’s classified as “dangerous.” Dangerous offenses—those involving serious injury or weapons—can result in mandatory prison terms ranging from several years to decades, depending on prior convictions and aggravating factors.

Can violent crime charges be reduced or dismissed?

Yes. With the help of an experienced criminal defense attorney, charges may be reduced or dismissed based on lack of evidence, self-defense, mistaken identity, or procedural errors. A strong legal strategy can challenge the prosecution’s case and protect your rights throughout the process.

Violent Crimes