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Phoenix Violent Crimes Attorney

When you’re charged with a violent crime you may be facing one of the most serious crimes under Arizona law. Violent crimes range from simple assault, threats, and similar conduct, to kidnapping, homicide, domestic violence and more. At Feldman & Royle, we understand that prosecutors often charge defendants accused of violent crimes with a more serious crime than is appropriate under the circumstances. Our violent crimes defense attorneys, who include a former prosecutor, know how to deal with these situations.
VIOLENT CRIMES

Violent Crime Laws in Arizona Explained

Arizona has strict laws when it comes to violent crimes, imposing severe penalties for offenses such as simple assault, threats, and similar conduct, to kidnapping, homicide, domestic violence and more. Under Arizona law, violent crimes typically involve the use or threat of force against another person, with punishments ranging from hefty fines and probation to lengthy prison sentences or even the death penalty in extreme cases. Understanding Arizona’s violent crime laws is crucial for anyone facing charges, as the legal system considers factors like intent, the severity of harm, and prior criminal history. This guide breaks down key aspects of these laws, potential defenses, and what to expect if charged with a violent crime in Arizona.
Understanding DUI Crimes

Types of
Violent Crimes 
in Arizona

There is no precise definition of the term “violent crimes,” other than to say that it includes any situation in which violence or the threat of violence is present. Our violent crimes attorney defend clients charged with a variety of violent offenses but the most common types of violent crimes include:

Simple Assault

Simple assault under A.R.S. § 13-1203 is probably the most commonly charged violent offense. And while it is classified as a violent crime, it is not necessary that you harm, or even touch, the other person in order to be accused of assault. It includes not only physically injuring another person, but also placing another person in reasonable fear of imminent injury. Simple assault is a misdemeanor.

Aggravated Assault

Aggravated assault is a felony and one of the more serious violent crimes. It consists of a simple assault, coupled with one of several additional elements aggravated the assault. Examples of additional elements that make a simple assault an aggravated assault, including causing serious injury, use of a weapon, causing disfigurement, violation of an order of protection, and others.

Reckless Endangerment

Endangerment also known as reckless endangerment is one of the few violent crime often associated with vehicular crimes or a crime involving child endangerment. Endangerment under A.R.S. § 13-1201, is a felony under Arizona law and often carries a mandatory prison sentence.

Disorderly Conduct

Often used as a catch all crime in Arizona, disorderly conduct covers a broad range of criminal behavior in which the accused disturbed the peace, used offensive language, makes unreasonable noise or recklessly displays a firearm. Disorderly conduct in generally a misdemeanor but can be a felony when a weapon is used. Disorderly conduct if often charged as a domestic violence offense.

Child Abuse

A crime often involving domestic violence, the crime of child abuse is a felony and ranges from a less serious felony to one of the most serious violent crimes under Arizona law. Child abuse penalties are dependent on the injury and the age of the child.

Felony Gun Possession

The crime of unlawful discharge involves the firing of gun within city limits. This crime often happens while people are cleaning guns or in the midst of an accident shooting. While this offense is often done by accident, it is a serious felony and carries a mandatory prison sentence if convicted.

Harassment

Charged as either a felony or a misdemeanor the crime of harassment or aggravated harassment involves acts of following, communicating or acting in a harassing manner. Harassment and aggravated harassment are often violent crimes involving domestic violence under A.R.S. § 13-3601.

Stalking

Stalking is classified as a violent crime because the conduct is usually aimed at causing the victim to fear for his or her safety, or the safety of his or her immediate family. Stalking can take various forms, including a course of conduct of following someone, making express or implied threats, unauthorized surveillance, and similar acts. Stalking is also a felony.

Resisting Arrest

The crime of unlawful discharge involves the firing of gun within city limits. This crime often happens while people are cleaning guns or in the midst of an accident shooting. While this offense is often done by accident, it is a serious felony and carries a mandatory prison sentence if convicted.

False imprisonment

False imprisonment or unlawful imprisonment pursuant to A.R.S. § 13-1303 occurs when a person knowingly restrains another person. Unlawful imprisonment can be charged as both a felony or a misdemeanor depending on whether physical force was used.

Kidnapping

When most people think of kidnapping they image a person who lures children into a car and while this would certainly be an example of kidnapping, in Arizona the crime is far more broad. Kidnapping simply requires that a person restrain a victim while engaging in various other criminal acts. Kidnapping is often charged in addition to other more serious sex crimes or with an allegation of domestic violence.

Drive by shooting

One of the most serious violent crimes, drive by shootings often involve charges for not only the person who shot but for anyone in the car. This crime carries mandatory prison sentence as well as motor vehicle consequences. Addition and even more serious charges are often associated with drive by shooting offenses depending on who or what was shot.

Homicide

This category includes manslaughter, negligent homicide, as well as first degree and second degree murder. The classification is dependent in part on the alleged state of mind of the defendant. All homicide charges are felonies, but the potential penalties vary greatly from one charge to another. For example, the presumptive sentence in a negligent homicide case is two and a half years, while the penalty for first degree murder is death or life in prison.

Robbery

Although many people assume robbery is a property crime, it involves force or the threat of force in the course of taking property from another person. As such, it is a violent crime, and is classified generally as a class 4 felony. If the person committing the robbery is aided by another person, the offense is aggravated robbery, a class 3 felony. Finally, if the person or his accomplice is armed with a deadly weapon, it is armed robbery, a class 2 felony.

Domestic Violence

Domestic violence is actually not a crime in Arizona but rather an allegation associated with an underlying crime. Examples of crimes associated with domestic violence include assault or any one of a number of acts committed against a spouse, former spouse, close blood relative, person with whom you are or were involved in a romantic or sexual relationship, and others.
Defenses

Defenses to Violent Crimes in Phoenix, AZ

These and other violent crimes are treated harshly by the courts and under the statutes. But an experienced Phoenix criminal lawyer will spot all the possible defenses in your case, and may be able to have the charges downgraded, or have the case dismissed.

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Phoenix Violent Crimes Lawyer

If you examine the various statutes covering violent crimes, it becomes apparent that there is a large amount of prosecutorial discretion in what charges will be brought in different situations. As experienced Phoenix violent crimes lawyers, we know when our clients are being “over-charged”, and we know how to respond. We also know which defenses to raise, including self-defense and others, that may provide you with the ability to avoid a conviction. Finally, where a plea bargain is the best route, we can guide you through the process to ensure that you receive the best possible result under all the circumstances.

At Feldman & Royle, our clients come first.Call our criminial law defense attorneys in Phoenix today for a free consultation and find out what we can do for you.

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FAQs on Violent Crimes

In Arizona, violent crimes include offenses that involve force or the threat of force against another person. Examples are assault, aggravated assault, robbery, homicide, kidnapping, and armed burglary. These are serious felony charges that can carry harsh penalties if convicted.

Penalties for violent crimes depend on the specific charge and circumstances. They may include long-term prison sentences, fines, probation, loss of civil rights (like gun ownership), and a permanent felony record. Some crimes carry mandatory minimum sentences under Arizona law.

Yes. Arizona law recognizes self-defense when a person reasonably believes force was necessary to protect themselves or others from immediate harm. An experienced Phoenix violent crimes attorney can evaluate whether self-defense is a valid strategy in your case.

Stay calm, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact a criminal defense attorney immediately. Speaking to police without legal counsel may harm your defense. Feldman & Royle offers experienced representation for those facing violent crime charges in Phoenix.

In some cases, yes — but many violent crimes (especially those involving deadly weapons or serious injury) come with mandatory prison time. A skilled defense lawyer can help argue for reduced charges or alternative sentencing when possible.

Feldman & Royle provides aggressive, strategic defense for those accused of violent crimes. Our Phoenix violent crime attorneys analyze evidence, challenge unlawful police actions, and build strong defenses, including self-defense or mistaken identity claims.

Yes — depending on the facts, legal errors, or weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, charges may be reduced or dismissed. A defense lawyer may negotiate plea deals, file motions to suppress evidence, or win at trial.

DISCLAIMER: The material found on this website is intended solely for informational purposes. Nothing on this website is intended to constitute legal advice specific to any individual or case. No information provided, e-mail inquiry generated, or reply from our firm through this website establishes an attorney-client relationship
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