Chandler Domestic Violence Attorneys Fighting for Their Clients
For those who have suffered abuse from a close relative or spouse, one of the most challenging parts of getting help is to step forward and tell someone what is going on. As a result of the abuse you have endured, you may feel that you are not worth the time or effort of asking the perpetrator to change, let alone taking legal action. But this is simply not true. You deserve to feel safe, and our domestic violence attorneys know what actions to take to ensure your home life is protected from anyone who would threaten it. Many victims of domestic violence believe that no one will take them seriously, and in the past, it is true that this insidious form of abuse was kept hidden in many homes. Today, more and more people understand how to help domestic violence victims move on and stay safe from those who would harm them. We at The Sampair Group want to be there for you as you take steps toward a healthier life free from abusive relationships. Call us today to schedule a consultation at 623-777-3909.
What Acts Are Considered Domestic Violence in Arizona?
The first important thing to understand when it comes to domestic violence is that, in Arizona, not only must the action be considered threatening in some way to the victim, but the victim and perpetrator must also share a close relationship in order for the case to be counted as domestic violence. Such an association does not need to be a current marital relationship. Domestic abuse can occur between former spouses, boyfriends and girlfriends, roommates, siblings, parents, and grandparents. Once the close relationship is established, the act itself can be considered. The following list includes some types of actions that would be considered serious acts of domestic violence:
- Assault
- Physical abuse (hitting, biting, slapping, kicking, scratching, shoving, hair-pulling)
- Aggravated assault (knowingly causing physical injury to another person or placing them in danger)
- Sexual abuse
- Emotional abuse (name-calling, constant criticism, verbally demeaning)
- Psychological abuse (threatening to harm the victim, preventing them from getting help)
- Neglect
- Stalking
- Custodial interference (knowingly acting contrary to a parenting plan or against the wishes of the legal parent)
- Physical restraint (isolating the victim from work, school, or loved ones)
- Child or vulnerable adult abuse
- Voyeurism
- Destruction of property
- Kidnapping
- Disorderly conduct
- Use of electronics to record, threaten, or secretly watch the victim in a private place or with private body parts exposed
- Economic abuse or neglect
If you are going through any of these situations, please don’t suffer alone. Contact our legal team today to discuss what you are going through and let our compassionate and skilled attorneys help you find the justice you deserve.
What Relationships Qualify for Domestic Violence in Arizona?
A domestic violence sentencing is considered very seriously under Arizona law. Not only must the action be a serious offense, such as the list provided above, and including physical, emotional, psychological, sexual, or economic abuse, but the action must also have occurred between two individuals who are closely related. Many people think that domestic violence occurs only between married couples. While this is the case many times, there are multiple situations that could result in a domestic violence case. Some of them are:
- A married couple
- A formerly married couple
- People living in the same household
- Two individuals who have a child together
- Blood relations in any way (this could include parents, siblings, cousins, grandparents, aunts and uncles, and grandchildren
- Relations by court order (including stepparents, stepchildren, step-grandparents, step-grandchildren, parents-in-law, brothers-in-law, and sisters-in-law)
- Children who live in the same house as the potential perpetrator who are blood relations to a person who has lived in the same house as the perpetrator (whether or not the child’s parent is married or a former spouse of the defendant)
- People who currently have or previously had a romantic or sexual relationship
Proving that you are in such a relationship with the person hurting you is an important part of your case. Let The Sampair Group help with your domestic violence case by reaching out to us right away.
What are the Penalties for Domestic Violence under Arizona Law?
Domestic violence is essentially considered a criminal charge in Arizona, so the penalties can be very serious and may follow an individual for the rest of their lives. In some severe cases, the charge can be upgraded to a felony, meaning years in prison and a record that can make future relationships and employment extremely difficult. Having multiple convictions makes matters even more serious. However, there are defenses against charges of domestic violence that can help mitigate or even erase charges. If you are accused of domestic violence, you need an astute lawyer on your case who can help you fight back against this potentially devastating sentence. Reach out to our law firm to discuss the details of your case right away and see how we can help you.
Should You Hire Family Law Lawyers to Help with Your Domestic Violence Case?
If you find yourself needing a lawyer for domestic violence matters, you should know that you don’t have to face this terrible situation alone. It is normal to feel worried about what may happen if you come forward about the abuse you have suffered, but at The Sampair Group, our attorneys will listen with compassion and handle your case with the utmost care. Asking for help is the necessary first step to taking control of your situation. Our family law lawyers know how to get results while at the same time protecting your privacy and dignity. Don’t delay making that first step any longer. Call our office today at 623-777-3909.