Phoenix Battery Attorney

Professional Defense Against Violent Crime Charges

Just being accused of battery can turn your life upside-down. Of course, being convicted of battery will bring even more consequences and hardships. If you want to stand up for your rights and reputation with confidence, talk to a Phoenix battery lawyer from Knowles Law Firm, PLC right now. We are highly experienced when it comes to defending clients against violent crime charges and accusations, and we are led by a former police officer and prosecutor. Use our unmatched insight to your advantage by hiring us for your battery defense case today.

Talk to our trial lawyers to start your defense. Call (602) 702-5431 and request a free case evaluation.

What is Battery Under Arizona Law?

Arizona criminal law does not technically include the term “battery”. Instead, the act of battering or physically harming someone is a form of assault, usually translated to “aggravated assault.” However, it is not unusual for law enforcement officers and even courtroom officials to say “battery” or “assault and battery,” even though these terms are not entirely correct.

Aggravated assault or battery in Arizona usually involves at least one of the following:

• Infliction of serious physical injury
• Use of a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument to intentionally harm or intimidate someone
• Any level of assault inflicted on a public servant

Depending on the harm inflicted by an act of battery or aggravated assault, the crime can be charged as a Class 2, 3, 4, or 5 felony. In other words, if you have been accused of battery or aggravated assault, whatever it was called, you need to take your defense case seriously.

Assault vs. Battery

Assault is the act of intentionally inflicting physical injury to another person, or intentionally “placing another person in reasonable apprehension of imminent physical injury.” It can also be used to describe the act of knowingly touching someone with the intent to insult or provoke them. As mentioned, battery is technically a form of assault, so it isn’t technically a different type of criminal offense. 

Penalties for Battery in Arizona

If battery is charged as a felony under ARS 13-1204, you could face severe penalties upon conviction, including:

• Thousands of dollars in fines
• Up to 20 years in prison
• Mandatory restitution paid to the victim

Penalties for battery or aggravated assault may vary from one case to the next, though. For example, a highly experienced defense attorney may be able to negotiate for a reduced sentencing based on important factors, like the defendant’s criminal history or the specific nature of the victim’s injuries. Still, with the potential of a conviction bringing life-changing consequences, it is always worth exploring your options with a privately hired battery defense attorney, like our trusted team members at Knowles Law Firm, PLC in Phoenix.

Other Consequences for Battery Convictions

Being convicted of battery in Arizona carries repercussions that extend far beyond the immediate legal penalties like fines and jail time. Your employment opportunities can become severely limited, as many employers conduct background checks and may be hesitant to hire anyone with a criminal record, particularly for a violent crime. Educational opportunities can also be lessened, with some colleges and universities being reluctant to accept applicants with a violent offense, even if the law bars such discrimination. Even getting new housing as a renter can become more difficult because landlords also perform background checks. On a personal level, being convicted of battery can put a strain on your relationships with family and friends due to the stigma associated with violent crime.

Defense to Battery Charges in Arizona

Every battery defense case requires a uniquely prepared defense strategy, but a few arguments that commonly apply to such cases include:

• Self-defense: This strategy asserts that you acted to protect yourself from imminent harm. By demonstrating that your actions were necessary to prevent injury or death, we can challenge the prosecution's case by arguing the force used was proportional and justified under the circumstances.
• Defense of others: Similar to self-defense, we can use this argument if you inflicted harm upon someone only to stop them from inflicting serious harm on someone else, not necessarily yourself.
• Lack of intent: This defense focuses on the absence of deliberate intention to cause harm. By highlighting that you did not intend to commit aggravated assault, our legal team can argue for a reduction or dismissal of charges, questioning the prosecution's ability to prove intent beyond a reasonable doubt.
• Mistaken identity: This strategy involves proving that you are not the perpetrator of the crime. By presenting evidence such as alibis, eyewitness testimony, or video surveillance, we might be able to create reasonable doubt about the identity of the assailant and assert that you are not the person who committed the crime.

Can Battery Charges Be Dropped?

Aggravated assault or battery charges might be dropped against a defendant for a variety of reasons that ultimately weaken the prosecution's case. If the prosecution cannot present compelling evidence to support the charges due to insufficient evidence, it will become difficult to secure a conviction, and the case might be dropped or dismissed. Credible alibis can also challenge the accusations to the point that the prosecution no longer feels like its case is pursuable, regardless of what other forms of evidence it intends to use. Furthermore, successful negotiations for a plea deal can lead to charges being reduced or dismissed, as both parties might agree on a more suitable resolution that does not depend on a trial.

Early in the process of handling your case, our battery defense attorneys will start considering how to get the charges dismissed or dropped. It is not always possible, of course, but it is always worth exploring all options by using our experience and resources with cases like yours.

Need Serious Defense? Call Now

When you want serious defense strategies against a criminal charge as serious as battery or aggravated assault, come to Knowles Law Firm, PLC as soon as possible. Our Phoenix battery defense attorneys are always standing by to hear from new and returning clients in difficult situations. We’re ready to stand up for your rights and challenge the prosecution at every turn.

Do not hesitate. Call (602) 702-5431 to talk to a Phoenix battery defense lawyer now.