What Does Domestic Violence Entail in Arizona?

Like most states, Arizona has taken a strong stance in recent years on the topic of domestic violence.  While most people think of domestic violence as spousal abuse, DV law also covers a number of other types of incidents.  Those who are charged with domestic violence must take these charges seriously in order to formulate a solid defense and avoid the consequences of a conviction.  Alex Lane may be able to help those who are charged with domestic violence defend themselves against these accusations.

What Is Domestic Violence?

The term “domestic violence” does not apply only to fights between spouses.  Victims can also include:

• The parent of your child with whom you do not live
• A roommate, even if there is no romantic relationship between the two of you
• A woman pregnant with your child
• A girlfriend or boyfriend who does not live with you
• A family member such as a grandparent, parent, child, grandchild, sister, brother, in-law, step child or step parent

Domestic violence includes a wide variety of actions as well, such as:

• Assault or threats of bodily harm
• Criminal trespass or criminal damage
• Disorderly conduct or threats
• Kidnapping
• Rape
• Harassment
• Stalking

Why Was I Arrested?

Many domestic violence altercations involve both people yelling, making threats or even hitting.  However, Arizona law allows a police officer to use his or her best judgment in determining who to arrest.  Furthermore, police officers in Arizona can make an arrest without the victim being willing to press charges if the officer feels that leaving a person at a home would lead to further altercation.

This means that a police officer has a great deal of latitude when it comes to making a domestic violence arrest.  However, the officer also has to be able to justify the arrest in order for the prosecutors to be successful in their attempts to charge you with a crime.

Generally, police officers arrest the person they believe is most likely to cause further disturbance.  However, if you are at someone else’s home and cause a domestic incident, it is likely you, rather than the homeowner, will be arrested.

Alex Lane represents those charged with domestic violence and helps them formulate a strong defense to these charges.  Since so many DV cases rest on the testimony of the victim and the accused person, having a good defense lawyer to represent your interests in a domestic violence case is usually a wise choice.