Scottsdale, AZ, United States, December 23, 2013 -- Domestic violence charges in Arizona are a serious matter and require experienced Arizona domestic violence defense attorneys.

“Arizona’s domestic violence laws apply not only to crimes against spouses, but also against partners, former partners, those living together, people who are dating, family members, relatives and the elderly,” said Christopher P. Corso, Esq. “If someone is involved in an abusive situation, they need to speak up.”

Many actions can be designated as domestic violence in Arizona. Assault, disorderly conduct, criminal damage, economic abuse, emotional abuse and violating protective orders can all be designated as domestic violence in Arizona and require experienced domestic violence attorneys. Domestic violence charges can be filed by the victim or by the courts themselves. In some cases, false charges are filed by angry spouses. Therefore the credibility of the accuser must never be overlooked.

In recent years, domestic violence laws in Arizona have become harsher because many battered women won’t press charges out of fear and intimidation. The courts and prosecutors have taken aggressive roles in enforcing new and existing laws. In many cases, prosecutors will file charges against the alleged abuser and aggressively pursue the case, even where the victim refuses to actively participate in the prosecution.

Christopher Corso and John Rhude of the Law Office of Corso & Rhude are domestic violence defense lawyers and former misdemeanor and felony domestic violence prosecutors.

“While working at the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office in the Family Violence Bureau, I handled some of the most complicated and severe felony domestic violence cases in the State of Arizona,” said John M. Rhude, Esq. “Our attorneys have a great deal of experience in terms of domestic violence cases, and know how to handle complicated cases with a great deal of care.”

Corso has experience as a prosecutor at the Mesa City Prosecutor’s Office, where he specialized in all domestic violence offenses, as well as assisted in drafting the Domestic Violence Manual for the City of Mesa.

In addition, Managing Attorney Courtney N. Boyd, Esq., worked for the City of Glendale’s domestic violence task force while a prosecutor, helping to secure a domestic violence dedicated prosecutor.

Arizona Revised Statute 13–3601 defines domestic violence in Arizona by the relationship between the accuser and the defendant and by the type of charge alleged. Arizona’s domestic violence laws apply not only to crimes against spouses, but also against partners, former partners, those living together, people who are dating, family members, relatives and the elderly. Physical assault, such as hitting, does NOT need to occur for domestic violence charges to be filed.

In Arizona, many actions can be designated domestic violence, such as:

Physical violence/Assault: Intentionally or recklessly causing injury or touching with intent to cause injury.
Disorderly conduct: Disturbing the peace of your neighborhood or disturbing the peace of a person.
Violating protective orders: Violating a restraining order or order of protection (contacting, calling, emailing, or texting).
Verbal, mental and emotional abuse: Name calling, put downs, threats, intimidation, isolation.
Economic abuse: Financial control.
Criminal damage: Damaging something that has any value. Due to Arizona’s community property laws, destroying property - even your cell phone - can be considered domestic violence since half of a possession also belong to a spouse.

Consequences of a Domestic Violence Conviction

Once arrested for domestic violence in Arizona, a judge will determine an individual’s immediate future. Will an individual be able to return home? Will there be a bond? Will there be a protective order?

Domestic violence cases in Arizona can be charged as felonies or misdemeanors, depending on the jurisdiction and severity of the crime, and the consequence of a conviction can be very severe. Prior acts of domestic violence may also factor into the Prosecutor’s determination to file a case as a felony. Convictions can result in limitations in child visitation rights, loss of gun privileges, mandatory counseling, fines and/or restitution, probation, jail or even prison. In many cases, prior to conviction the court will enter an order prohibiting the defendant from having any contact with the victim or returning to the location where the alleged offense occurred, which is often the defendant’s own home.

Every domestic violence case is different and the outcome is dependent upon the specific facts and circumstances surrounding the charges. Corso & Rhude wants to help make sure a domestic violence charge doesn’t ruin a life. Corso & Rhude will fight for a client’s family and their future.

Don’t take on Domestic Violence Charges Alone

If charged with domestic violence, never try to resolve it alone. Any contact with the victim could be detrimental to a case and even result in additional charges. Dealing with the unknown is a frightening process. Let Corso & Rhude make that process less frightening. The domestic violence defense attorneys at Corso & Rhude will take every step necessary to defend a client’s rights. They’ve had hundreds of domestic violence cases dismissed and have had almost as many “not guilty” verdicts.

Being arrested for domestic violence does not necessarily mean a conviction. Corso & Rhude can can help explain the options available and tailor a defense to the specific situation. To schedule a free consultation, please visit www.corsorhude.com or call (480) 471-4616. The Law Office of Corso & Rhude, PLLC is located at 14500 N. Northsight Blvd., Suite 116 in Scottsdale, Arizona, 85260.

Contact:
Al Stevens
Corso & Rhude
14500 N. Northsight Blvd, Suite 116
Scottsdale, Az 85260
480-235-1770
[email protected]
http://crcriminallaw.com/