AGGRAVATED ASSAULT DEFENSE LAWYER

TUCSON & SOUTHERN ARIZONA

Charged with felony Aggravated Assault under A.R.S. § 13-1204? Former Pima County Judge Doug Taylor defends against all types of felony Aggravated Assault charges in Tucson & Southern Arizona.


"I sat on the judge's bench for years, and I know exactly what judges look for when they’re deciding release conditions, no-contact orders, and whether or not you go home." -Doug Taylor, Owner


Free & Confidential Consultation — Call/Text (520) 440-5635, Available 24/7

  • Fact-Checked

    This page has been carefully written, edited, and reviewed by our team of legal professionals following strict editorial guidelines. It has been approved by our Founding Partner, Douglas W. Taylor, Sr., a seasoned criminal defense attorney with extensive legal experience. The “last modified” date indicates the most recent review of this page.

Last Modified: October 6, 2026

Aggravated Assault Attorney in Tucson | Taylor Law Group, PLLC

AGGRAVATED ASSAULT (FELONY) LAWYER IN TUCSON, ARIZONA


  • Facing an Aggravated Assault charge in Tucson or Southern Arizona is a very serious matter. Unlike simple assault, aggravated assault is charged as a felony and carries the potential for years in prison, significant fines, loss of civil and gun rights, job loss, family issues, and a permanent felony criminal record. At Taylor Law Group, PLLC, we understand just how high the stakes are. Led by former Pima County  judge Douglas W. Taylor, Sr., our Tucson Aggravated Assault defense team combines keen courtroom insight with 25+ years of legal experience to provide strategic defense for clients accused of any type of felony aggravated assault. Serving the Tucson metro area & Southern Arizona.

Aggravated Assault conviction penalties may include:


  • Prison sentences ranging from 2 to 8.75 years (or possibly much more for repeat offenders)
  • Felony record and loss of civil and gun rights
  • Probation, mandatory counseling, and restitution orders
  • Severe damage to your reputation and livelihood

We know that every case has at least two sides of the story. We explore all possible defenses to protect your rights, including:


  • Self-defense or defense of others
  • Lack of intent to cause serious injury
  • False allegations or misidentification
  • Errors in police procedure or constitutional violations
  • Insufficient or unreliable evidence

  • Our goal is to uncover weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and pursue reductions, dismissals, or alternatives to harsh sentencing whenever possible.

  • Facing felony aggravated assault charges can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face them alone. We’re here to support you with clear guidance and experienced representation to help you overcome this challenge and move forward with your life. Contact us today for a  free initial consultation. (520) 440-5635.

Understanding Arizona Aggravated Assault Laws & How Our Tucson Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Help

  • In Arizona, aggravated assault is defined under ARS §13-1204. It can be charged when a simple misdemeanor assault involves serious physical injury, use of a deadly weapon, assault against certain protected persons (such as police officers, teachers, or healthcare workers), or assault committed under specific circumstances like restraining or holding a victim against their will. Because of these statutory enhancements, aggravated assault charges are often overbroad and aggressively prosecuted — making skilled legal defense essential.


  • To secure a conviction for assault in Arizona, the following elements generally must be proven:


  • The individual knowingly, intentionally, or recklessly caused injury.
  • He/she knowingly placed another in reasonable apprehension of injury.
  • The individual touched another with the intent to insult, injure, or provoke.
  • •There was no lawful justification for the act--such as self-defense.


  • What can make an assault "aggravated," and therefore a felony, is defined (as noted above) in ARS §13-1204.


  • Courts in Tucson and throughout Southern Arizona treat aggravated assault cases with utmost seriousness. Prosecutors often push for harsh penalties, and judges expect well-prepared arguments. Having Douglas W. Taylor, Sr. — a former judge himself — as your attorney means you benefit from rare insight into how these cases are handled from both sides of the bench. We tailor every strategy to the courtroom, the judge, and the specific facts of your case.



  • At Taylor Law Group, PLLC, we understand the fear and uncertainty that comes with facing an aggravated assault charge. We are here to provide clarity, strength, and experienced advocacy when your life is on the line. With Taylor Law Group, PLLC, on your side, you can be confident that every possible defense will be explored and that your rights will be protected.

Aggravated Assault (A.R.S. § 13-1204)

Penalties

  • Charge level(s): Felony—most commonly Class 6–Class 2, depending on the aggravators (weapon, serious injury, protected victim, restraint, etc.).
  • Typical non-dangerous, first-offense ranges:
  • Class 6: ~0.33–2 yrs
  • Class 5: 0.5–2.5 yrs
  • Class 4: 1–3.75 yrs
  • Class 3: 2–8.75 yrs
  • Class 2: 3–12.5 yrs
    (Fines up to     $150,000. “Dangerous” designations push ranges much higher.) 

FAQs - Aggravated Assault

   

What is aggravated assault in Arizona?

It’s assault with aggravating factors—like serious physical injury, use or display of a deadly weapon/dangerous instrument, strangulation/impediment of breathing, assault on certain protected persons (e.g., police or healthcare workers), or assault in a home—elevating it from simple assault.


Is aggravated assault a felony?

Yes. Aggravated assault is typically a felony in Arizona (class 2–6 depending on the facts). The class depends on things like injury level, weapon use, the alleged victim’s status, and whether the offense is designated “dangerous nature.”


What penalties am I facing?

Penalties range from probation to prison. If the charge is designated dangerous (weapon/serious physical injury), prison can be mandatory and probation may not be available. Consequences can also include fines, classes, no-contact orders, and collateral issues (work, gun rights, immigration).


Are there defenses to aggravated assault?

Yes. Common defenses include self-defense/defense of others, lack of intent, misidentification, no “serious physical injury,” the item wasn’t a “dangerous instrument,” credibility challenges, and constitutional issues (stop, search, interrogation, or evidence problems).


Can an aggravated assault be reduced or dismissed?

Sometimes. Outcomes can include dismissal, reduction to simple assault or a lower class, non-dangerous designations, or alternative resolutions—depending on evidence, mitigation, and negotiations.


What should I do right now if I’ve been charged?

Don’t contact the accuser, don’t discuss the case with anyone but your lawyer, keep all potential evidence (texts, videos, names of witnesses), follow release conditions, and get experienced counsel involved immediately.

Tucson Aggravated Assault Lawyer
  • Aggravated assault charges are among the most serious felony cases prosecuted in Arizona and may arise alongside other criminal allegations. Taylor Law Group represents clients throughout Tucson and Southern Arizona facing aggravated assault and other serious felony charges.


Need Help Now?

Felony Aggravated Assault charges in Tucson or Southern Arizona can turn your life upside down. Don’t face them alone. At Taylor Law Group, PLLC, we offer free, confidential consultations and representation backed by nearly 25 years of criminal law experience — led by a former Pima County Judge.


📞 Call or text (520) 440-5635 anytime, 24/7.


We’re here to fight for your rights and protect your future.

Why choose

TAYLOR LAW GROUP?



Ranked in the Top 100 Trial Lawyers

Over 25 Years of Criminal Defense Experience 

Proven Results In & Out of Court

We Are Available 24/7 for All Clients

Former Pima County Judge

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