Fact-Checked
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founding Partner, Matthew Cohen who has years of legal experience as a criminal defense attorney. Our last modified date shows when this page was last reviewed.
What to Do if You’re Accused of Domestic Violence in Tucson
Being accused of domestic violence is overwhelming. It can turn your world upside down in an instant — and many people think that an accusation is the same as guilt. That’s simply not true. Arizona law is strict, but you still have rights, and how you act in the first hours and days after an accusation can shape the outcome of your case.
What Domestic Violence Means in Arizona
Domestic violence isn’t a single charge — it’s a classification. If the state alleges that a crime such as assault, disorderly conduct, or criminal damage involved a family member, spouse, partner, or even a roommate, the charge gets tagged as “domestic violence.”
DV charges can be misdemeanors or felonies. Felonies can result from allegations of strangulation, serious physical harm, or repeated offenses. Even a misdemeanor DV conviction can follow you for life — affecting employment, housing, and firearm rights.
First Steps You Should Take:
- Stay Silent: Anything you say to police, friends, or even family can come back to haunt you.
- Don’t Contact the Alleged Victim: Even a well-intentioned text can be considered interference with a court order.
- Call an Attorney Immediately: Time is critical. The sooner a defense lawyer gets involved, the better your chances of protecting your rights.
How a Defense Attorney Helps...
A good attorney will:
- Scrutinize the evidence for inconsistencies.
- Challenge assumptions in police reports.
- Identify constitutional violations.
- Push back against unfair restrictions like no-contact orders.
As a former judge, I’ve seen how domestic violence cases are handled in Tucson courts. I know the tactics prosecutors use, and I know the importance of a strong defense.
Moving Forward
An accusation doesn’t have to define you. With the right defense strategy, it’s possible to get charges reduced, negotiate alternatives, or even have the case dismissed.
Closing Thought: If you’ve been accused of domestic violence in Tucson or Southern Arizona, don’t panic — get help. With the right legal guidance, you can protect your future and move forward.
Original Publication:
https://medium.com/@taylorlawgroup/what-to-do-if-youre-accused-of-domestic-violence-in-tucson-e65c1891e0f4
