What happens after a domestic violence allegation?
I begin with the actual criminal charge and the paperwork from the court. A domestic violence description can involve both an underlying offense and a relationship specified by Arizona law. I need to understand each part of the allegation instead of assuming that the label alone tells me what the prosecution is claiming.
Tell me what hearing is scheduled and what orders you received. The Arizona courts explain the general stages of a criminal case, but your documents show where this matter currently stands. Once hired, I obtain the police report and discovery so I can compare the accusation with the available accounts and other evidence.
A.R.S. § 13-3601: domestic violenceArizona Judicial Branch: criminal case process
What does domestic violence mean under Arizona law?
A.R.S. § 13-3601 identifies domestic violence by reference to listed offenses and qualifying relationships. Its relationship provisions include certain spouses, household members, relatives and current or former romantic relationships. The specific facts and the underlying offense still matter. I review the relevant provision rather than make a conclusion from how people describe the relationship.
An assault allegation, for example, also needs to be examined under the assault statute. I look at what conduct is alleged, what mental state is claimed and what evidence supports those points. Where more than one count appears in the case, each accusation needs attention. A relationship does not replace that individual review of the charged conduct.
A.R.S. § 13-3601: domestic violenceA.R.S. § 13-1203: assault
How I handle a domestic violence case
I work through the reports, statements and other discovery and consider what interviews or additional review may be useful. I look for legal issues and discuss the evidence in plain terms. I want you to know what the material establishes, where the accounts differ and what questions remain unanswered.
I also work with the prosecution, present defenses and mitigation and explain possible resolutions. If a plea agreement or lesser-charge option is available, I will discuss it honestly. You should understand the decision about trial and the advice behind it. I will not predict an outcome from a short description of an argument or from another person's case.
Chris's confirmed client inputs, October 22, 2026Arizona Judicial Branch: criminal case process
What information should be reviewed closely?
The reported events, the alleged relationship, witness accounts and any available recordings should be considered together. I also review the specific court paperwork rather than suggest that a general webpage can explain every order in your case. Questions about the meaning of an order need an assessment of that actual document.
Parents and people facing charges themselves both call my office. I take time on the first conversation and explain what still needs review. If I am in court, my assistant gets me your message and I call back within a day. After hours, leave a voicemail so the conversation can begin when I return the call.
A.R.S. § 13-3601: domestic violenceChris's confirmed client inputs, October 22, 2026
General information only. This practice-page draft requires Chris's review before publication.
