Beware of Domestic Violence Defense “Pretenders”

When facing domestic violence assault charges in Glendale, it is crucial to be represented by a genuinely experienced and highly qualified attorney. Unfortunately, some law firms and attorneys attempt to mislead clients by copying information from reputable firms like DM Cantor, presenting it as their own expertise. These “pretenders” can’t claim the significant achievements and specializations that set true experts apart, particularly the Board-Certified Criminal Law Specialization and extensive trial experience.

Board-Certified Criminal Law Specialization

Glendale Domestic Violence Lawyer the Board-Certified Criminal Law Specialization is a mark of exceptional expertise and dedication. Only 54 attorneys out of the 19,000 licensed in Arizona have achieved this certification, meaning fewer than 3 out of every 1,000 lawyers hold this distinction. DM Cantor boasts three Board-Certified Criminal Law Specialists, making it the law firm with the most specialists in the state. This level of expertise is critical when defending against the severe penalties associated with domestic violence assault charges.

The Best Glendale Domestic Violence Defense Team

David Michael Cantor, the founder of DM Cantor, has a profound legal background that underscores the firm’s credibility. He began his career as an Assistant City Prosecutor for Phoenix, successfully securing convictions in all 30 jury trials he conducted. After transitioning to criminal defense, he established DM Cantor and became a Board-Certified Criminal Law Specialist in 1999. His partners, Christine Whalin and Joey Hamby, are also Board-Certified Criminal Specialists with extensive trial experience.

DM Cantor’s team has secured over 160 complete jury trial acquittals and boasts the highest number of “turndowns” in Arizona, where prosecutors decide not to file charges. This track record highlights the firm’s unmatched expertise and success in defending clients against domestic violence assault charges.

Glendale Domestic Violence Charges and Their Elements

Domestic violence charges in Glendale, Arizona, come with strict statutes of limitations: one year for misdemeanor charges and seven years for felony aggravated assault charges. Many cases involve allegations brought up years after the incident, often during therapy sessions. DM Cantor’s defense team has successfully challenged such charges by leveraging “False Memory Syndrome” defenses.

Felony Aggravated Assault – ARS 13-1204

Felony aggravated assault charges in Arizona are severe, defined by ARS 13-1204, which outlines various elements that elevate misdemeanor assault to felony status. These elements include causing physical injury, using a deadly weapon, causing substantial disfigurement, and assaulting victims under specific circumstances such as violating an order of protection or targeting minors under 15 years old.

Domestic Violence Designation

Per ARS 13-3601, an assault can be classified as a domestic violence complaint if certain conditions are met, such as the defendant being related to the victim by marriage, residing in the same household, or having a child in common. The relationship’s history and context play crucial roles in these classifications.

Felony Punishments

Felony aggravated assault charges can range from Class 2 to Class 6 felonies, each carrying significant prison sentences and collateral consequences. Class 2 felonies, the most severe, can result in 3 to 12.5 years in prison, escalating to 7 to 21 years if a deadly weapon is involved. Class 3 felonies, often involving assaults on public officials, carry 2 to 8.75 years in prison, increasing to 5 to 15 years with a weapon. Class 4 to Class 6 felonies also entail substantial prison time, with varying degrees of severity based on the specific circumstances of the assault.

Collateral Consequences of a Domestic Violence Conviction

A domestic violence conviction extends beyond prison time, with lifelong restrictions such as the inability to own a firearm. These collateral consequences underscore the importance of a robust defense strategy to mitigate the long-term impacts of a conviction.

The 17 Best Domestic Violence Defenses in Glendale, Arizona

DM Cantor employs a range of defenses to protect clients accused of domestic violence, categorized into affirmative defenses, false allegations, causation defenses, evidence-based defenses, and defenses based on diminished capacity or mental health issues.

1. Self-Defense: Proving the use of justified force in response to an actual or impending assault.
2. Defense of Others: Showing the necessity of force to protect others.
3. Defense of Property: Using reasonable force to defend property.
4. Crime Prevention: Justifiable force to prevent a crime.
5. False Allegations: Demonstrating that the victim is lying or exaggerating.
6. Lack of Causation of Injury: Proving injuries were self-inflicted or occurred later.
7. Supervening Cause: Showing that another party caused the injury.
8. Lack of Intent: Demonstrating unintentional actions.
9. Lack of Recklessness: Proving actions were reasonable under the circumstances.
10. Illegal Search and Seizure: Challenging evidence obtained without proper warrants.
11. Miranda Rights Violations: Suppressing statements made without Miranda rights.
12. Autism and Spectrum-Based Defenses: Using medical records to mitigate charges.
13. Bi-polar, Schizophrenia, and Other Mental Health Defenses: Reducing charges based on mental health evaluations.

What We Do When We Represent You

DM Cantor’s core purpose is to help clients navigate the toughest times of their lives through hard work, excellent trial skills, and high-touch client service. Whether during the pre-charge or charged phase, the firm conducts thorough timeline and biographical meetings to build a robust defense strategy.

DM Cantor handles cases remotely for out-of-state clients and works to modify conditions of release to accommodate client needs. The firm advises against using social media and discussing cases with friends or family to prevent inadvertent evidence that could be used against the client.

Final Advice

If accused of domestic violence, it is vital to contact a reputable and experienced firm like DM Cantor immediately. Avoid interactions that could be interpreted as admissions and refrain from discussing the case on open phone lines. Always ensure your primary attorney is a Board-Certified Criminal Law Specialist, not just an “Of Counsel” used for marketing purposes.

With a proven track record and unmatched expertise, DM Cantor offers the best defense for domestic violence charges in Glendale, Arizona.