A misdemeanor assault charge in Arizona can turn into Aggravated Assault if any of the following elements occur:
- If the victim is a police officer, firefighter or other special services.
- If the defendant entered a private residence.
- If the victim is 15 years old or younger.
- If the assailant restrains the victim.
- If a deadly weapon is used.
- If the assailant causes serious physical injury to the victim.
Aggravated Assault charges are charged as felonies in the state of Arizona and need to be taken seriously. Contact an experienced assault defense attorney if this charge has been placed on you.
Assault w/ A Domestic Violence Designation
Assault charges can have a domestic violence designation if the assault happened between spouses, former spouses, partners, former partners, boyfriend or girlfriend, persons with whom you have a child, or if it happened to children. Having a domestic violence designation added onto an assault charge is not something to take lightly. You or your loved one would be subject to assault penalties and even more strict penalties that come with the domestic violence designation. If you have been charged with assault and have a domestic violence designation, then you need to contact an experienced and knowledgeable attorney to help you with your next steps.