After being charged with domestic violence in Arizona, keep court orders and hearing notices together, preserve messages and other records related to the incident, and write a private chronology to discuss with your attorney. This eight-step guide covers court-order compliance, evidence preservation and getting legal advice before voluntary counseling or treatment.
At Guardian Law Group, we defend individuals in Phoenix, Mesa, Scottsdale, Prescott, Tucson, and throughout Maricopa, Mohave, and Yavapai Counties against serious felony domestic violence charges, including aggravated assault, threatening or intimidating, criminal damage, and unlawful imprisonment. If you’ve been arrested or charged, here’s what you need to do right away.
1. Do Not Contact the Alleged Victim
Even if you believe the charges are exaggerated or false, do not reach out to the alleged victim. In most cases, a no-contact order or protective order will be issued by the court as a condition of release. Violating it—intentionally or accidentally—can result in additional charges, including interfering with judicial proceedings (A.R.S. §13-2810), and may result in immediate jail time or revocation of your bond.
Let your attorney handle all communication related to the case.
2. Hire an Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney Immediately
A criminal defense attorney can review the charges, evidence and court conditions. At Guardian Law Group, we act quickly to:
- Review the evidence against you
- Investigate the incident independently
- Protect you during police questioning
- Prepare early defenses and file pretrial motions
- Seek to reduce, dismiss, or negotiate the charges
A domestic violence conviction can lead to jail time, a permanent record, loss of gun rights, and negative consequences in family court. You need a legal team that understands Arizona’s domestic violence laws and how to fight back.
3. Understand the Charges and Potential Penalties
Arizona domestic violence charges cover a range of offenses, including:
- Assault (A.R.S. §13-1203)
- Aggravated assault (A.R.S. §13-1204)
- Criminal damage (A.R.S. §13-1602)
- Threatening or intimidating (A.R.S. §13-1202)
- Disorderly conduct (A.R.S. §13-2904)
- Unlawful imprisonment (A.R.S. §13-1303)
If this is a repeat offense, or if the alleged victim suffered injury or a weapon was involved, you may be facing aggravated domestic violence—a Class 5 felony under A.R.S. §13-3601.02 with mandatory jail time.
Your attorney will explain the charges, review the police report, and help you understand your legal exposure.
4. Comply With All Court Orders
After your arrest or arraignment, you will be given court dates and conditions of release. These may include:
- Attending all scheduled court hearings
- Following no-contact orders
- Surrendering firearms (if required)
- Staying within jurisdiction or avoiding certain locations
Failing to comply with any of these terms can result in arrest, higher bail, or even being held in custody until trial.
5. Preserve Evidence and Write Down Your Recollection
Memories fade and evidence disappears quickly. Do the following as soon as possible:
- Write down everything you remember about the incident
- Save text messages, emails, voicemails, or social media posts related to the dispute
- Make a list of potential witnesses who were present or can speak to your character
- Provide this information to your attorney—don’t post about it online
The earlier you document your version of events, the more effectively your attorney can build a defense.
6. Avoid Social Media Discussions About the Case
Anything you post on social media can and likely will be used against you. Avoid discussing the case, the accuser, or any details of the incident online. Even innocent posts can be twisted by prosecutors to suggest guilt or a lack of remorse.
When in doubt, stay off social media completely until your case is resolved.
7. Consider Counseling or Treatment Voluntarily
In some cases, attending anger management, substance abuse counseling, or domestic violence education programs voluntarily can help demonstrate to the court that you’re taking the situation seriously. While not appropriate in every case, these actions may be helpful in plea negotiations or at sentencing.
Always consult your attorney before enrolling in any program.
8. Prepare for Long-Term Impacts and Build a Plan
Domestic violence charges can affect more than your criminal record. You may face:
- Loss of gun rights if convicted
- Restrictions in child custody or divorce proceedings
- Difficulty obtaining or keeping employment
- Immigration consequences for non-citizens
- Damage to your professional licenses
Your attorney should help you anticipate these challenges and develop a strategy to minimize the fallout.
FAQ: What to Do After a Domestic Violence Charge in Arizona
Will I go to jail automatically?
Not necessarily. Many first-time offenders are released pending trial, but repeat or felony-level charges may lead to pretrial detention or mandatory minimum sentencing if convicted.
Can the alleged victim drop the charges?
No. Once charges are filed, only the prosecutor can dismiss them. The alleged victim’s wishes may influence the case, but the state makes the final decision.
Should I talk to the police to clear things up?
No. You have the right to remain silent. Speaking to law enforcement without legal representation can seriously harm your case.
What if I didn’t hit anyone?
You can still be charged with domestic violence based on verbal threats, property damage, or disorderly conduct. The label applies to many offenses under Arizona law.
Discuss Your Next Steps With Guardian Law Group
If you’ve been charged with domestic violence, every decision you make from this point forward matters. The prosecution will move quickly to build a case against you—don’t wait to start building your defense.
At Guardian Law Group, we provide:
- Focused felony defense in domestic violence cases
- Aggressive motion practice and trial representation
- Clear, honest legal guidance from day one
- Individualized preparation for serious criminal charges
Call Guardian Law Group today at (602) 888-8020 for a confidential consultation.