Assault & Violent Crimes Defense Attorney in Yuma, AZ

Facing assault charges in Yuma County? The consequences of a conviction can change your life forever. Whether you're charged with misdemeanor assault or a serious violent felony, you deserve an experienced attorney who understands Arizona's complex assault laws and will fight to protect your rights.

Attorney Joshua Cordova provides aggressive defense representation for clients facing assault and violent crimes charges throughout Yuma County and throughout Arizona. As an NCDD member with extensive trial experience in Yuma County, he knows how to challenge the prosecution's case, negotiate with prosecutors and defend your freedom in court.

Call (928) 783-0112 now for immediate legal help. We're available 24/7 for emergency arrests.

Violent Crimes We Defend In Yuma

Arizona assault laws cover a wide range of offenses, from misdemeanor simple assault to serious violent felonies. We defend clients facing all types of assault and violent crimes charges:

• Simple Assault - Intentionally causing physical injury, placing someone in fear of harm or knowingly touching with intent to injure (charges that may also carry a domestic violence designation when they occur between family or household members)
• Aggravated Assault - Assault causing serious physical injury, using a deadly weapon or assaulting protected victims like police officers
• Assault With Deadly Weapon - Using or threatening to use a dangerous instrument during an assault
• Assault on Peace Officer - Assaulting police officers, firefighters, paramedics or other protected individuals
• Endangerment - Recklessly placing another person at substantial risk of imminent death or serious injury
• Disorderly Conduct With Violence - Fighting, violent behavior or disturbing the peace
• Manslaughter - Recklessly causing the death of another person
• Murder Charges - First-degree or second-degree murder allegations

No matter what assault charge you're facing, we provide skilled defense representation to protect your rights and freedom.

Understanding Arizona Assault Charges

Arizona law recognizes different levels of assault charges based on the severity of the offense, the victim's injuries and other circumstances. Understanding the difference between simple assault and aggravated assault is critical to building your defense.

Simple Assault (Misdemeanor)

Under Arizona law, simple assault is typically charged as a Class 1, Class 2 or Class 3 misdemeanor. Simple assault occurs when a person:

• Intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causes physical injury to another person
• Intentionally places another person in reasonable apprehension of imminent physical injury
• Knowingly touches another person with intent to injure, insult or provoke

Even misdemeanor assault convictions carry serious consequences, including jail time, fines, probation and a permanent criminal record that can affect employment and housing.

Aggravated Assault (Felony)

Aggravated assault is a felony charge that occurs when assault is committed under specific circumstances. Arizona law defines aggravated assault as assault that:

• Causes serious physical injury to another person or temporary but substantial disfigurement
• Involves the use of a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument
• Is committed while the victim's ability to resist is substantially impaired
• Is committed after entering the victim's home with intent to commit assault
• Is committed against certain protected victims (peace officers, prosecutors, firefighters, teachers, healthcare workers)
• A person 18 years or older commits assault on a minor under 15 years of age
• Is committed while the defendant is imprisoned or in custody

Aggravated assault charges range from Class 2 to Class 6 felonies depending on the circumstances. The difference between a Class 2 and Class 6 felony can mean years in prison, making experienced legal representation essential.

Penalties For Assault Convictions In Arizona

The penalties for assault convictions in Arizona vary widely based on the classification of the charge and whether you have prior convictions. Here's what you could be facing:

Misdemeanor Assault Penalties

• Class 1 Misdemeanor: Up to 6 months in jail, up to $2,500 (not including surcharges) in fines, probation
• Class 2 Misdemeanor: Up to 4 months in jail, up to $750 (not including surcharges) in fines
• Class 3 Misdemeanor: Up to 30 days in jail, up to $500 (not including surcharges) in fines

Aggravated Assault Penalties (Felony)

• Class 2 Felony: 3 to 12.5 years, probation available
• Class 3 Felony: 2 to 8.75 years, probation available
• Class 4 Felony: 1 to 3.75 years, probation available
• Class 5 Felony: .5 to 2.5 years, probation available
• Class 6 Felony: 0.33 to 2 years, probation available

Enhanced Penalties For Dangerous Offenses

If your assault charge involves a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument, it will be classified as a "dangerous offense," which carries mandatory prison time and longer sentences. First-time dangerous felonies carry harsher penalties than non-dangerous offenses, and repeat dangerous offenses can result in decades in prison.

Additional Consequences

Beyond jail or prison time, assault convictions carry collateral consequences that can follow you for life:

• Permanent criminal record
• Loss of firearm rights (felony convictions)
• Difficulty finding employment or housing
• Professional license revocation
• Immigration consequences for non-citizens
• Loss of voting rights (felonies)

These consequences make it critical to fight assault charges with an experienced defense attorney.

Common Defenses To Assault Charges

Every assault case is different, and the right defense strategy depends on the specific facts of your case. Cordova Law will thoroughly investigate the allegations, interview witnesses, review evidence and build the strongest possible defense. Common defenses to assault charges include:

Self-Defense

Arizona law allows you to use reasonable force to protect yourself from imminent physical injury. If you were defending yourself or acting in reasonable fear of harm, self-defense may be a complete defense to assault charges. We can challenge the prosecution's version of events and present evidence that you acted to protect yourself.

Defense Of Others

You have the right to use reasonable force to protect another person from harm. If you were defending a family member, friend or even a stranger from attack, we can raise defense of others as a legal justification for your actions.

Defense Of Property

Arizona law allows the use of reasonable force to protect your property from criminal interference. While deadly force is rarely justified to protect property alone, you may have acted lawfully to prevent theft or damage.

Lack Of Intent

Many assault charges require proof that you acted intentionally or knowingly. If the alleged injury was an accident or if you didn't intend to cause harm, we can challenge the prosecution's evidence of intent.

Mistaken Identity

In chaotic situations involving fights or altercations, witnesses can be mistaken about who committed the assault. We can investigate alibi evidence, challenge eyewitness identifications and present evidence that you were not the person who committed the offense.

False Accusations

Unfortunately, false assault allegations happen. People fabricate assault claims for many reasons, including revenge, custody disputes or to gain advantage in civil litigation. We thoroughly investigate claims and expose false accusations through witness interviews, inconsistencies in the accuser's story and motive evidence.

Constitutional Violations

If police violated your constitutional rights during the investigation or arrest, we can file motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges. Illegal searches, coerced confessions and denial of your right to counsel can all be grounds for challenging the prosecution's case.

Why You Need An Experienced Trial Attorney

Assault cases often go to trial because the stakes are so high. Prosecutors are less willing to dismiss serious assault charges, and plea offers may still involve significant jail time. You need an attorney who is prepared to take your case to trial if necessary.

As an NCDD member with extensive courtroom experience in Yuma County courts, Joshua Cordova has defended clients in countless trials, motion hearings, and plea negotiations. He understands how to cross-examine prosecution witnesses, challenge forensic evidence, and present a compelling defense to a jury. Learn more about his trial experience and legal background.

Mr. Cordova's local experience in Yuma courts gives him an advantage, allowing him to anticipate the prosecution's strategy and build the most effective defense for your case. Ready to discuss your situation? Schedule a consultation to get started.

How We Defend Assault Cases In Yuma

When you hire Cordova Law to defend your assault case, here's what you can expect:

1. Emergency Consultation

If you've been arrested for assault, time is critical. Cordova Law is available 24/7 to take your call and provide immediate legal advice. We handle all types of emergency criminal arrests around the clock. During our initial consultation, we'll review the allegations, discuss what happened and explain your legal options.

2. Thorough Investigation

Cordova Law will immediately begin investigating your case. This includes interviewing witnesses, obtaining police reports and body camera footage, reviewing medical records, and gathering evidence that supports your defense. The sooner we start, the better we can preserve evidence and build your case.

3. Pre-Trial Motions

If police violated your rights or the prosecution's evidence was obtained illegally, Cordova Law will file motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges. Successful pre-trial motions can weaken the prosecution's case or result in complete dismissal.

4. Negotiation With Prosecutors

In many cases, we can negotiate with prosecutors to reduce charges, secure diversion programs or reach favorable plea agreements that avoid jail time. Our relationships with Yuma County prosecutors and our reputation gives us negotiating leverage to achieve the best possible outcome.

5. Aggressive Trial Defense

If we can't reach an acceptable resolution through negotiation, Cordova Law is fully prepared to take your case to trial. We will challenge the prosecution's witnesses, present your defense and fight for a not guilty verdict.

6. Post-Conviction Relief

If you've already been convicted of assault, we may be able to file an appeal, seek sentence modification or pursue other post-conviction relief options to reduce the impact of your conviction.

Frequently Asked Questions About Assault Charges