Chandler Domestic Violence Lawyer

Domestic violence charges in Chandler frequently arise from disputes between spouses, dating partners, family members, and even roommates in the city’s residential communities. Arizona’s broad definition of domestic violence encompasses many relationship types, meaning even minor incidents can trigger serious criminal charges with mandatory arrest, no-contact orders, and severe consequences including lifetime federal firearm prohibitions. For Chandler’s professional workforce—particularly those holding security clearances—domestic violence charges can devastate careers built over decades.

Attorney Josh Lopez represents clients throughout Chandler facing domestic violence allegations.

→ For comprehensive Arizona domestic violence information, see: Arizona Domestic Violence Laws

What Constitutes Domestic Violence in Arizona

Domestic violence is not a separate crime but rather a designation applied to underlying offenses when they occur between people with qualifying relationships.

Underlying Offenses (ARS § 13-3601)

Any of these crimes become “domestic violence” when committed against a domestic relationship partner:

Violent Offenses:

• Assault (ARS § 13-1203)
• Aggravated assault (ARS § 13-1204)
• Endangerment (ARS § 13-1201)
• Threatening/intimidating (ARS § 13-1202)
• Custodial interference (ARS § 13-1302)

Property/Privacy Offenses:

• Criminal damage (ARS § 13-1602)
• Criminal trespass (ARS § 13-1504)
• Disorderly conduct (ARS § 13-2904)
• Harassment (ARS § 13-2921)
• Stalking (ARS § 13-2923)

Other Designated Offenses:

• Unlawful imprisonment (ARS § 13-1303)
• Kidnapping (ARS § 13-1304)
• Sexual offenses (various)
• Interfering with judicial proceedings (ARS § 13-2810)
• Surreptitious recording/photographing (ARS § 13-3019)

Qualifying Domestic Relationships

The DV designation applies when parties are or were:

• Married or formerly married
• Cohabiting or formerly cohabiting (including roommates)
• Parents of a common child
• Related by blood or marriage (parent, child, grandparent, sibling)
• In a current or past romantic/sexual relationship
• Residing in the same household (current or former)

Mandatory Arrest Policy

Arizona law requires officers to make an arrest when they have probable cause to believe domestic violence occurred:

• Officers cannot simply separate parties and leave
• Someone will be arrested if DV is suspected
• Officers must identify the “primary aggressor”
• Both parties may be arrested in some cases (dual arrest)

Primary Aggressor Determination

Officers consider:

• Comparative injuries between parties
• Threats made and history of violence
• Whether either party acted defensively
• Statements from parties and witnesses
• Physical evidence at the scene

Domestic Violence Penalties

Misdemeanor DV

Classification	Maximum Jail	Maximum Fine
Class 1 Misdemeanor	6 months	$2,500
Class 2 Misdemeanor	4 months	$750
Class 3 Misdemeanor	30 days	$500

Felony DV

Classification	Prison Range (First Offense)
Class 6 Felony	4 months – 2 years
Class 5 Felony	6 months – 2.5 years
Class 4 Felony	1.5 – 3.75 years
Class 3 Felony	2.5 – 8.75 years

Repeat DV Offender Enhancement

Third DV offense within 84 months = Class 5 Felony (regardless of underlying offense severity)

Consequences Unique to Domestic Violence

Federal Firearm Prohibition

Under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(9), conviction for any misdemeanor crime of domestic violence results in:

• Lifetime prohibition on possessing firearms or ammunition
• Applies nationwide, in every state
• No exception for hunting, sport, or self-defense
• Violation is a federal felony with up to 10 years in prison

This affects military service, law enforcement careers, and anyone who owns or wishes to own firearms.

Mandatory DV Offender Treatment

Arizona requires completion of a domestic violence offender treatment program:

• 26 weeks minimum for misdemeanor DV
• 52 weeks for felony or repeat offenses
• Weekly sessions at defendant’s expense ($40-75 per session)
• Cannot be shortened or waived by the court
• Failure to complete = probation violation

No-Contact Orders

Release conditions typically include:

• No contact with alleged victim (direct or through third parties)
• No return to shared residence
• No contact via phone, text, email, or social media
• Violation is a separate criminal offense

Professional Consequences in Chandler

Security Clearance Impact

Domestic violence is particularly damaging to security clearances:

• Immediate reporting requirement — Must notify security officer of arrest
• Violence concerns — DV raises serious character questions
• Firearm prohibition — Conflicts with many cleared positions
• Clearance revocation — Common outcome for DV convictions
• Career destruction — Tech sector positions often require clearances

Professional Licensing

DV convictions affect licensed professionals:

• Healthcare workers face board review and potential license action
• Financial professionals may face securities licensing issues
• Teachers and educators face certification problems
• Attorneys face bar discipline proceedings

Employment Consequences

• Many employers have policies requiring disclosure of arrests
• DV conviction often results in termination
• Background check failures for future positions
• Reputation damage in professional community

Common DV Scenarios in Chandler

Residential Communities

Family disputes in Chandler’s neighborhoods:

• Arguments escalating to physical contact
• Discipline disputes involving children
• Extended family conflicts
• Financial stress-related disputes

High-Stress Professional Households

Chandler’s tech workforce faces unique pressures:

• Work stress contributing to relationship conflicts
• Demanding careers creating family tension
• High-stakes careers amplifying consequences

Alcohol-Related Incidents

Entertainment areas and home drinking:

• Arguments escalating after drinking
• Downtown Chandler incidents
• Home situations involving alcohol

Defense Strategies

Self-Defense

Arizona recognizes the right to defend yourself:

• Reasonable belief of imminent physical harm
• Force used was proportional to threat
• You were not the initial aggressor
• Defense of others in the household

False Allegations

DV accusations are sometimes fabricated or exaggerated:

• Custody dispute motivation
• Divorce leverage
• Relationship revenge
• Immigration benefit seeking
• Mental health issues

Defense includes demonstrating motive to fabricate, inconsistent statements, lack of physical evidence, and witness testimony.

Insufficient Evidence

Prosecution must prove the case beyond reasonable doubt:

• Conflicting witness accounts
• Lack of physical evidence
• Recanting or uncooperative victim
• Inconsistencies in police report

Challenging DV Designation

Even if underlying offense occurred, the DV designation may be challengeable:

• Relationship doesn’t qualify as “domestic”
• Roommate relationship insufficient for DV status
• No cohabitation as legally defined

Removing DV designation eliminates mandatory treatment, firearm prohibition, and other DV-specific consequences.

Orders of Protection

Emergency Orders

Alleged victims may obtain immediate protection:

• Ex parte — Issued without your input
• Immediate effect upon service
• Prohibits contact and may exclude you from home
• Hearing scheduled for contested issues

Contesting an Order

You have the right to challenge Orders of Protection:

• Request contested hearing
• Present evidence and witnesses
• Cross-examine petitioner
• Demonstrate allegations are false or exaggerated

→ See: Chandler Orders of Protection Lawyer

Chandler Courts

Chandler Municipal Court

Location: 200 E. Chicago Street, Chandler, AZ 85225
Phone: (480) 782-4900

Handles misdemeanor DV charges arising within Chandler city limits.

Southeast Regional Superior Court

Location: 222 E. Javelina Avenue, Mesa, AZ 85210

Handles felony DV charges and contested Orders of Protection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can charges be dropped if my partner doesn’t want to prosecute?

The prosecutor decides whether to proceed—not the alleged victim. While victim cooperation affects the case, prosecution can continue using other evidence (911 calls, photos, witness statements, injuries) even if the victim recants or refuses to testify.

Will I lose my gun rights for a misdemeanor DV conviction?

Yes. Federal law imposes a lifetime firearm prohibition for any misdemeanor crime of domestic violence. This is permanent, applies nationwide, and has no exceptions for hunting or self-defense.

How long is DV treatment in Arizona?

Misdemeanor DV requires minimum 26 weeks of weekly treatment sessions. Felony or repeat DV offenses require 52 weeks. This cannot be shortened and must be completed at your expense ($40-75 per session).

Will DV charges affect my security clearance?

Almost certainly yes. DV raises serious concerns about judgment, impulse control, and trustworthiness. The federal firearm prohibition alone conflicts with many cleared positions. Clearance revocation is a common consequence.

Can I contact my partner during the case?

No-contact orders typically prohibit all contact—direct or through others, including text, email, social media, and mutual friends. Violating no-contact is a separate crime even if the other person initiates contact.

What if we want to reconcile?

The no-contact order remains in effect until modified by the court—regardless of what either party wants. Violation is criminal even if both parties agree to contact. Request a court hearing to modify conditions if reconciliation is desired.

Contact a Chandler Domestic Violence Defense Attorney

Domestic violence charges carry consequences extending far beyond potential jail time—including lifetime firearm prohibition, mandatory lengthy treatment, and for professionals, potential career destruction. Early intervention and aggressive defense can significantly affect outcomes.

Attorney Josh Lopez represents clients facing DV allegations throughout Chandler.

Scottsdale Office:
6991 East Camelback Rd, Suite D-300
Scottsdale, AZ 85251

Phoenix Office:
2601 N 3rd Street, Suite 301
Phoenix, AZ 85004

Call (480) 386-1824 for a free consultation.