Fighting Against Assault Charges After the 2023 Super Bowl in Phoenix
The 2023 Super Bowl will bring thousands of visitors to Phoenix, Arizona, but it also led to a number of arrests, including those for assault. If you or someone you know has been charged with assault after the Super Bowl, it’s important to understand the charges and the best way to defend against them. If you or a loved one are charged with Assault in Phoenix you should know what questions to ask when you consult with an attorney.
What is Assault in Arizona?
In Arizona, assault is defined as intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causing physical injury to another person. It can also include threatening or causing fear of immediate physical harm, or knowingly touching another person with the intent to injure, insult or provoke such person. That could mean even spitting on someones foot would be considered an assault. Arizona has different Assault charges in its books. Meaning, an Assault charge can lead to ‘minor’ or serious consequences depending on the specific case. Even minor charges can result in very real long term consequences that no-one should want to go through. A charge for Aggravated Assault for example, can result in a felony conviction, fines, and prison time.
Penalties for Assault in Arizona
The penalties for assault in Arizona depend on the severity of the crime and the circumstances surrounding the incident. For example, a simple assault is a Class 1 misdemeanor, which is punishable by up to 6 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. However, if the assault was committed with a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument, it can be charged as a Class 3 dangerous felony, which carries a prison term of anywhere from 5-7.5-15 years in prison even if you have never been in trouble before
How to defend against assault charges
There are several defenses that a criminal defense attorney may use to fight against assault charges in Arizona. Some of the most common defenses include:
- Self-defense: If the defendant was acting in self-defense or defense of others, they may be able to have the charges reduced or dropped.
- Lack of intent: If the defendant did not intend to cause physical injury or threaten harm, they may not be found guilty of assault.
- Misidentification or third party, where sometimes the person is misidentified by a witness when a third party really committed the assault.
- False accusations: It’s not uncommon for people to falsely accuse others of assault, especially in situations where alcohol is involved.
- Insufficient evidence: If there is not enough evidence to support the charges, the defendant may be able to have the charges dropped.
Jack Litwak Can Help You
If you or someone you know has been charged with assault after the 2023 Super Bowl in Phoenix, Arizona, it’s important to seek the help of an experienced criminal defense attorney, like Jack Litwak. A criminal defense attorney will be able to evaluate the case and determine the best course of action to defend against the charges. We do everything we can to get cases dismissed, obtain not guilty verdicts at trial, or negotiate with the prosecutor to offer a plea to a reduced charge or without incarceration. Being charged with assault after a public event, like a Football game, can be a frightening and overwhelming experience. However it is possible to fight against the charges and achieve the best possible outcome with an experienced and aggressive criminal defense lawyer
