Domestic Violence Defense Services in Glendale, AZ
The Allegation Can Affect More Than the Criminal Case
A domestic-violence allegation often reaches into a person’s home, family relationships, communication, and daily routine. An arrest or release order may include conditions that must be followed even when the accused and the other person want contact. The safest first step is to read every order carefully, avoid discussing the facts online, and obtain advice based on the actual charge.
Richard D. Coffinger provides personal defense representation in accepted domestic-violence-designated matters. He has practiced Arizona criminal law since 1972 and approaches these cases with care, preparation, and respect for everyone involved.
What “Domestic Violence” Means Under Arizona Law
In Arizona, domestic violence is often a designation attached to an underlying offense when a qualifying relationship is alleged. A.R.S. § 13-3601 lists covered offenses and relationships, including current or former spouses, people who live or lived in the same household, people who share a child, certain relatives, and people in a current or former romantic or sexual relationship.
The underlying allegation might involve assault, threatening or intimidating, disorderly conduct, criminal damage, harassment, or another offense listed in the statute. The exact complaint—not a general label—controls what the State must prove.
Immediate Practical Cautions
- Follow all release conditions and protective orders as written unless the court changes them.
- Do not assume the other person’s invitation or consent overrides a no-contact order.
- Do not post about the incident or ask another person to relay messages that may violate an order.
- Preserve messages, call logs, photographs, recordings, and other potentially relevant material without altering them.
- Note the next court date and any separate protective-order hearing.
- Speak with a lawyer before making additional statements about the facts.
These are general cautions, not instructions for a specific case.
Can the Alleged Victim “Drop” the Charge?
Usually, the prosecuting authority—not the person identified as the victim—decides whether a criminal charge proceeds or is dismissed. The other person’s wishes may be communicated through appropriate channels and may matter in context, but they do not automatically end a case.
Do not pressure anyone to change a statement or stop participating. Any communication must also comply with release conditions and protective orders. Richard can explain the roles of the court, prosecutor, witnesses, and defense in the particular jurisdiction.
How Richard Evaluates a Domestic Violence Case
Review may include:
- The exact underlying charge and alleged qualifying relationship.
- 911 calls, officer reports, body-camera footage, photographs, and medical records where lawfully available.
- Statements attributed to each person and whether accounts changed over time.
- Messages, call logs, location records, witness accounts, and other context.
- Whether self-defense, defense of another, accident, misidentification, or another issue is supported by the facts and law.
- Release conditions, protective orders, prior history, and collateral concerns that affect strategy.
The existence of conflicting accounts does not guarantee a result. The task is to assess credibility, admissible evidence, legal elements, and the risks of each available path.
Accepted Scope
Domestic violence is one of Richard’s principal practice areas. Call with the underlying offense, court, and any protective-order information to determine whether the matter fits his practice.
A Defense Plan Based on the Record
After reviewing the available information, Richard explains what the State must prove and what options the client may have. Depending on the circumstances, the response may involve investigation, motions, negotiation, trial preparation, or another lawful approach. No website can predict the result of an individual case.
Next Steps
Call Before the Situation Becomes More Complicated
If you have been arrested, cited, served with an order, or given a court date, call to discuss the documents and immediate concerns. The initial telephone consultation is free.
What You Need to Know
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Domestic Violence a Separate Crime in Arizona?
Arizona law commonly uses domestic violence as a designation applied to an underlying listed offense when a qualifying relationship is alleged. The charging document should identify both the offense and DV designation.