Phoenix Battery Defense Attorneys

Facing Battery Charges in Kingman, Yuma, Prescott, Florence, or Holbrook? We Can Help.

Have you been charged with any form of battery? Battery charges can lead to severe and life-altering consequences. These can include substantial jail or prison time, as well as lasting damage to your reputation and significantly diminished future opportunities.

At Cates & Reed, PLLC, we recognize what’s at stake and are prepared to work tirelessly to protect your freedom. Our criminal defense attorneys have over 25 years of experience and a proven track record of successfully defending clients against battery charges. One of our founding lawyers, Dwane Cates, is also an Arizona board-certified specialist in Criminal Law. We understand that each case is unique and requires a tailored approach, which is why we take the time to thoroughly examine all evidence and gather information from every angle. This allows us to build a robust defense strategy that takes into account any mitigating factors or discrepancies in the prosecution's case.

Your future is important to us, and we are here to help you navigate this difficult journey. No matter the circumstances, we are prepared to fight to secure the best possible outcome. Our attorneys work directly with our clients, so you can expect personalized advocacy and unwavering support from beginning to end. 

Don’t wait to seek legal advice if you are facing these serious charges. Our team answers phones 24/7, so call (480) 864-3807 or contact us online to schedule a confidential consultation with our Phoenix battery defense lawyers now.

Common Defense Strategies for Battery Charges in Arizona

When the state files battery charges, prosecutors must prove every specific statutory element of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt, including the defendant's intent, the nature of the weapon used (when applicable), and the severity of the alleged injury. We can work to aggressively challenge these accusations by conducting independent investigations and scrutinizing the evidence to identify weaknesses in the government's case. By applying specific legal defenses tailored to the unique facts of the incident, our team at Cates & Reed, PLLC can work to dismantle the prosecution's narrative and protect your freedom.

Depending on the facts of the case, we may explore one or more of the following defenses for battery charges:

• Self-defense and defense of others. In Arizona, individuals have the right to use physical force when they reasonably believe it is immediately necessary to protect themselves or others from unlawful force. We may be able to argue that you acted reasonably in response to an imminent threat, thereby legally justifying your actions.
• Lack of intent. To secure a conviction for battery, the state must generally prove you acted intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly. We may be able to present evidence demonstrating that the alleged injury resulted from a genuine accident or misfortune, lacking the criminal mental state required for a conviction.
• Disputing "serious physical injury.” Prosecutors sometimes attempt to elevate simple assault to aggravated assault by claiming the victim suffered a “serious physical injury.” We may be able to challenge this classification by utilizing medical experts to show the injury was temporary or minor, rather than the “permanent or protracted” impairment required by law to warrant the higher felony charge.
• Challenging “dangerous instrument” allegations. The state sometimes seeks enhanced penalties by labeling common objects like keys, phones, or vehicles as “dangerous instruments.” We may be able to argue that the object in question, based on how our client used it, did not possess the capacity to cause death or serious physical injury.
• Constitutional violations. If law enforcement infringed upon your rights during the investigation, such as conducting an unlawful search, we can file motions to suppress the illegally obtained evidence, which can lead to a dismissal of charges.
• Mistaken identity or false accusation. In chaotic altercations, witnesses may misidentify the person who harmed them. We may be able to expose inconsistencies in witness testimony and leverage alibi evidence to prove you were not the individual responsible for the attack.

We can represent individuals charged with assault, battery, and other violent crimes in Lake Havasu City, Scottsdale, and the surrounding areas. Call (480) 864-3807 or contact us online now.