Domestic Violence in Arizona

When domestic violence is portrayed in films or other media, it typically involves a husband hitting his spouse, or acts of a similar nature. While that behavior does meet the definition of domestic violence in Arizona, it is not limited to such acts. At the same time, there are rules listing the relationships between parties necessary to fall within the scope of domestic violence.

At the outset, domestic violence is a distinct criminal offense in Arizona under A.R.S. 13-3601, although it is typically charged along with another offense, such as assault. It is defined as one of many crimes (see below), which may be committed by a person with one of several types of relationships with the victim. Those relationships include:

• Married and formerly married couples, or couples living (or formerly living) together.
• Couples with a child in common.
• Couples where one party is pregnant by the other.
• Parties related by blood (child, grandchild, etc.), in-laws, step-relatives, to the victim or the victim’s spouse
• Any person who has lived in the same household as the defendant.
• A defendant who is or was involved in a sexual or romantic relationship with the victim (as determined by the nature and length of the relationship, and other factors).

Obviously, this includes more than violence between married couples. Domestic violence also covers numerous underlying crimes, among them: 

• Criminal trespass.
• Criminal damage
• Disclosure of certain photos.
• Endangering a minor.
• Child abuse.
• Harassment.
• Stalking.

The list goes on, and it is obviously extensive. The point is that a domestic violence charge can involve relationships well beyond husband/wife and boyfriend/girlfriend, and a wide variety of criminal acts. And as you might expect, the potential classification of the offense ranges from simple misdemeanors to serious felonies.

Law Offices of David A. Black
40 North Central Avenue #1850
Phoenix, AZ 85004
(480) 280-8028