Facing a domestic violence charge in Phoenix can change everything—your freedom, your family, and your future. Arizona’s strict laws and mandatory arrest policies mean that even a single accusation can lead to immediate jail time and serious long-term consequences. If you’ve been accused, it’s critical to work with a skilled Phoenix domestic violence lawyer who can take swift action to defend your rights.

At Salwin Law Group, we offer experienced, aggressive legal representation for individuals facing domestic violence charges in Phoenix, Scottsdale, and throughout Maricopa County. Led by Stewart Salwin, a Harvard Law graduate and former Maricopa County prosecutor, we understand how these cases are built—and how to dismantle them. From day one, our goal is to protect your rights, minimize the impact on your life, and guide you through every step of the legal process.

Call Salwin Law Group today at (480) 702-1789 or contact us online to schedule a confidential consultation. Want to hear what past clients say about working with us? Read our reviews.

What Does a Phoenix Domestic Violence Lawyer Do?

A Phoenix domestic violence lawyer protects your rights, reputation, and future throughout every stage of the criminal process. At Salwin Law Group, that means launching an immediate investigation, challenging weak evidence, negotiating with prosecutors, and fighting for favorable outcomes in court. We understand the unique emotional and legal complexity of domestic violence cases, and we develop defense strategies tailored to your specific circumstances. With deep experience in Maricopa County courts, we know what prosecutors are thinking—because we used to be one of them.

Understanding Domestic Violence Charges in Arizona

In Arizona, domestic violence is not a stand-alone crime—it’s a legal classification applied to other offenses when the alleged victim shares a qualifying relationship with the defendant. Under A.R.S. § 13-3601, this can include current or former spouses, romantic partners, roommates, or co-parents.

Common charges include Assault/Domestic Violence, Criminal Damage/DV, Threatening or Intimidating, and Disorderly Conduct. A third domestic violence conviction within seven years may be charged as a felony under Arizona’s Aggravated Domestic Violence statute.

Police in Phoenix often make arrests on minimal evidence due to mandatory response protocols. Prosecutors may file charges even if the alleged victim doesn’t want to—known as a “no-drop” policy. Salwin Law Group has successfully defended clients against these aggressive and often unfair practices.

Immediate Steps to Take After a Domestic Violence Arrest

  1. Remain silent. Anything you say can be used against you. Request a lawyer immediately.
  2. Understand any protective orders. These can restrict your access to your home or children. Violating them adds new charges.
  3. Attend your initial appearance. Usually held within 24 hours, this hearing sets bail and release conditions. Legal representation here is crucial.
  4. Contact Salwin Law Group immediately. Early intervention may help reduce charges, avoid formal filing, or secure favorable conditions.
  5. Preserve evidence. Save texts, emails, call logs, photos, or any details that may support your defense or disprove the accusation.

What you do in the first 48 hours can dramatically affect the outcome of your case. Let us help you take the right steps.

Potential Consequences of a Domestic Violence Conviction

  • Criminal penalties: Misdemeanors carry up to six months in jail, fines up to $2,500, and 26–52 weeks of mandatory counseling. Felonies involve longer prison sentences, higher fines, and lifelong consequences.
  • Firearm restrictions: Federal and state laws prohibit individuals convicted of domestic violence from possessing firearms—a serious issue for military members or law enforcement officers.
  • Immigration status: Non-citizens may face removal proceedings or be denied citizenship due to a DV conviction.
  • Family law implications: A DV conviction can affect custody, visitation, and parenting rights—often resulting in supervised visits or loss of custody.
  • Employment issues: A criminal record may impact background checks, professional licenses, and career advancement.

These cases impact far more than just your record. At Salwin Law Group, we work to protect every aspect of your future—not just your legal defense.

Common Defense Strategies in Domestic Violence Cases

Every domestic violence case is different, but strong defenses may include:

  • False accusations: Sometimes, accusations are made out of spite during breakups or custody disputes. We know how to expose ulterior motives.
  • Self-defense: If you were acting to protect yourself from harm, we gather evidence to prove your actions were justified.
  • Lack of evidence: Many cases lack witnesses or physical evidence. We challenge the credibility of the accusations.
  • Constitutional violations: Illegal searches, coerced statements, or violations of your rights may result in suppressed evidence or dismissal.
  • Procedural errors: Mistakes by police or prosecution can compromise the integrity of the case.

As a former prosecutor, Stewart Salwin anticipates these weaknesses and uses them to your advantage in building your defense.

The Legal Process for Domestic Violence Cases in Maricopa County

Domestic violence cases in Phoenix follow a predictable but high-stakes path:

  1. Arrest & Initial Appearance: Bail and release conditions are set.
  2. Arraignment: You enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
  3. Pretrial Conferences: Both sides discuss resolutions, review evidence, and negotiate possible plea deals.
  4. Motions: Your attorney may challenge evidence, request a dismissal, or suppress unconstitutional searches.
  5. Trial: If no agreement is reached, the case may proceed to trial. Our firm cross-examines witnesses and presents evidence in your defense.
  6. Sentencing (if convicted): The court considers prior record, nature of offense, and mitigating factors. We advocate for the lightest sentence possible.

Salwin Law Group guides you through every step—ensuring no deadlines are missed, no evidence overlooked, and no opportunity wasted.

Diversion and Alternative Resolutions

Not every case has to go to trial. Maricopa County offers diversion programs and deferred prosecution agreements for eligible individuals. These options often involve counseling, education, or treatment—and can result in dismissal of charges upon successful completion.

We can also negotiate reduced charges or plea deals to avoid harsher penalties and a lasting criminal record. Voluntary steps like entering counseling early can show the court your willingness to take responsibility and change course.

Salwin Law Group explores every alternative available while preparing for trial as a fallback—so you’re protected from all sides.

Why Choose Salwin Law Group

  • Prosecutorial insight: Stewart Salwin is a former felony prosecutor who knows the tactics the State uses—and how to beat them.
  • Harvard-trained legal strategist: With an Ivy League background and local courtroom experience, you get top-tier advocacy and deep Arizona legal knowledge.
  • Personalized attention: You’ll work directly with Mr. Salwin throughout your case—not be passed off to a junior associate.
  • Proven track record: Hundreds of criminal cases successfully resolved through dismissals, acquittals, and favorable negotiations.

Our firm’s mission is simple: protect your future, defend your name, and guide you toward the best possible outcome.

Take the First Step to Protect Your Rights

If you’ve been accused of domestic violence, don’t wait. Time is your enemy, and early mistakes can be difficult to undo. The sooner you contact Salwin Law Group, the more options we have to intervene, negotiate, and build a strategic defense on your behalf.

Call us today at (480) 702-1789 or visit www.salwinlaw.com to schedule a confidential consultation. You don’t have to face this alone—and you shouldn’t.