Accusations of Tempe aggravated assault on a police officer can place you in one of the most severe legal situations. These charges most often follow tense or explosive encounters with the police, such as a traffic stop near Arizona State University or a Mill Avenue fight. The stakes are high—a conviction can get you years in jail and a felony record for life.
At Lerner and Rowe Law Group, our Tempe criminal defense attorneys are familiar with the courts, the prosecutors, and how to develop an aggressive defense plan that protects your freedom and reputation. Call us now at (602) 667-7777 to learn more.
Why Being Charged with Aggravated Assault on a Police Officer in Tempe Requires Experienced Defense
Aggravated assault of a police officer is handled with extreme severity in Arizona law (A.R.S. §13-1204). Even slight physical contact, like pushing or touching an officer while making an arrest, can lead to felony-level charges if the officer was in an official capacity. Such cases in Tempe typically involve body camera footage, witness testimony, and sometimes misunderstandings about what happened.
An experienced Tempe aggravated assault on a police officer attorney can challenge the prosecution narrative, contest intent, and determine if your rights were violated during arrest. Since Tempe police and the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office pursue these charges aggressively, a good defense team is crucial.
Most Common Situations That Lead to Aggravated Assault on a Police Officer Arrests in Tempe
Every case is different. Some of the most common causes we’ve seen include:
- Misunderstandings at major events or ASU parties when feelings are high
- Hastily escalated traffic stops
- Misunderstood self-defense situations handled as attacks
- Intoxication- or mental illness-related incidents
In the majority of these cases, defendants did not intend to cause harm to anyone. Lerner and Rowe Law Group is committed to discovering the facts, de-escalating legal risk, and pursuing alternatives like reduced charges or dismissal where possible.
What are the Possible Penalties for Aggravated Assault on a Police Officer in Tempe?
In Arizona, aggravated assault by a police officer is typically a Class 5 or Class 6 felony, depending on the circumstances and whether or not injury was caused. Convictions may lead to:
- Compelling service in prison (up to 2.5 years for the offender)
- Substantial fines and probation
- Loss of civil rights and gun rights
- Damage to employment, education, and immigration status
Our Tempe aggravated assault on a police officer lawyers know how to negotiate with prosecutors, present mitigating evidence, and build cases that highlight your side of the story.
Why Choose Lerner and Rowe Law Group for Your Defense in Tempe
Our attorneys at Lerner and Rowe Law Group have decades of combined experience and local familiarity with the Tempe Municipal Court and Maricopa County Superior Court systems. Our attorneys understand how the police work in areas like downtown Tempe and the ASU campus—and we use that local insight to get a head start on the prosecution.
Our aggressive and individualized defense strategy is focused on reviewing all of the evidence, challenging unconstitutional arrests, and keeping you in the mix every step of the way. Most importantly, we treat each client with dignity and compassion, aware that good people find themselves in bad situations.
Tempe Aggravated Assault on a Police Officer FAQs
Reach Out to Lerner and Rowe Law Group Today
If you’ve been accused of assaulting an officer, don’t wait to build your defense. Call (602) 667-7777, fill out our online form, or use LiveChat for your free consultation. The Tempe aggravated assault on a police officer lawyers at Lerner and Rowe Law Group are available 24/7 to protect your rights and fight for your future.