Self Defense Claims

Chandler - Phoenix, Arizona Criminal Law Attorney Assisting Clients With Self-Defense Claims

Criminal cases and the events that led up to the charges are not always black and white. There are often circumstances that explain why someone may have acted as they did — and allow them to assert a legitimate self-defense claim. Self-defense can be extremely difficult to prove in court, so claiming it requires experienced criminal defense counsel.

Jamal F. Allen is a former Maricopa County prosecutor. He knows that prosecutors are likely to attack self-defense claims. Now a criminal defense attorney, he knows how to construct an effective self-defense argument in anticipation of this confrontation.

If you have been charged with a crime and believe you have a legitimate claim of self-defense, contact our Chandler office to schedule a free consultation with an experienced criminal defense lawyer today.

We Will Not Assume You Are Guilty

At Allen & Associates, PLC we have successfully asserted self-defense claims on behalf of clients charged with:

• Negligent homicide
• Aggravated assault
• Reckless endangerment
• Gun and weapons offenses

In Arizona, you may bring a gun into a bar as long as you are not drinking. If someone tries to attack you with a bat or knife, you can draw your gun in self-defense. You may also defend a loved one from an attack or robbery in circumstances where you are in imminent danger and self-defense is the only option.

The burden is on the defense to prove self-defense. Unlike the prosecution, however, which has to prove every element of its case beyond a reasonable doubt, the defense only needs to show that the self-defense claim is legitimate. The prosecution then has to refute the claim.

In order to prove self-defense when firearms are involved, we sometimes consult with tactical weapons specialists, private investigators and detectives to probe details that may support your claim to self-defense. Attorney Allen is a gun rights advocate who believes that self-defense claims in weapons cases are often very winnable.

In many criminal cases where the defendant claims self-defense, unfortunately, the prosecutor's first, second and last offers usually involve prison time. Our team will do everything we can to help negotiate lesser charges or a reduced sentence — or we will asset your claim in court. Contact our Chandler office today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced criminal defense attorney.