I AM ACCUSED OF A "DANGEROUS OFFENSE". WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?
The allegation that a crime is a dangerous offense is a special allegation under the Arizona Revised Statutes. That means the charge dangerous offense is not a separate and individual crime; rather, it is an allegation that another crime was so severe that it was a dangerous offense. Typically, the state will allege a crime is dangerous because the defendant used a dangerous weapon such as a gun or knife.
In many cases, the state will allege that mundane items like a car or sidewalk is a dangerous weapon. Examples of dangerous offenses include aggravated assault, armed robbery, kidnapping, and bank robbery. Is is similar to the allegation "dangerous crimes against children", but used when the alleged victim is over 15 years old.
HOW SERIOUS IS A "DANGEROUS OFFENSE ALLEGATION"?
It is an extremely serious allegation because if the state convicts someone of a dangerous offense, the defendant must go to prison. The defendant cannot receive probation. Also, dangerous offenses have longer prison sentences than the corresponding non-dangerous offenses.
CAN I FIGHT A "DANGEROUS OFFENSE ALLEGATION"? HOW?
Yes, you can fight it!
We handle dangerous offenses from across the State of Arizona, and just because the alleged offense is a dangerous offense, that does not mean a defendant is helpless. An effective and determined defense attorney will defend a dangerous offense case just like any other criminal case. He will investigate the facts and attack the state's evidence; he will work hard to get an agreeable plea agreement; and if necessary, he will defend the case aggressively in trial.
Contact Vladimir Gagic at his Phoenix office today by calling 602-955-1985.
