Glendale Aggravated Assault Lawyer

Are you facing charges of felony aggravated assault? If so, you need a criminal defense attorney. Our Glendale assault lawyer can provide the defense you need. Assault with a deadly weapon is a serious allegation. Even if you feel you were acting in self-defense, these criminal charges can change your life forever.

Violent crime is a major issue in the local area. Felony assault charges are prosecuted vigorously. Learn more about how you should respond to these charges below. Then, contact Genesis DUI & Criminal Defense Lawyers for a free case consultation.

Aggravated Assault Attorney in Glendale

In Glendale, Arizona, aggravated assault is punished more severely due to its seriousness. The factors that raise an assault to an aggravated assault typically include the use of a weapon, the type or status of the person assaulted, the intent of the person doing the assault, and the severity of the injury inflicted.

The Arizona statute sets the circumstances that will cause a simple assault to turn into an aggravated assault. These circumstances will greatly expand the type of jail or prison time one can receive from the Arizona courts. Any charge and conviction for aggravated assault will create dramatic consequences for the rest of your life.

A Glendale aggravated assault attorney at Canyon State Law can assist you in exploring a legal defense that best fits your case and should provide, at a minimum, a sentence reduction.

The Arizona statute defines an assault (see ARS 13-1203) as knowingly, intentionally, or recklessly causing injury to another person, intentionally causing someone to have a reasonable fear of being harmed, or knowingly touching someone to insult, injure or provoke that person.

These circumstances will greatly expand the type of jail or prison time one can receive from the Arizona courts. Any charge and conviction for aggravated assault will create dramatic consequences for the rest of your life.

An aggravated assault is defined by ARS 13-1204. Below is a brief description of the jail time you may face if you are convicted of an aggravated assault charge.

The below sentence ranges are for first-time offenders only.

• Class 6 aggravated assault charges (resulting in an 18- 36-month prison sentence) can be filed against first-time offenders committing an assault in these instances:
  • Someone unable to resist
  • After entering the victim's home while intending to commit assault
  • Against a minor younger than 15 years old while being at least 18 years old
  • Touching someone in violation of a protection order
  • By knowingly targeting a certain class of people working for the public good, like teachers, paramedics, and firefighters
  • A Class 4 aggravated assault felony may be charged if an assault results in temporary disfigurement of the victim; this may result in a four- to eight-year prison time.
  • Assault causing serious injury to someone else or assault committed with a weapon may result in a Class 3 felony conviction and five to 15 years of jail time. If such an assault is committed against someone under the age of 15, a Class 2 felony may be charged, resulting in seven to 21 months of prison time.

Threatening or Intimidating

Threatening or intimidating another or their property is also considered assault in Arizona and can result in Class 1 misdemeanor charges.

However, the charges increase to a Class 3 felony offense and carry a 3 ½ year prison sentence if the threat is made against a witness to a crime or if the threat is made by someone involved in gang activity or criminal enterprise.

Arizona also considers it assault if a person causes serious public inconvenience, including action that causes evacuation of a public place or building.

Endangerment Laws

Endangerment refers to an act that endangers someone to risk personal physical injury. It is a Class 1 misdemeanor with a potential prison term of up to one year and fines of $2,500.

Reckless or felony endangerment is any behavior that creates the risk of "imminent death" and carries a potential sentence of up to one year in prison and a record as a convicted felon. It is a Class 6 felony and carries a presumptive prison sentence of one year with a maximum of 1 ½ years.

Don't risk your freedom and conviction!

Your criminal history and all the circumstances of the crime will impact the length of your jail time. If this is your second conviction, the jail time can increase to 10 to 20 years in prison, and a third conviction can increase the prison sentence to as much as 15 to 25 years.

Any time you or a loved one is charged with aggravated assault, there is a substantial risk of jail or prison time. However, any experienced, aggressive criminal defense lawyer in Glendale, AZ, will fight to ensure you receive the shortest jail time and sentence possible.

If you or a loved one has been arrested for assault, you should consult with an experienced, qualified criminal attorney at Canyon State Law in Glendale. The attorney will review your case and explain your options.

Thomas Hogle has been fighting the Arizona criminal justice system for over a decade with honest, aggressive, and confidential representation.

Impact of an Aggravated Assault Conviction on Your Life

An aggravated assault conviction can drastically alter your life. It is considered a serious criminal offense and can result in a felony record, impacting your ability to find employment, secure housing, and even limit your travel options.

Additionally, having a felony conviction can result in the loss of certain civil rights, such as voting and owning firearms. The social stigma associated with a violent criminal conviction can also affect personal relationships and community standing.

Beyond the immediate legal penalties like jail time and fines, the long-term consequences of an aggravated assault conviction are severe. You may need help securing loans or financial aid, affecting your future educational opportunities.

A conviction can end your career for those in certain professions, such as teaching or law. Moreover, the conviction can remain on your record permanently, affecting your life decisions and opportunities for years to come.

How You Should Respond To Charges of Aggravated Assault

1. Stay calm and exercise your right to remain silent. When you're accused of aggravated assault, it's crucial to stay calm and not say anything to the police without a lawyer present. Anything you say can be used against you in court.
2. Contact an attorney immediately. Seek legal representation as soon as possible. An experienced criminal defense attorney will guide you through the legal process and work to protect your rights.
3. Do not contact the alleged victim. Avoid any contact with the accuser, as this could be used against you and possibly result in additional charges such as intimidation or harassment.
4. Gather evidence and witnesses. Collect evidence that could support your defense, and list witnesses who can testify on your behalf. Your lawyer can help determine what evidence is most beneficial.
5. Follow all legal advice and court orders. Listen to your attorney's advice and follow any court orders. Disobeying the law while your case is pending could harm your case and lead to additional charges.
6. Stay off social media. Do not discuss your case on social media platforms. Posts can be misinterpreted and used as evidence in the courtroom.
7. Prepare for your defense. Work closely with your attorney to prepare your defense. Being actively involved can help you understand the process and contribute to your defense strategy.

How We Defend You Against Allegations of Aggravated Assault

• Evaluating the evidence. We start by thoroughly reviewing all evidence the prosecution has. We look for inconsistencies or flaws in the evidence presented against you, which can be pivotal in weakening the prosecution's case.
• Using expert witnesses. Our defense strategy may involve using expert witnesses to challenge the prosecution's claims about the nature and seriousness of the alleged victim's injuries. Experts can provide critical insights that refute how the prosecution portrayed the events.
• Developing a counter-narrative. We will develop a strong counter-narrative that presents your side of the story. This may involve detailing your interactions with the alleged victim and the circumstances leading up to the incident to provide context that the charges may overlook.
• Negotiating plea deals. If appropriate, we will negotiate with prosecutors to reduce the charges or the severity of the penalties. A plea deal might be the best course of action, depending on the evidence and your circumstances.
• Aggressive courtroom representation. If your case goes to trial, we provide aggressive representation in the courtroom. We will cross-examine witnesses, challenge the prosecution's arguments, and clearly articulate your defense to strive for a favorable outcome.

Contact Our Glendale Aggravated Assault Lawyer for a Free Case Consultation

Aggravated assault cases are always serious. At Genesis DUI & Criminal Defense Lawyers, we believe in innocent until proven guilty. We will provide you with the robust defense you deserve.

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.