Goodyear Assault Attorney
When an assault charge is looming, you need a defense attorney who understands how the prosecution will approach the case. The former prosecutors at Grand Canyon Law Group can use our years of experience to achieve the best possible outcome in your case.
Contact one of our Goodyear assault lawyers as soon as you are arrested or under investigation. The earlier we get involved, the more helpful we can be.
For a free legal consultation with an assault lawyer serving Goodyear, call 480-400-5555
SIMPLE ASSAULT IS A MISDEMEANOR CHARGE
An assault does not have to result in physical injury. Minor confrontations can lead to simple assault charges.
Under Arizona Revised Statute §13-1203, intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly injuring someone is a Class 1 misdemeanor; causing someone to believe they are in immediate physical harm is a Class 2 misdemeanor; and unwanted touch intended to cause insult or embarrassment is a Class 3 misdemeanor.
The maximum jail sentence when convicted of a Class 1 misdemeanor is six months. The maximum sentence for a Class 3 misdemeanor is 30 days. When an accused has no criminal record and the alleged victim did not suffer significant physical harm, a Goodyear attorney could get an assault charge dismissed or reduced. A person may be able to replace jail time with community service, fines and restitution, substance awareness classes, anger management programs, or a combination of these options.
Goodyear Assault Lawyer Near Me 480-400-5555
AGGRAVATED ASSAULT IS A FELONY
Felonies are the most severe criminal charges. When a felony sentence includes incarceration, the offender must serve time in a state prison, not a local jail. A convicted felon loses the right to vote and possess firearms and has limited opportunities in education, housing, travel, and employment.
When a person has at least two convictions for misdemeanor assault, subsequent assault arrests will likely result in felony charges. In addition, Arizona Revised Statutes §13-1204 lists factors that elevate an assault charge to a felony. An assault can lead to a felony charge if it:
- Causes significant injuries
- Involves a weapon or dangerous instrument
- Happens in the alleged victim’s home
- Is committed against a public servant
Many aggravated assault charges are Class 3 felonies. A prison sentence for a first-time offender ranges from two years to eight years and nine months. When an assault involves a weapon or dangerous instrument, or the alleged victim suffers serious injuries, it is considered a dangerous felony, which carries harsher penalties. A Goodyear defense attorney from Grand Canyon Law Group can work to persuade the prosecutor and judge that mitigating circumstances merit a lenient sentence.
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DEFENSES TO ASSAULT CHARGES
A person is not guilty of assault unless they acted intentionally or recklessly. Although prosecutors can assume intent based on circumstantial evidence, there are often multiple ways to interpret it. A skilled assault lawyer in Goodyear can offer alternative perspectives on the circumstantial evidence to prove that an accused did not intend to cause fright or harm.
The police’s behavior sometimes helps the defense in an assault case. If the police did not inform a person of their rights, denied them the opportunity to speak with an attorney before answering questions, or violated their liberties in some other way, a judge might suppress evidence or dismiss a charge.
Other defenses are possible but depend on the circumstances. Mistaken identity, alibi, and false accusation could be possible defenses in a case.
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TALK TO A GOODYEAR ASSAULT LAWYER IMMEDIATELY AFTER AN ARREST
Defeating an assault charge requires knowledge and skill, whether facing a misdemeanor or felony. For an aggressive defense, contact the experienced team at the Grand Canyon Law Group.
Do not trust your future to anyone but the most seasoned attorney. Time is of the essence, so call today to get started.
Call or text 480-400-5555 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form