Someone facing an aggravated assault charge risks significant time in prison, even for a first offense. Working with an experienced defense attorney is imperative when the stakes are so high.
An aggravated assault lawyer in Mesa can help you manage a criminal proceeding and present a robust defense. At Grand Canyon Law Group, we have over 100 years of combined experience. We can collect and present all available evidence and work to achieve a favorable result and preserve your future.
For compassion, honesty, and results, call a Mesa assault lawyer from our firm today to talk about your options during a confidential consultation.
Why Choose Us for Your Aggravated Assault Defense?
Facing aggravated assault charges can be stressful, especially when you are unsure what happens next. At Grand Canyon Law Group, we are here to help from the start.
Our Mesa criminal defense lawyers provide experienced legal guidance, responsive communication, and a defense strategy built around the details of your case.
- Over a century of combined experience: Our aggravated assault lawyers in Mesa bring more than 100 years of combined legal experience to the cases we handle. We understand how to approach serious criminal charges and build a defense based on the circumstances of your case.
- Thousands of clients defended: Grand Canyon Law Group has defended thousands of clients facing criminal charges. We understand the challenges that can come with an arrest and will work to protect your rights throughout the process.
- Available 24/7: Criminal charges can happen at any hour. Our team is available 24/7 when you need legal guidance, have questions, or want to discuss what to do next.
- Former prosecutors on staff: Our team includes former prosecutors who understand how the prosecution may approach an aggravated assault case. We’ll use that experience to examine the evidence and look for weaknesses in the case against you.
- Efficient pre–charge defense: If you are under investigation but have not been charged, getting an attorney involved early can be important. We can begin working on your behalf during the pre-charge stage and take steps to protect your rights before formal charges are filed.
- Free consultation and flexible payment plans: You can speak with our Mesa aggravated assault lawyers during a free consultation to discuss your situation and legal options. We also offer flexible payment plans to help make criminal defense more accessible.
For a free legal consultation with an aggravated assault lawyer serving Mesa, call 480-400-5555
Aggravated Assault Charges Explained
An assault is:
- Intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causing physical injury to another person;
- Intentionally placing someone in reasonable apprehension of imminent physical injury; or
- Knowingly touching someone with the intent to injure, insult, or provoke them
Arizona Revised Statute §13-1204 defines aggravated assault as an assault committed under specific aggravating circumstances, such as causing serious physical injury or disfigurement, using a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument, or assaulting certain protected individuals.
Alternatively, an alleged victim’s identity could elevate an assault charge to aggravated assault. A prosecutor could charge a simple assault as a felony if the alleged victim is a:
- Healthcare worker
- Correctional employee (when the accused is in custody)
- Park ranger
- Teacher
- Court officer
The charge is considered a dangerous crime against a child if the alleged victim is 15 or younger and the accused is at least 18.
A prosecutor could bring aggravated assault charges if a drunk or reckless driver caused an accident leading to someone suffering disfigurement or severe injuries.
They may also aggravate an assault charge if the incident occurred in the alleged victim’s home, the accused violated a protective order, or the alleged victim was physically restrained. Whatever the basis for bringing an aggravated assault charge, our Mesa attorneys can formulate an effective defense strategy.
Mesa Aggravated Assault Lawyer Near Me 480-400-5555
Penalties for Aggravated Assault Conviction in Mesa, AZ
The law assigns different degrees of severity to aggravated assault. The charge could range from a Class 6 non-dangerous felony to a Class 2 dangerous felony against a child, depending on the aggravating factors.
Arizona’s sentencing provisions govern an offender’s potential punishment. Every crime has a presumptive sentence within a range of minimum and maximum sentences. The ranges vary depending on whether the offender has prior criminal convictions.
When the crime is a non-dangerous felony, probation is available to first offenders instead of prison. A judge could find mitigating factors to reduce the sentence from the statutory minimum and aggravating factors to increase the sentence over the statutory maximum.
Disfigurement
When an assault results in disfigurement or a fracture without other serious injury, the crime is a Class 4 non-dangerous felony. The possible sentence for a first offender ranges from probation to prison for up to three years and nine months.
Serious Injury
An aggravated assault that causes a severe injury is a Class 3 dangerous felony. Probation is not possible for first offenders, and if the judge finds aggravating circumstances, they could sentence a first offender to up to 15 years in prison.
The presumptive prison sentence is seven years and six months with a minimum sentence of five years. For someone with prior convictions, the sentence may be much longer.
Deadly Weapon or Dangerous Instrument
When an alleged assault involves a weapon, the criminal charge is a dangerous felony that subjects an accused to harsher punishment.
Knives and guns are obviously dangerous weapons, but a prosecutor could bring an aggravated assault charge if the accused had a sharp object, caustic substance, or anything heavy that they could use to threaten someone. A car could be considered a dangerous weapon in some circumstances.
Aggravated assault with a dangerous instrument is a Class 3 dangerous felony, and a first offender faces a presumed sentence of seven and a half years in prison. The range of possible prison time extends from five to 15 years. When the offender has one prior conviction, longer prison sentences apply.
The Victim is a Public Servant
When the crime would be a misdemeanor assault except that the alleged victim is a public servant, a prosecutor could charge a Class 6 felony. A first offender could get probation only or a prison sentence of up to two years with aggravating circumstances.
When an offender is convicted of aggravated assault against a police officer while armed or causing serious injury to the officer, the crime is a Class 2 dangerous felony. Under ARS §13-1204(C), the court must sentence the offender to no less than the presumptive term, meaning a first offender faces a minimum of ten years and six months in prison.
For someone with one prior Class 2 or 3 dangerous felony conviction, the minimum sentence increases to 14 years. For someone with two or more such prior convictions, the minimum sentence is 21 years in prison.
The Victim is 15 or Younger
When the alleged victim is a child, an aggravated assault is a Class 2 Dangerous Crime Against a Child (DCAC), which carries enhanced penalties. Our Mesa aggravated assault attorneys can explain how the alleged victim’s age might affect a prison sentence in a specific case.
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Defend Yourself With an Experienced Mesa Aggravated Assault Attorney Today
A conviction for aggravated assault could lead to substantial time in prison and permanently affect the course of your life. You risk your freedom if you do not hire a seasoned defense attorney from our criminal law firm.
A Mesa aggravated assault lawyer at our firm will put their knowledge and experience to work for you. Speak to a skilled legal professional today by calling Grand Canyon Law Group or visit our FAQ page to learn more about how we can defend you against criminal charges. Defense. Done Right.
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