Are you facing consequences for an assault charge? The types of assault charges are going to determine the consequences that you are up against. Our Buffalo criminal defense lawyer Arthur Pressman cares about protecting the rights of people who are facing serious charges. Whether you are up against a violation or a felony, we want to hear from you to set up a consultation. Give us a call right away to get started.
As an experienced Buffalo Criminal Defense Lawyer, I often represent clients in assault charge cases. One of the first things clients ask me to explain is the degrees of assault charges.
Here is a rundown of the types of assault charges:
Assault has 3 different levels, which range from a felony to a misdemeanor.
Assaults first and second are both felonies and assault 3rd if a misdemeanor.
The severity of an assault charge depends on how serious the injuries are and can be compounded if a weapon was used or if the assault occurred against a police officer. Assault in the third degree is a Class A misdemeanor. The person who caused the harm had the intent to cause physical injury to another person and, through their actions, does cause such injury. Assault is punishable by up to one year in jail, which is why it is important to hire a knowledgeable Buffalo assault and battery lawyer. Examples of assault in the third degree include:
- Punching someone to cause a black eye
- Pushing someone down to cause a bruise
Assault in the second degree is a Class D violent felony. Assault in the second degree carries a mandatory minimum of two years in state prison and a maximum of seven years. It is dire to have an aggressive Buffalo assault and battery lawyer on your side. Examples of assault in the second degree include:
- Punching someone and breaking their finger
- An injury that causes someone to receive several stitches
Assault in the first degree is a Class B violent felony. This charge requires that intent of the other two degrees of assault is present, except that the intent to cause serious physical injury to the other person is carried out with the use of a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument. Assault in the first degree carries a mandatory minimum of five years in prison with a maximum of 30 years. It is important to have a Buffalo assault and battery lawyer on your side. Examples of assault in the first degree include:
- Stabbing someone in the chest with a knife to cause serious internal injury
- Shooting someone causing serious, but not fatal, injury
Have you been charged with assault and have questions about types of assault charges and the degrees of these charges? If so, contact experienced Buffalo Criminal Defense Lawyer Arthur Pressman for a free consultation. Let his experience work for you.
This educational video was brought to you by Arthur Pressman, an experienced Buffalo Criminal Defense Lawyer.
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