Connecticut Third-Degree Assault Lawyer
Working with a top Connecticut third-degree assault lawyer could make a critical difference in the outcome of your case. A knowledgeable criminal defense attorney can fight to protect your interests and help you avoid costly mistakes.
What is Assault in the Third Degree?
In Connecticut, assault occurs when one individual causes physical, bodily injury to another. The degree of the charge depends on the intent of the actor and the injury caused. Charges of assault in the third degree can arise from three distinct situations: intentional harm, reckless conduct causing serious physical injury, and criminally negligent conduct causing physical injury. A Connecticut third-degree assault attorney could explain in more detail how the law applies to a particular situation.
What is Assault in the Third Degree by Intentional Harm?
If an injury is not severe, but someone still acted with the intent to cause harm, then the individual may be charged with Assault in the Third Degree. An intent to cause any injury is sufficient, even if the resulting injury was not the one planned, or if it injured an unintended person.
What is Assault in the Third Degree by Reckless Conduct?
Under C.G.S. §53a-61, individuals may be found guilty of assault in the third degree if they recklessly cause serious physical injury to another person. Recklessness is consciously disregarding a “substantial and unjustifiable risk” of the occurrence of a particular result. Such disregard must differ substantially from the conduct of a reasonable person in the same circumstances,
For an injury caused by reckless conduct to be third-degree assault, it must also be a serious injury. A serious injury is one that:
- Creates a considerable risk of death
- Causes severe disfigurement
- Seriously impairs health
- Causes severe loss of function in bodily organs
What is Third-Degree Assault by Criminally Negligent Conduct?
When an individual causes harm to another through the use of an electronic defense weapon, a dangerous instrument, or a deadly weapon, then the conduct may be treated as assault even if unintentional, so long as their behavior can be termed “criminally negligent.”
Criminal negligence is a failure to recognize a substantial and unjustifiable risk of a certain result.
What are the Penalties for Assault in the Third Degree?
Assault in the third degree is a Class A misdemeanor and is punishable by up to one year of imprisonment, a fine of up to $2,000.00, and/or up to two years probation.
Work with an Experienced Connecticut Third-Degree Assault Attorney
If you have been arrested for Assault in the Third Degree, consult an experienced Connecticut third-degree assault lawyer as soon as possible to minimize the adverse consequences and protect your future. A defense attorney could begin working right away to collect and preserve evidence to build a strong defense. For a consultation to learn more about your options, call Mark Sherman Law today.