Bridgeport Aggravated Assault Lawyer
If you are facing serious assault charges, the consequences may include steep fines, years in prison, and a permanent criminal record. You need a strong defense from a Bridgeport aggravated assault lawyer as soon as possible.
At The Law Office of Mark Sherman, LLC, we have built a reputation for providing aggressive criminal defense representation to clients across Connecticut. Our assault defense attorneys are committed to fighting for the best available resolution to your criminal case.
Understanding Aggravated Assault Charges
Connecticut’s penal code does not use the term aggravated assault as a standalone charge. Instead, charges that would commonly be called aggravated assault are prosecuted under Assault in the First Degree and Assault in the Second Degree. What separates these charges from simple assault is the presence of factors that make the offense more serious, such as intent to cause serious physical injury, use of a deadly weapon, or the identity of the victim.
Under Connecticut General Statutes (C.G.S.) § 53a-59, Assault in the First Degree is a Class B felony and carries 1 to 20 years in prison, with a mandatory minimum of five years if a firearm was used during the commission of the crime. Mandatory minimum means that the period of jail time cannot be suspended in any way. Assault in the Second Degree (C.G.S. § 53a-60) is a Class D felony and carries up to five years in prison and up to $5,000 in fines. Factors that can elevate a charge to these levels include:
- Intentionally causing serious physical injury;
- Using a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument;
- Assault causing permanent disfigurement or loss of organ function;
- Assault committed with extreme indifference to human life; and/or
- Assault on a protected victim, such as a police officer, pregnant person, elderly person, or blind person.
When assault charges arise in a domestic context, the consequences extend beyond criminal penalties. A domestic violence finding can trigger a protective order, affect custody arrangements, and result in immediate removal from your home. These collateral consequences make it critical to act decisively and retain a skilled aggravated assault attorney in Bridgeport as early as possible.
What Are Some Defenses Against Assault Charges?
No two assault cases are the same, and the right defense strategy depends entirely on the specific facts of your case. When you work with a Bridgeport aggravated assault attorney from our firm, we conduct a thorough review of the evidence against you and identify every available avenue of defense.
Self Defense or Defense of Others
Self-defense or defense of others is one of the most common defenses to assault charges. Connecticut law permits the use of physical force when you reasonably believe it is necessary to protect yourself or another person from imminent harm.
Lack of Intent
Lack of intent can be a powerful argument when the facts support it, as this is a critical component in securing a conviction for many assault charges. If intent cannot be established, the charge may not hold up.
Credibility of Witnesses
The credibility of witnesses is another area our attorneys examine closely. Witness accounts are often inconsistent or biased. We aggressively challenge testimony that does not hold up under scrutiny.
Insufficient Evidence
Insufficient evidence is a defense we will raise at every possible stage. We will push back hard if the evidence is weak or improperly obtained.
Our attorneys have handled assault cases throughout Connecticut. We know the local prosecutors, the judges, and how these cases move through the system. That experience gives us a real advantage when building your defense.
Call a Bridgeport Lawyer About Aggravated Assault Charges
The consequences of an assault conviction can affect you for the rest of your life. If you are dealing with serious assault charges, do not wait. The Law Office of Mark Sherman, LLC, is ready to fight to protect your rights, record, and future at every stage of the legal process.
The sooner you contact us for an initial consultation, the sooner a Bridgeport aggravated assault lawyer from our team can answer your questions and begin building your defense. Reach out to Mark Sherman Law today and read some reviews from satisfied past clients to see how we may help you.