UConn Assault Lawyer
If you have been accused of a violent crime, a qualified UConn assault lawyer could review the evidence against you and work diligently to get a positive outcome in your criminal case.
What are the Degrees of Assault Under State Law?
As per Connecticut General Statutes (C.G.S.) §53a-61, assault in the third degree is the only level of this offense classified as a misdemeanor. Any person who intentionally causes bodily harm, unintentionally causes serious injury through their reckless actions, or causes any injury to someone else by using a deadly weapon may face a Class A misdemeanor assault charge. This offense is punishable upon conviction by a year-long jail sentence and a maximum $2,000 fine.
According to C.G.S. §53a-60, you may be charged with second-degree assault if you intentionally cause serious injury, intentionally cause physical harm with a weapon other than a firearm, or administer an intoxicating drug or substance to someone else without consent. This offense may be considered a Class D felony or a Class C felony, depending on whether the defendant’s actions resulted in serious injury.
The basic form of first-degree assault defined by C.G.S. §53a-59 is a class B felony, punishable upon conviction by up to 20 years of incarceration and $15,000 in fine. This offense involves intentionally causing serious injury with a deadly weapon, intentionally causing permanent disability or disfigurement, intentionally injuring someone else with assistance from two or more other people, intentionally injuring someone with a firearm, or otherwise causing injury in a way that indicates “extreme indifference to human life.” A UConn attorney could explain the differences between these assault charges and how they might impact the outcome of a case.
When Does Assault Become Aggravated?
Various circumstances may lead to an assault being classified as “aggravated,” allowing for more substantial penalties if the case ends with a conviction. For example, if someone assaults a physically disabled, intellectually disabled, or elderly person and/or commits assault while brandishing a firearm, a convicted defendant would be required to serve one to three years in prison no matter what. Similarly, any degree of assault against a pregnant woman that directly leads to the premature termination of the pregnancy is automatically a class A felony offense. Assistance from a knowledgeable lawyer can be crucial when addressing allegations of aggravated assault at UConn.
Talk to a UConn Assault Attorney Today
Assault charges of any variety can fundamentally alter the course of your life, regardless of whatever circumstances led to the incident in question. If you want to effectively protect your rights and interests in the wake of such an accusation, retaining skilled legal counsel from Mark Sherman Law should be your next step.
Representation from a UConn assault lawyer could make a world of difference when it comes to facing the criminal justice process. Learn more by calling today, and click here to read our over 300 certified client reviews on Avvo.com.