Fairfield Assault Lawyer

If you were arrested for assault in Fairfield Connecticut, you could face jail time, fines, and probation. Fortunately, a top CT criminal defense attorney could help. Contact a Fairfield assault lawyer today for help building a strong defense.

What Is Assault?

Connecticut law establishes three degrees of assault, all of which carry the possibility of jail time. All assault charges involve some kind of non-consensual contact with another person. If the person has a serious injury or if a weapon or dangerous instrument is allegedly used, then the crime becomes much more serious. Furthermore, there are separate assault charges for incidents involving pregnant women, employees of the Department of Corrections, and elderly, blind, or disabled person – many of which come with mandatory jail time upon conviction.

Is an Assault Arrest Considered Domestic Violence in Connecticut?

Assault against a spouse, significant other, relative, or household member may be classified as domestic violence, which leads to protective orders, restrictions on communication, and other pre-trial court orders. Working with a Fairfield assault attorney is the best way to mitigate the potential penalties.

Can I Drop Assault Charges After I Make a Police Report?

In many cases, once an arrest is made, the alleged victim of the assault has no say as to whether the prosecution pursues charges or not. For example, in a domestic violence situation, family or household members may wish to drop the charges, but the prosecution may be unwilling to do so. An assault attorney in Fairfield may be able to advocate on behalf of accused persons in this situation and reach a solution that is in the best interests of the family involved and protects the accused person’s permanent criminal record.

What Is First Degree Assault?

First-degree assault charges are Class B felony charges under Connecticut General Statutes (C.G.S.) § 53a-59. In some situations, first-degree assault involves the intentional infliction of severe bodily harm. For example, these charges may follow an incident in which individuals cause serious physical injury or a substantial risk of death while using a deadly weapon or a dangerous instrument. First-degree assault convictions in Connecticut come with the risk of substantial jail time and fines, and a period of probation. Additionally, if you plead or are found guilty of Assault in the First Degree in Connecticut, then you will be a convicted felon, which will impact your ability to work and travel.

What Is Second Degree Assault?

Under C.G.S. § 53a-60, second-degree assault is a Class D Felony in Connecticut. Experienced Fairfield criminal lawyers usually see an Assault in the Second Degree arrest when someone is alleged to have intended to cause serious physical injury to another person, and actually causes that injury. As with First Degree Assault, a conviction for Assault 2nd Degree will leave you exposed to a felony criminal record, and potential incarceration.

What is Third Degree Assault?

C.G.S. § 53a-61 defines third-degree assault as the intentional infliction of physical harm to others, reckless infliction of severe bodily injury, or negligent infliction of physical harm to others by using a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument. Third-degree assault is a Class A misdemeanor that could leave you facing up to one year in jail, a period of probation, and a fine of up to $2,000.00 if you are convicted.

Regardless of the degree of assault you are facing, it is crucial to get the advice of an assault attorney in Fairfield, who can defend you in court.

Call a Fairfield Assault Attorney for Advice

Assault is a serious crime with potentially severe consequences, including potential jail time, fines, probation, and a permanent criminal record. Furthermore, depending on the situation, some assault charges could result in mandatory minimum sentences of incarceration.

Fortunately, a Fairfield assault lawyer may be able to raise a credible defense or argue for reduced penalties or charges. Contact Mark Sherman Law today to discuss your case.