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    New Canaan Third-Degree Assault Lawyer

    Third-degree assault carries the potential for a substantial term of imprisonment and a heavy fine. For this reason, it is a good idea for anyone facing third-degree assault charges to consult a New Canaan third-degree assault lawyer for guidance.

    What Behaviors Constitute Third-Degree Assault in New Canaan, CT?

    Connecticut General Statutes (C.G.S.) §53a-61 explains three different types of conduct that are considered assault in the third degree.

    First, when someone intentionally causes a physical injury to another person, then the person may be found guilty of third-degree assault. It does not matter if the actor intended to hurt someone other than the person actually injured. As long as the action was taken with the intent to cause some injury, that is sufficient to satisfy the element of intent.

    Assault in the third degree may also be committed by recklessly, rather than intentionally, causing serious physical injury. C.G.S. §53a-3 defines serious physical injury as a “physical injury which creates a substantial risk of death, or which causes serious disfigurement, serious impairment of health or serious loss or impairment of the function of any bodily organ.” A third-degree assault lawyer in New Canaan may be able to demonstrate that an injury was not serious enough, or that conduct was not committed recklessly.

    Finally, someone may commit criminal third-degree assault by acting with criminal negligence. When someone acting with criminal negligence injures another person with a deadly weapon or similar device, they may be found guilty of assault in the third degree.

    What are the Penalties for Assault in the Third Degree?

    Assault in the third degree is considered a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail, a fine of up to $2,000, and/or up to two years in jail. If a deadly weapon, dangerous instrument, or electronic defense weapon is used in the commission of the crime, then a minimum sentence of one year in jail applies, which the court may not reduce or suspend.

    Depending on the circumstances, a New Canaan third degree assault lawyer may be able to argue that the situation warrants the imposition of alternative penalties or a reduction to a less serious offense.

    In addition to the statutory penalties for third-degree assault, a conviction creates a criminal record that could cause problems for years. With the easy access to information online, anyone could find records of a conviction, or even a charge, unless the record is expunged.

    Talk to a Knowledgeable New Canaan Third-Degree Assault Attorney

    A New Canaan third degree assault lawyer could not only help you fight criminal charges but also take steps to minimize the future consequences. To learn more about the advantages of working with a defense attorney, call Mark Sherman Law.