Individuals who are facing assault charges in Alabama should know that the potential punishments for any assault convictions can be severe. Incarceration is a possibility even in misdemeanor assault cases. Contacting a Trussville assault lawyer may be essential to your ability to avoid or minimize the consequences of charges.
When facing assault accusations, you should learn about the potential consequences of a conviction prior to making any decisions. Working with a skilled criminal defense lawyer may enable you to develop a clear defense strategy and focus on a positive resolution in your case.
What Constitutes an Assault Offense?There are various assault offenses in Alabama, including first, second, and third-degree assault. Pursuant to Code of Alabama § 13A-6-20, first-degree assault always involves intentional or reckless actions that cause serious bodily injury to others, such as:
Second-degree assault, according to Ala. Code § 13A-6-21, also involves intentional or reckless behavior that results in bodily harm. However, second-degree assault encompasses situations in which the injuries and circumstances are less serious. According to assault lawyers in Trussville, these situations include, but are not limited to, causing intention injury to health care workers, teachers, peace and correctional officers, and other emergency responders. Second-degree assault also includes administering harmful drugs to a person without their consent.
Under Ala. Code § 13A-6-22, third-degree assault involves taking certain intentional, reckless, and negligent actions that cause physical injuries. Third-degree assault includes causing physical injuries and using deadly or dangerous instruments to cause physical injuries in a criminally negligent manner. This offense also may occur when people cause physical injuries with the intent of preventing peace officers from carrying out their official duties.
Penalties for Various Assault Offenses LevelsAssault in the first degree is a Class B felony. Pursuant to Ala. Code § 13A-5-6, a Class B felony could result in a prison sentence ranging from two to 20 years. However, if individuals use deadly weapons or firearms, there is a minimum ten-year prison sentence.
Second-degree assault is a Class C felony, which may result in a prison sentence of no less than one year and one day and no more than ten years. However, the use of deadly weapons or firearms could result in a minimum prison sentence of ten years. Nonetheless, a focused assault attorney in Trussville could advise to the potential for a suspended sentence.
Third-degree assault is a Class A misdemeanor. Under Ala. Code § 13A-5-7, offenses classified as Class A misdemeanors carry a potential jail sentence of no more than one year.
Get Advice From an Assault Attorney in Trussville TodayAside from the criminal penalties in an assault case, there are other consequences that you could face. Having an assault conviction could make finding and keeping employment more difficult. Working with a Trussville assault lawyer throughout criminal proceedings may be key to preventing this collateral damage in your life.
There are potential defenses that you may be able to raise in assault cases to fight back against your charges. Working with competent legal counsel may allow you to determine the validity of possible defenses and incorporate them into an effective defense strategy. Contact us today.