Columbiana Assault Lawyer

Assault charges may occur for a variety of reasons in Columbiana. No matter the cause of the allegation, a criminal charge or conviction could lead to a variety of harsh penalties for accused individuals.

If you are facing criminal charges or prosecution for assault, let a Columbiana assault lawyer assist you with your case. A well-versed defense attorney could review your assault charges and represent you in any criminal proceedings.

Assault could be charged in the first, second, or third degree in Columbiana. Since first-degree assault is the most serious of the three, it is accompanied by more severe penalties upon conviction. As an experienced lawyer could explain, actions that may lead to first-degree assault charges include the use of a deadly weapon to deliberately cause permanent disability, disfigurement, or other serious physical harm to another person.

While second-degree assault also involves causing serious physical injury to a person, it does not necessarily involve the use of a weapon. In addition, assaulting a police officer, first responder, teacher, or healthcare worker is also considered second-degree assault.

In comparison to the other two offenses, third-degree assault only involves causing or attempting to cause mild or non-life threatening harm or injury to another person. Given the specific differences between each type of offense, an assault attorney in Columbiana could provide a more detailed explanation regarding their nuances.

In conjunction with assault in the first, second, or third degree, the Alabama criminal code also lists other types of assault offenses. These offenses include:

• Menacing
• Reckless endangerment
• Criminal coercion
• Compelling of street gang membership

Menacing refers to placing a person in fear of imminent serious physical injury, while reckless endangerment involves an individual carelessly engaging in conduct that creates a substantial risk of serious bodily injury to others. In comparison, criminal coercion consists of using threats or force to compel an unwilling individual to participate in an unlawful act.

Similarly, the compelling of street gang membership involves the use of threats or force to compel a person to join a gang. A knowledgeable lawyer could answer specific questions about the various types of criminal assault charges a defendant in Columbiana may face.

The legal penalties for assault convictions in Columbiana vary depending on the nature of the offense and the degree by which it was charged. In Columbiana, first and second-degree assault are both felonies, while third-degree assault is a misdemeanor.

Assault in the first degree is a Class B felony punishable by a prison sentence between two and 20 years and a possible $30,000 fine. Comparatively, assault in the second degree is a Class C felony punishable by a prison sentence of one to ten years and a possible $15,000 fine. Third-degree assault, which is the least severe of the three, is a Class A misdemeanor punishable by a jail sentence of up to one year and a fine up to $6,000.

Additional assault offenses such as menacing, reckless endangerment, and criminal coercion may be charged as misdemeanors with penalties no higher than those associated with third-degree assault. An attorney could explain which penalties a person in Columbiana may face for their assault charges.

While being charged with and prosecuted for an assault offense can be a stressful and overwhelming experience, you do not have to go through it alone. A Columbiana assault lawyer could assist you in building your defense and asserting your rights. Call today to schedule an initial consultation.