Assault charges have far-reaching implications and potentially severe consequences. Building a strong defense is crucial to safeguarding your current way of life.
As a capable Athens assault lawyer, I could help you navigate the criminal defense system by guiding you throughout each stage, offering practical advice, and helping you build a solid defense strategy. Allow me to be your seasoned criminal defense attorney with Andrew H. Stevenson Attorney at Law.
Under Ohio state law, the crime of assault occurs when a person knowingly causes or attempts to cause physical or serious harm to another individual. Depending on the type of harm inflicted and other factors, courts treat assault differently. Regardless of the type of assault charge you are facing, a skilled Athens attorney could review the evidence from your case and aggressively defend your rights.
As a knowledgeable Athens lawyer, I could help you understand what kind of assault charges you face and what a conviction could entail.
According to the Ohio Revised Code § 2903.13, a simple assault happens in one of two ways. The first is when someone knowingly causes harm or attempts to harm a person or their unborn child.
The second is when a defendant recklessly causes serious physical harm to another person or their unborn child. Depending on the circumstances of the actual alleged crime, you could face charges ranging from a first-degree misdemeanor to a fourth-degree felony.
OH Rev. Code § 2903.14 states that negligent assault occurs when someone negligently, by using a weapon or other dangerous object, causes physical harm to a person or their fetus. Negligent assault typically results in third-degree misdemeanor charges.
The prosecutor does not need to prove that the defendant acted knowingly to secure a conviction. However, the prosecution must demonstrate that the defendant failed to act with due care.
Aggravated assault is a more severe offense. It occurs when someone intentionally causes serious physical injury to another person or their fetus in a sudden outburst of rage or passion, as detailed in OH Rev. Code § 2903.12.
It is also considered aggravated assault when a person causes or attempts to harm someone with a deadly weapon or other object. Aggravated assault is generally a fourth-degree felony. The state would need to prove that the defendant committed the assault knowingly, which means that they knew their actions could lead to those consequences.
An offense can escalate to a felonious assault in certain circumstances, as described in OH Rev. Code § 2903.11. Felonious assault may include scenarios where the defendant knowingly caused serious physical harm to another person, knowingly used a deadly weapon, or knowingly engaged in sexual acts with another person without disclosing their HIV-positive status.
Courts typically treat felonious assault as a second-degree felony. However, if the alleged victim is a law enforcement officer, the offender could face first-degree felony charges.
I have served as an advocate for many people facing a wide variety of assault charges and know how to construct effective defense strategies. Whether negotiating to reduce charges, seeking case dismissals, or defending clients in court, I am devoted to ensuring you receive a fair and just outcome.
If you are fearful that you could lose your freedom and face other consequences as a result of assault charges, do not delay. Schedule a consultation with a dedicated Athens assault lawyer today who could fight for your rights and freedoms.
At Andrew H. Stevenson Attorney at Law, I could investigate your case and stand up for you, being your advocate throughout the legal process. Do not face assault charges alone. I am committed to providing personalized and dedicated legal representation to help you achieve the best possible outcome in your case.