As with any criminal allegation or charge, being accused or charged with assault is not something to take lightly. Depending on the circumstances of your case, a conviction could mean a lengthy prison sentence and considerable fines. An assault charge on your criminal record could also have other long-lasting effects on your life.

Prepare for your case by speaking with an attorney about the court process for assault in Connecticut. The assault lawyers at Ruane Attorneys can work to ensure your legal rights are protected. We could review the evidence against you, examine the events that led to your arrest, and construct an effective defense.

Understanding Assault Charges in Connecticut

Assault charges vary in severity depending on several factors, including the circumstances and alleged target. Some assault charges are misdemeanors, while others are felonies punishable by years in jail and thousands of dollars in fines.

For example, first-degree assault is a Class B felony. A person can be charged with first-degree assault in various scenarios, such as when accused of willfully injuring someone with a gun. The consequences of a Class B felony conviction can include five years to multiple decades in prison and a maximum fine of $15,000.

The lowest assault charge in Connecticut is third-degree assault, a Class A misdemeanor. This charge typically involves harming someone through criminal negligence rather than intentional actions. However, the court process for a third-degree assault charge can still carry a sentence of up to 12 months and $2,000 in fines.

The Legal Process for Assault Allegations

Once a person is charged with assault, the next step in the legal process will be their arraignment in court. The court will set a bond on this date, and the defendant will submit a plea to the charge. Depending on the circumstances and the defendant’s criminal history, the bond may involve a financial guarantee the accused must pay before being released to await their next court date.

Pre-Trial Process

Following this initial hearing is a pre-trial conference. The defendant, their attorney, and the prosecution will be at this meeting. Sometimes, both sides will come to a resolution and work out a plea bargain. In other cases, parties may decide to go to trial instead, which would initiate a lengthier discovery process. During the discovery process, both sides exchange information and build their cases in preparation for the court date.

Preparing for Trial

Even if the case proceeds to the trial phase, there may still be many opportunities to resolve the case between the pre-trial conference and trial. A lawyer can assist throughout this process by filing motions to exclude specific evidence or asking the court to dispose of the assault case altogether.

At a trial, both sides will present evidence and witnesses. Ruane Attorneys has defended assault cases at every stage of the legal proceedings, including trial. Our Connecticut lawyers could explain the court process to the defendant and help prepare them for trial.

Call a Connecticut Assault Attorney for Assistance with the Court Process

The court process for assault in Connecticut can be complex and intimidating for anyone without significant legal experience. Many factors can affect the outcome of your case, including the lawyer you hire to represent you. Regardless of the circumstances that led to your arrest, you should consult an attorney with experience and knowledge of the laws and procedures involved.

Ruane Attorneys is here to help present your case before the court or negotiate a favorable plea deal. Our legal team could fight for your rights throughout the court process and tailor a defense strategy to meet your goals. Call now to speak with our lawyers about the best course of action for your case.