Assault cases typically involve allegations that a defendant has caused injury to another. However, the law also states that a prosecutor can bring enhanced charges if they believe that the incident resulted in serious harm, if the event involved a dangerous weapon, or even based on the identity of the alleged victim.

These combined factors make many assault cases more complex than they first appear. This means that a defense against these charges must be equally nuanced to protect the rights of the accused. If you face assault charges, a hardworking attorney is ready to help. At Ruane Attorneys, an East Windsor assault lawyer could help you avoid the severe penalties and stigma that can result from a conviction.

Legal Definition of Assault

State law provides definitions for assault under Connecticut General Statute § 53a-59-61a. This law says that an assault involves one key concept: that an alleged victim suffered a physical injury. Unlike in many other states, the mere attempt to cause harm to another is not enough to justify a charge.

In some cases, a person may face charges for assault in the third degree even if they did not intend to cause harm. This same statute makes it an offense to recklessly cause serious harm or to negligently cause harm through the use of a weapon.

Aggravating Factors for Assault Charges

Assault offenses are typically class A misdemeanors. Still, there are certain aggravating factors that can increase the severity of penalties a defendant faces. These include:

• The identity of the alleged victim, such as a police officer or elderly person
• The intentional use of a weapon to cause an injury
• Causing serious injury with the intent to do so

State law also defines the crimes of assault in the second and first degrees. A knowledgeable attorney in East Windsor could provide more information about assault offenses and what a prosecutor must prove to obtain a conviction.

Defending Assault Cases in East Windsor

Many effective defenses against assault allegations begin long before a case goes to trial. In fact, a lawyer could be of assistance as soon as a person learns that they are a suspect for an alleged crime. A local assault attorney can work to protect a person from aggressive police interrogations or shield them from making damaging statements while in custody.

A lawyer in the area could also help by performing an independent investigation into the alleged assault. This could include talking to witnesses or obtaining security camera footage. If the case goes to trial, an assault attorney could present evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and dispute the legality of police work to create reasonable doubt concerning the allegations. This could help a defendant obtain a reduced penalty or even total dismissal of the charges.

Reach Out to an East Windsor Assault Attorney Today

Assault charges must be taken seriously. Beyond potential jail time and other penalties, even a misdemeanor conviction will create a criminal record that could impact you for years to come. More serious assault allegations could lead to felony charges that come with mandatory-minimum prison sentences.

No matter the severity of the charge you face, an East Windsor assault lawyer is ready to fight for you. The legal team at Ruane Attorneys could explain the relevant laws, gather evidence that helps your case, and protect your rights throughout the proceedings. Give our firm a call now to get started.