An assault describes a situation where a person has caused physical harm to another. Even if the person did not intend to hurt anyone, acting recklessly and causing harm may still result in a conviction and severe consequences. If you are accused of assault, it is crucial to get legal counsel as soon as possible.

A Hartford assault lawyer at Ruane Attorneys is ready to investigate your arrest and explain the potential consequences of a conviction. We work to gather additional evidence that promotes your case and calls a supposed victim’s recollection of events into doubt. Regardless of the circumstances, legal representation can significantly impact the outcome of your case.

Defending Against Assault Charges in Hartford

State laws provide two strict definitions of assault. According to Connecticut General Statute § 53a-61, an assault in the third degree occurs when a person:

• Intentionally causes a physical injury to another, or
• Acts recklessly and causes an injury

It is essential to know how to fight back against these allegations. One approach is to argue that the alleged offense never took place. A local assault attorney could provide an alibi that places a defendant in a different location at the time of the incident or challenge an alleged victim’s recollection of events.

Another common defense to assault charges is that a defendant acted in self-defense or to protect another victim. A Hartford assault attorney could work to determine which defense strategy best fits the circumstances.

How Does the Law Punish an Assault Conviction?

Assault charges in Hartford come in many forms. The most basic, as defined in the statute listed above, is an assault in the third degree. According to the law, these offenses are class A misdemeanors where a conviction can result in a maximum jail sentence of one year.

However, various circumstances in an assault case may lead to felony charges. Aggravating factors may include the following:

• The alleged victim’s injuries were severe
• The alleged victim was a police officer or child
• The alleged perpetrator used a weapon to commit the offense

In the most extreme cases, Conn. Gen. Stat. § 53a-59 says that an assault conviction could bring a prison sentence as long as 20 years.

Domestic Assault Charges

Some assault cases may fall under the umbrella of domestic violence. This could motivate a prosecutor to pursue a protective order that forces a defendant to cease all contact with the alleged victim. A Hartford assault lawyer works to defeat the allegation at the core of the arrest and contest the need for restrictive restraining orders.

Reach Out to a Hartford Assault Attorney Now

Arrests for assaults must be taken seriously. Even misdemeanor charges will create a criminal record and could force you to spend time in jail upon conviction. A mere arrest could also motivate a court to create a restraining order that limits where you can work, live, or go to school.

A Hartford assault lawyer is ready to protect your rights every step of the way. At Ruane Attorneys, our team can explain the legal concept of an assault and discuss your options for defense strategies. We work to collect additional evidence that justifies your actions or helps to question your presence at the scene. Call us today to learn more about how we can fight for your rights.