CALL 24/7 365 | SE HABLA español
New Haven Assault Lawyer
Ruane Attorneys is a law firm founded on one guiding principle – put the client first. Since founding partner James J. Ruane began practicing law in 1978, we have been making a difference both inside and outside of the courtroom. If you or a loved one has been charged with a crime, get the team trusted by clients with over 1000 Google Reviews and a rating over 4.8 stars.
★ 4.8 (Google Rating)
Full Read: 3 minutes
New Haven Assault Lawyer
An assault accusation can have a serious impact on your life. Even misdemeanor assault cases can create a criminal record and require you to spend time in jail upon conviction. More severe allegations can lead to felony charges that require minimum prison sentences.
Talking with a New Haven assault lawyer is the first step in achieving a positive outcome for your case. Whether this involves working toward a fair plea deal that helps you avoid jail time or bringing the case to trial and presenting evidence that aims to defeat a prosecutor’s case, an attorney is prepared to fight for you.
The Legal Definitions for Various Assault Charges
The core concept behind any assault case is an allegation that someone has caused physical harm to another. This may involve hitting someone, using a weapon, or even causing injuries through the reckless use of a vehicle. In most examples, a prosecutor must show that a defendant had the intent to cause physical harm to another person.
Third-Degree Assault
This simple idea is at the center of Connecticut General Statute § 53a-61, the state’s statute for assault in the third degree. These charges involve intentionally or recklessly causing physical injury to another person. Convictions under this law are class A misdemeanors under most circumstances that can bring up to one year in jail.
Aggravated Charges
However, various aggravating factors can make an assault charge more serious. For example, the statute above states that causing an injury through the negligent use of a weapon comes with a mandatory one-year jail term. Other aggravating factors include:
- The identity of an alleged victim
- Whether the assault involved the intentional use of a weapon
- The severity of an alleged victim’s injuries
The most extreme examples are assaults in the first degree under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 53a-59. This can carry a maximum prison sentence of 25 years. No matter the exact nature of the case, a New Haven assault attorney is ready to help.
How to Defend Against Assault Charges
There are many potential strategies that a lawyer might use to defend New Haven residents accused of assault. For example, a local assault attorney could contest an alleged victim’s recollection of events and call their identification of a defendant into question. Legal counsel could also challenge the police officers’ methods of obtaining evidence if they appear to have violated a defendant’s Constitutional rights.
Many specialized defense strategies may apply to assault cases. For instance, an accused individual may argue that they only struck another person in self-defense. Cases may also involve disputing the presence of a weapon or whether a defendant’s actions constituted criminal negligence or recklessness. A New Haven assault attorney could evaluate the information in a specific case to build a tailored defense.
Contact a New Haven Assault Attorney Immediately
Assault allegations are serious matters. Even if a prosecutor pursues a case as a misdemeanor, a conviction could impact every part of your life. Felony convictions can lead to even harsher penalties.
A New Haven assault lawyer is here to help you mitigate the potential consequences and fight for your rights. The legal team at Ruane Attorneys could work to explain the state’s laws, evaluate the evidence that the prosecutor intends to bring to trial, discuss your goals, and work toward a beneficial outcome. Reach out to our firm today to explore your options.