If you have just been questioned or charged with assault, it’s time to call a skilled and experienced defense attorney to stand by your side. At Suzuki Law Offices, an aggravated assault defense lawyer in Coolidge will help you protect your rights and fight for your future.
Before you say anything, call our Coolidge violent crimes lawyer team for a free consultation. We are available 24/7, including weekends, for our clients. Our head attorney is a former prosecutor, bringing intimate knowledge of the law to every case.
Potential Penalties in an Aggravated Assault Case
The risk of serious penalties and consequences is high in an aggravated assault case, warranting the use of an experienced defense attorney. The penalties you face depend on how you are charged, which can range from a Class 6 felony to a Class 2 felony. In these situations, you could face the following prison terms if convicted:
- Class 6 felony: Prison terms of 18 months to 3 years, with a presumptive term of imprisonment of 27 months
- Class 5 felony: Prison terms ranging from 2 to 4 years, with a presumptive term of 3 years
- Class 4 felony: Expect prison terms of 4 to 8 years, with a presumptive term of 6 years
- Class 3 felony: Potential prison term of up to 15 years, with a presumptive term of 7.5 years
- Class 2 felony: The most serious under this law, with a prison term of 7 to 21 years, with a presumptive term of 10.5 years
In each of these cases, you may also face punishments of victim restitution, fines of up to $150,000, including court costs, and additional fees. Additionally, you will have a felony criminal record that follows you throughout much of your life, impacting your ability to work, where you can live, and with whom you can associate.
At Suzuki Law Offices, our Coolidge criminal defense lawyers can fight to minimize the penalties you face or even have your charges dropped altogether.
Understanding Arizona’s Aggravated Assault Law
Under Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS) 13-1204, aggravated assault is a felony charge, which could lead to potential prison time. This type of charge applies in situations where the assault has an aggravating factor. Examples of that include:
- The use of a deadly weapon or a dangerous instrument
- Results in serious physical injury
- Creates temporary but substantial disfigurement
- Causes loss or impairment of a bodily organ or a broken bone
- The victim being bound, restrained, or otherwise unable to resist because they are substantially impaired
- The defendant knowing that the victim was engaging in public duties in their capacity as a firefighter, health care practitioner, police officer, teacher, prosecutor, public defender, or judge
- Assault committed against a child under the age of 15
- An assault that occurs in the victim’s home
- Prisoners who assault a guard
- The defendant attempting to take or successfully taking a police officer’s weapon during the assault
- The defendant’s use of a simulated deadly weapon
If you are charged with aggravated assault for these or other reasons, ask to speak to an attorney and do not answer any questions. Your rights to defend against these charges are clear, and our legal team will work with you immediately. Even if you know you are innocent, it becomes paramount to seek legal guidance from an experienced lawyer at Suzuki Law Offices.
Potential Defense Strategies in an Aggravated Assault Case
Facing these charges is challenging, but our Coolidge aggravated assault defense lawyer has the experience you need to pursue justice for you. This entails thoroughly investigating your case to fully understand what your ideal defense strategy should be.
Some potential defense strategies for aggravated assault include:
- Your actions were not reckless or intentional: Both are required to be proven by the prosecutor. We may also be able to prove you did not knowingly engage in these actions, but potentially that your actions were accidental, or the cause of injury did not stem from intent to harm.
- Mistaken identity: In some situations, our defense lawyer will work to demonstrate how you were mistakenly identified. This may include providing an alibi for the incident or showing that you could not have committed the crime.
- Constitutional rights violations: We may be able to demonstrate that your rights were violated during the incident, such as if an illegal search and seizure occurred or you did not receive your Miranda warning.
- Self-defense: Demonstrating that your actions were the result of self-defense may be another strategy we develop. We must demonstrate that you were facing a threatening situation that any reasonable person would believe necessitated fighting back.
- Protecting someone else: It may be possible to show that your actions were the direct result of trying to protect another person who was in imminent danger.
None of these strategies is foolproof. All require extensive research and evaluation by a highly trained and skilled defense attorney. When you put our Coolidge aggravated assault defense attorney to work for you, we will create a strategy that is suited to your situation.
What to Do if You are Charged with Aggravated Assault in Coolidge
Those facing questioning, accusations, or charges of aggravated assault in Coolidge must act quickly to protect their rights and know what not to do to protect their future. There are numerous steps our legal team can take to protect you, which is why it is so important to contact us as soon as possible.
In the meantime, consider these steps:
- Do not resist arrest: Do not fight. Instead, avoid saying anything to law enforcement. Do not take their bait in making any claims.
- Request to speak to your lawyer: Inform the police that you wish to speak with your legal team immediately, and then refrain from communicating anything else until you have done so. Anything you say could be used against you later.
- Speak to our legal team openly and honestly: Tell us whatever you know so that we can build a strong case to defend you. Your rights are protected under the law.
Do not wait to get legal help. Instead, put our legal team to work on your case immediately. You can find more information about this type of defense in our frequently asked questions.
Schedule a Consultation with Our Aggravated Assault Defense Attorney in Coolidge
At Suzuki Law Offices, we are passionate about helping our clients, serving as your voice in action. With decades of experience, you can trust our aggravated assault defense lawyers in Coolidge with your case. Call us now for immediate help.
Call or text (602) 682-5270 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form