After being charged with aggravated assault, you’re probably left with numerous unanswered questions about what to do next. If you do nothing, the prosecution will do everything it can to ensure you receive a prison sentence and other harsh penalties.
Alternatively, you can partner with a Mesa aggravated assault defense lawyer who can help you avoid a conviction. Suzuki Law Offices has more than three decades of legal experience.
Our team includes former prosecutors who know what it takes to defend against a conviction. Trust a Mesa violent crimes lawyer from our team to assist you with your aggravated assault case. Contact us for more information.
Why You Should Get Legal Help if You Have Been Arrested for Aggravated Assault
What you do after your arrest has major implications. You have the right to fight back against your criminal charge. With help from a Mesa aggravated assault defense attorney, you can learn about your charge and how it could impact you long into the future. Plus, your Mesa criminal defense lawyer guides you through the legal process.
Your attorney discusses the charges for aggravated assault on a police officer or other parties. They review your legal options with you and make sure you understand the ramifications of any decision you make during your case proceedings. If possible, they negotiate a plea bargain with the prosecution. If you approve a plea deal, you may be able to stay out of prison.
The Suzuki Law Offices team prepares a legal strategy tailored to your case. With our help, you are well-equipped to dispute the prosecution’s argument. Allow us to represent you in your aggravated assault case. Schedule a case consultation with us to learn more.
What to Expect if You Are Convicted of Aggravated Assault
An aggravated assault conviction is incredibly serious. Aggravated assault is classified as a felony, per the Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS). Based on ARS 13-1204, you can receive a prison sentence, a fine, probation, and other criminal penalties if you are convicted of this offense.
Along with criminal consequences, the impact of an aggravated assault conviction could impact you for the rest of your life. For instance, the conviction will appear on your criminal record. As such, an employer can see the conviction as part of a background check. This means your conviction could hurt your chances of landing a job.
There is a social stigma that offenders often face due to aggravated assault convictions. Family members and friends who enjoyed spending time with you previously may be inclined to end their relationships with you if you have been convicted of a felony.
Mesa Aggravated Assault Legal Defense Strategies to Help You Protect Against a Conviction
Your aggravated assault defense lawyer in Mesa answers frequently asked questions and any other questions you have about legal defenses. They want to develop a legal strategy that the prosecution will struggle to contest. Legal strategies your attorney may use in your case include:
Self-Defense
There are times when a person uses a reasonable amount of force to protect themselves against harm. Your lawyer could claim that you acted in self-defense. To prove this point, they may use surveillance camera footage and other evidence to highlight how you faced an imminent threat and acted appropriately, given the circumstances.
Mistaken Identity
Unfortunately, the police arrest you for aggravated assault because they believe you are someone else. Your attorney can present an alibi that illustrates you were somewhere else when the crime was allegedly committed.
Lack of Intent
The court views you as innocent until proven guilty. Meanwhile, the prosecution must make it clear to the court that you committed an intentional act in which you harmed someone else. If your lawyer raises a reasonable doubt about the prosecution’s argument, it becomes difficult for the court to convict you.
Your attorney communicates and collaborates with you as they craft their argument. They may advise you to enroll in anger management or other rehabilitation programs, as doing so can show the court that you are taking your charge seriously and want to avoid being arrested for similar offenses in the future.
What You Need to Know About the Differences Between Simple and Aggravated Assault
According to ARS 13-1203, a person can be charged with assault if they intentionally injure someone else or intend to do so. The severity of an assault determines if it is treated as a simple or aggravated charge.
With simple assault, a victim may not suffer any injuries or only minor ones. The crime is handled as a misdemeanor. Those convicted of simple assault may be subject to a jail sentence of up to six months, a fine of up to $2,500, and probation.
A person can receive an aggravated assault if they cause significant physical harm. For example, the police arrest you because they claim you assaulted someone with a deadly weapon. This may lead to an aggravated assault charge. If you have an aggravated assault defense attorney in Mesa on your side, you may get this charge dropped to simple assault.
Why Your Lawyer May Pursue a Plea Deal in Your Aggravated Assault Case
Your lawyer may recommend that you accept a plea bargain since doing so ensures no trial is necessary. Ultimately, a trial is a risky proposition. Even if you have a strong case, the legal process offers no guarantees. On the other hand, with a plea agreement, you accept a lesser punishment than what was initially proposed.
To understand the benefits of a plea deal, consider an example. You are arrested for aggravated assault and are concerned about the prosecution’s case. If the prosecutor proposes a plea bargain, you could accept a simple assault charge instead. This may be treated as a misdemeanor, and you may be able to have it expunged from your record at a later date.
By accepting the plea deal, you may be convicted of a misdemeanor instead of a felony. You face misdemeanor penalties in lieu of felony ones. On top of these things, your case is resolved much faster than what would be required if a trial were to take place.
Choose a Criminal Defense Law Firm with a History of Excellence and Integrity
Suzuki Law Offices provides exceptional legal services to those who have been charged with aggravated assault. We are here to address your legal concerns and help you make informed decisions throughout your case proceedings. Request a case consultation with us.
Call or text (602) 682-5270 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form