You feel overwhelmed after being charged with aggravated assault. Fortunately, you have legal options. Talk with an aggravated assault defense lawyer in Pima. Your attorney will learn about your arrest and why you were charged with this criminal offense. From here, they can start preparing a legal strategy to disprove the prosecution’s case against you.
Suzuki Law Offices is an Arizona criminal defense law firm committed to exceptional legal service. Our team has decades of combined experience. It includes former prosecutors who know the ins and outs of the criminal justice system. Trust us to help you with your aggravated assault case. Discuss your case with a Pima violent crimes lawyer.
Why You Need Legal Representation if You Have Been Charged with Aggravated Assault
Your aggravated assault defense attorney in Pima commits substantial time and resources to your case. They explore every legal avenue in the hopes that they can get your charge reduced or dismissed. On top of that, your lawyer teaches you about the legal process. They address your legal concerns and questions promptly.
Leading up to your trial, your Pima criminal defense lawyer collects evidence from a variety of sources. At the same time, they consider how a prosecutor will argue their case. Furthermore, your lawyer remains open to plea deal negotiations. If you get a plea bargain, you may be able to avoid prison time and other harsh penalties.
The team at Suzuki Law Offices offers unique solutions to challenges in your aggravated assault case. We can address frequently asked questions and any other questions you may have about your charge. With our help, you are well-equipped to avoid a conviction or have your charge reduced. Contact us today for more information about how we can assist you with your case.
Penalties if You Receive an Aggravated Assault Conviction in Pima
Based on Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS) 13-1204, various factors can determine the penalties you receive if you are convicted of aggravated assault. Your Pima aggravated assault defense lawyer can provide insights into the penalties associated with your charge. These penalties can include:
- A prison sentence of up to 21 years
- A fine of up to $150,000
- Loss of the right to vote and other civil rights
Aggravated assault penalties can escalate if you have been convicted of this crime previously. Your lawyer will work diligently to show that you should not be convicted. Depending on your case, your attorney may negotiate a plea deal in which your offense is lowered to simple assault.
What You Need to Know About the Differences Between Simple and Aggravated Assault
You can be charged with simple assault if someone alleges you intended to hurt them, harmed them, or made them fear that they were at risk of being injured. If convicted, you will be punished in alignment with ARS 13-1203.
In Arizona, simple assault is classified as a misdemeanor. Those convicted of this crime may be subject to a jail sentence of up to six months, a fine of up to $2,500, probation, community service, and anger management or professional counseling.
Comparatively, aggravated assault is more severe than simple assault. You can be charged with aggravated assault if someone claims you seriously injured them or used a deadly weapon to harm them. In your case, your attorney may advise you to accept a plea bargain in which you agree to the penalties for simple assault instead of those associated with aggravated assault.
How to Defend Against an Aggravated Assault Conviction
Who you hire as your criminal defense attorney makes a world of difference in your aggravated assault case. Ideally, you can work with a lawyer who has received many positive client reviews. This attorney will put together a legal strategy that resonates in court. They may utilize any of the following legal defenses to fight back against the prosecution’s argument:
Self-Defense
A person says you assaulted them, but you were acting in self-defense. Your lawyer may use surveillance camera footage and other evidence to support your self-defense claim. If your attorney presents a wide range of proof, the court may see that you faced imminent harm. This could prompt the court to drop your case.
Mistaken Identity
You can be charged with aggravated assault because a person mistakes you for someone else. In this situation, your lawyer can argue that you are the victim of mistaken identity. They can share your alibi with the court. That way, your attorney can show that you were not present at the scene of a crime when it was allegedly committed.
Lack of Intent
To prove that a conviction is warranted, a prosecutor must make it clear to the court that you intentionally caused someone to suffer a serious injury or assaulted them with a deadly weapon. Your attorney may argue to the court that the harm someone incurred was accidental. If their argument is successful, the prosecution may struggle to get you convicted.
If you do nothing to contest an aggravated assault charge, you will be punished to the full extent of the law. Your attorney develops a legal strategy specifically for your case. Along with this, they may get you a plea bargain that meets your expectations.
What to Do if You Receive a Plea Deal in Your Aggravated Assault Case
Evaluate an aggravated assault plea agreement with your lawyer. Next, your attorney will outline the agreement’s pros and cons. You make the final decision on what to do with this offer. If you are satisfied with the proposal, accept it and move forward with your litigation.
It is not a given that you will get a plea bargain. Your attorney can engage with the prosecution regarding a plea deal. If no such plea agreement comes to fruition, your lawyer ensures that you are ready for your trial.
Your lawyer keeps the lines of communication open with the prosecution until your trial. If your case reaches the trial stage, your attorney is prepared to argue your case in court. When you enter the courtroom, you can feel confident about your legal representation and that your attorney will do everything they can to help you get your desired case outcome.
Get Help From an Aggravated Assault Defense Lawyer in Pima
Suzuki Law Offices can connect you with a Pima aggravated assault attorney who treats your case with care. Let us provide you with the legal services and support that you need and deserve. To get started, request a case consultation with us.
Call or text (602) 682-5270 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form