You have no idea how to respond after getting arrested for aggravated assault. Meet with an aggravated assault defense lawyer in Safford. From here, your lawyer will review your case, explain your legal options, and look for ways to contest your charge.
Suzuki Law Offices provides exceptional legal service to those who have been charged with aggravated assault. Our team includes former prosecutors with many years of experience. We know the ins and outs of the criminal justice system and will work hard to help you get your desired case outcome. Discuss your case with a Safford violent crimes lawyer from our team.
What to Expect if You Do Nothing After Being Charged With Aggravated Assault
Following an aggravated assault arrest, the prosecutor in your case will do everything within their power to make sure you are convicted. Thus, if you take no action, you can face severe criminal penalties.
Along with these, there are collateral consequences that come with a conviction. These consequences can affect you for the rest of your life.
An aggravated assault defense attorney in Safford helps you deal with the aftermath of your arrest. They consider your point of view and why the police arrested you for aggravated assault. Your Safford criminal defense lawyer can dispute your charge. By doing so, they may help you stay out of prison.
The Suzuki Law Offices team will address frequently asked questions and any others you have relating to your aggravated assault case. If you want dedicated legal representation as you go through the legal process, we are here to help. Contact us today.
Penalties If You Are Convicted of Aggravated Assault
Based on Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS) 13-1204, aggravated assault is classified as a felony. As such, the penalties you will receive if you are convicted of aggravated assault are more significant than those of a misdemeanor offense.
Below are details about the prison sentence associated with a first aggravated assault conviction:
- Class 2 Felony: Up to 12.5 years in prison
- Class 3 Felony: Up to 8 years in prison
- Class 4 Felony: Up to 3.75 years in prison
- Class 5 Felony: Up to 2.5 years in prison
- Class 6 Felony: Up to 2 years in prison
Outside of prison time, you may be subject to probation and fines. In some cases, a court may order an offender to pay restitution to an aggravated assault victim.
Your Safford aggravated assault defense lawyer can teach you about the penalties for violent crimes. In your case, they may explore a plea deal, which may help you avoid a lengthy prison sentence.
Collateral Consequences of an Aggravated Assault Conviction in Safford That You Need to Know About
You may think that you can seal your criminal record in Arizona and, as a result, your aggravated assault conviction will go away. Ultimately, if you are convicted of aggravated assault, the harm you face may extend beyond your criminal penalties. Collateral consequences that may affect you for years after your conviction can include:
- Difficulty finding employment
- Having a professional license suspended or revoked
- Travel restrictions
- Loss of the right to own a firearm
Your criminal defense attorney is upfront and honest with you about the criminal penalties and collateral consequences that come with an aggravated assault conviction.
They want you to understand the short- and long-term ramifications of any decision you make during your case proceedings. In addition, they can prepare a legal strategy tailored specifically to your case.
What It Takes to Get an Aggravated Assault Charge Reduced or Dismissed
In an aggravated assault case, it is a challenge to disprove a prosecutor’s argument. Regardless, your lawyer wants to rise to the occasion.
They learn about your case and look for opportunities to poke holes in the prosecution’s argument. Your attorney may utilize any of the following legal defenses to help you get the optimal case outcome:
Self-Defense
It is reasonable to defend yourself if someone threatens to hurt you. Thus, your lawyer may argue that you acted in self-defense. They may use surveillance camera footage or other evidence to show that you faced an imminent threat and that your actions at this time may have been warranted given the circumstances of your situation.
Lack of Intent
The prosecution must make it clear to the court that you intended to commit a crime. Your attorney may highlight your lack of intent, which can make the court question whether you should be convicted.
If a prosecutor cannot prove intent, they may struggle to show the court that you should be punished to the fullest extent of the law.
Mistaken Identity
Unfortunately, someone can mistakenly identify you as the party who assaulted them. If this happens, your lawyer can argue that you are the victim of mistaken identity. They may present your alibi to the court, which may prompt the dismissal of your case.
Remember, the prosecution is responsible for the burden of proof. If a prosecutor does not have enough evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you should be convicted of aggravated assault, the court may provide you with a favorable ruling.
How an Aggravated Assault Plea Deal Works
Your lawyer can engage in plea bargain negotiations with the prosecution. They may pursue this option in the hopes of having your aggravated assault charge lowered to simple assault. If your attorney succeeds, you may receive misdemeanor penalties in lieu of those of a felony.
Simple assault is defined in alignment with ARS 13-1203. If you are convicted of simple assault, you may face a jail sentence of up to 6 months, a fine of up to $2,500, and other penalties less severe than those associated with aggravated assault.
Your attorney may go back and forth with a prosecutor about a plea deal. They will update you about their negotiations and present any proposals to you. Your lawyer can advise you on whether to accept a plea bargain, but you make the final decision on it.
Get Legal Help with Your Aggravated Assault Case in Safford
It is overwhelming to go up against the prosecution in an aggravated assault case alone. Trust the team at Suzuki Law Offices to help you with your legal matters.
Allow us to serve as your legal representation and advocate. For more information, request a consultation with a Safford aggravated assault defense attorney from our team.
Call or text (602) 682-5270 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form