If you or a loved one has been charged with felonious assault, vehicular assault, domestic violence or a related offense, you need a respected Columbus criminal defense lawyer you can rely on to help you clear your name of the allegations against you. Turn to KOFFEL | BRININGER | NESBITT. Our firm is widely regarded as the leading criminal defense law firms in the state of Ohio.
Committed to providing exceptional client service, our firm uses the full extent of the law to see that their clients receive the most favorable case results possible. When you are facing charges as serious as assault, the impact could have a catastrophic impact on virtually every aspect of your life. Get started on your defense strategy as soon as today by contacting a skilled Columbus assault defense lawyer at our firm for a confidential consultation.
Types of Assault Offenses
There are various assault-related charges in the Ohio Revised Code, particularly those listed in Chapter 2903. The severity of the penalties you could be facing will be determined by the type of assault charge you are accused of committing. Some of those include the following:
- Aggravated Vehicular Assault – This offense involves actions that cause serious physical harm to another by means of a vehicle. This type of offense can be charged as aggravated vehicular assault, a felony, on a few conditions, such as if the defendant has previously been convicted of a violation in Ohio Revised Code §2903.08.
- Felonious Assault – According to §2903.11 of the Ohio Revised Code, it is an offense to knowingly cause serious physical harm to another or to cause (or attempt to cause) physical harm to another through the use of a deadly weapon.
- Aggravated Assault – Aggravated assault is described by Ohio Revised Code §2903.12 as “while under the influence of sudden passion or in a sudden fit of rage…knowingly causing serious physical harm to another or causing physical harm to another…by means of a deadly weapon.” Aggravated assault is a third-degree felony.
- Assault – Simple assault is the act of attempting to or knowingly causing physical bodily injury or harm or recklessly attempting to or knowingly causing harm to another. Assault is a first-degree misdemeanor.
- Negligent Assault – This offense, according to Ohio Revised Code §2903.14, involves an individual using a deadly weapon negligently so as to result in physical harm to another. Negligent assault is a third-degree misdemeanor.
- Hazing – Hazing is a form of initiation, particularly popular in colleges and universities, in which a person or group of people coerce a victim to perform a task that is substantially dangerous and can cause mental or physical harm to the victim. Permitting or participating in hazing is a fourth-degree misdemeanor, according to Ohio Revised Code §2903.31.
There are countless other types of related charges you could also be facing if you have been arrested on an assault offense. If you find yourself facing any of the above charges, you may want to consider hiring a trial-tested assault defense lawyer in Columbus with Koffel Brininger Nesbitt to represent you. Our team will carefully consider the charges against you, your criminal history, the aggravating or mitigating factors, and the state’s evidence to determine which defenses are most favorable to the outcome of your case.
For a free legal consultation with a assault lawyer serving Columbus, call 614-884-1100
An Assault Conviction Could Destroy Life as You Once Knew It
If you are found guilty of any type of assault charge, your entire life could be turned upside down. Not only is your freedom on the line, but the collateral consequences of a guilty verdict may be felt for the foreseeable future, even after having completed your criminal sentence. Some of the most common penalties of an assault conviction based on the type of assault offense include:
- Negligent Assault – If you are convicted of this third-degree misdemeanor, you could be facing as much as 60 days in jail, probation (also known as community control) for as much as five years, and be ordered to pay fines not to exceed $500.
- Assault – According to Ohio Revised Code §2903.13, assault is generally tried as a first-degree misdemeanor. If convicted, you could be placed on probation for up to five years, spend up to 180 in jail, and pay fines not to exceed $1,000.
- Felonious Assault – Under Ohio Revised Code §2903.11, felonious assault is usually charged as a second-degree felony. This offense is punishable by fines of up to $15,000, as much as eight years in an Ohio state prison, and up to five years of probation.
There is also the expected impact a conviction could have on your life. Depending on which offense you are found guilty of, you could lose your firearm rights, face immigration or citizenship issues, have your professional license suspended, or even face a dishonorable discharge if you are a military service member.
Columbus Assault Lawyer Near Me 614-884-1100
Defending Your Name Has Never Been More Important
You have the constitutional right to an attorney under the Sixth Amendment. You have the right to defend yourself when you are accused of committing any type of criminal offense. Some of the most common defenses used in assault cases include:
- Defense of yourself or others
- Defense of property
- Duress
- Consent
- Lack of mental state
- Necessity
Your assault defense attorney in Columbus with Koffel Brininger Nesbitt will also need to consider whether working with the prosecuting attorney is in your best interests. In some instances, the state is willing to offer a plea agreement. However, these may only be available in instances of non-violent, first-time offenses, so you may or may not qualify based on the specific circumstances of your case.
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Columbus Assault Defense FAQ
What Makes Assault a Felony in Ohio?
Of all assault crimes, only one is often tried as a felony offense. Felonious assault is a second-degree felony. You can face these charges if you attempt to cause or cause physical bodily injury to another or their unborn child through dangerous ordnance or the use of a deadly weapon.
Can Assault Charges Be Dropped in Ohio?
Yes. One of the most common reasons the state will drop assault charges is when they find the defendant was defending themselves or others and that the extent of their actions was reasonable based on the situation in question. The state may also elect to dismiss the case against you if they do not have the evidence needed to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
How Long do You Go to Jail or Prison for Assault in Ohio?
It depends on which type of assault you are convicted of. If you are found guilty of aggravated felonious assault, you could spend up to eight years in prison. If you are convicted of negligent assault, you could spend up to 60 days in jail.
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Consult a High-Powered Columbus Assault Defense Attorney
If you or someone you care about has recently been arrested and charged with assault or a related violent offense, please get in touch with a dedicated Columbus assault defense lawyer in Columbus at Koffel Brininger Nesbitt. Let our years of experience and knowledge of the criminal justice system go to work for you.
ou can reach us by phone or through our convenient contact form when you are ready to schedule your risk-free, confidential consultation today.
Call or text 614-884-1100 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
