If you have been arrested and charged with assault, you could be facing prison time and/or fines. Aside from losing your freedom, these charges can have a ripple effect across all areas of your life.
A Newark assault lawyer can provide direction on how to proceed while providing valuable support that can help reduce your stress and limit the damage of collateral consequences.
Koffel | Brininger | Nesbitt has been Ohio’s premier criminal defense firm for more than 30 years. Our team is committed to helping you mitigate the damage caused by assault charges and making sure you receive the legal counsel and support you need.
A Newark criminal defense lawyer will customize their approach to your case so it is optimized for favorable results.
Your Premier Criminal Defense Firm
Koffel | Brininger | Nesbitt has extensive experience handling numerous assault and criminal defense cases, and works diligently to get the charges against you reduced, dismissed, dropped, or acquitted.
Our team of legal professionals is equipped to handle cases that range from straightforward to highly complex, and we have a proven track record of successful outcomes.
We understand that you may have many questions when you hire us and are unsure how to proceed. We take the time to walk you through the legal process and what to expect so you feel comfortable as we proceed.
We carefully review your situation, every piece of evidence and discovery the prosecution has against you, and defense strategy options. We do our due diligence so you receive your due process.
Your case is our top priority, and we make sure it receives our full attention. We prepare for multiple scenarios so we are prepared to act quickly if any obstacles arise. We also safeguard your rights throughout every stage of your case so you can get the best outcome possible.
For a free legal consultation with a assault lawyer serving Newark, call (614) 884-1100
Types of Assault Crimes Recognized in Ohio
Assault is an act of physical harm committed against another person. The type of harm and its intent may vary, which makes these cases complex. Determining the type of assault committed requires a thorough investigation and close scrutiny. The four common types of assault in Ohio include:
- Assault: Recklessly causing physical harm to another person. Offenses may range from a first-degree misdemeanor to a third-degree felony and may also include fines.
- Aggravated assault: Causing physical harm, using deadly force, or using a dangerous weapon or ordnance as a result of sudden rage or passion incited by provocation. May be subject to a third or fourth-degree felony charge.
- Felonious assault: Intentionally causing another person physical harm with a deadly weapon, dangerous ordnance, or other means. Depending on the offense, an individual may face first or second-degree felony charges.
- Negligent assault: Causing unintentional physical harm with a deadly weapon or dangerous ordnance. The penalty for this offense is a third-degree misdemeanor.
Additionally, it is important to be aware of what constitutes an attempt to cause harm and how assault is not always physical. Situations where individuals haze, stalk, menace, fail to care for disabled individuals, or knowingly engage in sexual conduct without disclosing an immunodeficiency may all be charged with various degrees of assault.
Newark Assault Lawyer Near Me (614) 884-1100
Sentences for Misdemeanor and Felony Assault Charges in Ohio
As mentioned above, sentencing for assault crimes can range from misdemeanors to felonies. Depending on the offense, you could be looking at imprisonment and/or fines.
Your assault lawyer in Newark can discuss your options with you based on your circumstances and prepare you for various potential outcomes. They will aggressively fight for the lowest sentence possible if you are convicted.
If you have been charged with a misdemeanor, you are facing a lesser sentence and are likely to be subject to lower fines and less confinement. Fines for a misdemeanor assault charge may be $5,000 or less.
The definite jail terms for misdemeanors could result in 30 days or less for a fourth-degree misdemeanor charge, all the way up to 180 days for a first-degree misdemeanor charge.
Conversely, felony charges are much more serious and may range from 12 months to 11 years, depending on the degree of the offense, according to Ohio’s definite prison terms.
It is important to note that assault on a police officer is a class 1 felony and may be subject to life in prison. It could even qualify for the death sentence.
Leverage Mitigation Factors to Reduce Potential Sentence Terms
Talk to your lawyer about mitigating factors that may be used to decrease a potential sentence in your case.
According to Ohio Code Section 2929.12, factors such as strong provocation, no intention to cause harm, no criminal history, or intention to repeat the crime are a few reasons that could work in conjunction with your defense to reduce potential culpability.
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An Assault Attorney in Newark Builds an Effective Defense
Koffel | Brininger | Nesbitt works diligently to build a strong defense strategy for your case. Every case is unique, and we ensure that the approach we take fits the needs of your situation for maximum results.
There are a few key affirmative defenses in Ohio that can be used to rebut the charges against you. These may include:
- Self-defense or defense of others
- Insanity
- Entrapment
- Blackout
- Duress
- Lack of intent
- Mistaken identity
Your lawyer will work closely with you to understand the details of your case so they can gather the necessary evidence to support and demonstrate your defense, as well as discredit or cast doubt on the prosecution’s arguments.
The right defense can make all the difference in your case, and your lawyer will take great care when determining the most effective strategy.
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Contact the Team at Koffel | Brininger | Nesbitt Today
Koffel | Brininger | Nesbitt has the wisdom, experience, vision, and instincts to effectively defend you and secure a more favorable outcome.
When your freedom is under fire, we advocate for you and ensure you receive fair treatment. We defend your rights and ensure that accusations of assault do not ruin your life.
Contact us today to schedule a case evaluation with a Newark assault attorney.
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