Scottsdale Assault Attorney

Assault is a serious crime that can result in severe consequences. Criminal charges for assault can be lead to a misdemeanor or felony, and depending upon the circumstances, could leave those convicted with lengthy jail time.

If you are facing a criminal charge for assault, you need experienced legal representation as soon as possible. The dedicated team of Scottsdale assault attorneys at Hallam Law Group can help you through every phase of the legal process, fighting for the best possible outcome for your assault case. Contact our Scottsdale criminal defense lawyers to schedule a free consultation in person or over the phone today.

How Does Arizona Law Define Assault?

Arizona Revised Statutes Section 13-1203  defines assault as the following:

• Class 1 misdemeanor: Intentionally, knowingly or recklessly causing another person physical injury.
• Class 2 misdemeanor: Intentionally placing someone else in reasonable apprehension of imminent physical injury.
• Class 3 misdemeanor: Knowingly touching a person with the intent to provoke, insult, or injure the person.

Section 13-1204 defines aggravated assault or battery as committing assault in one or more of the following circumstances:

• Causing serious physical injury to another person.
• Using a deadly weapon, dangerous instrument, or simulated deadly weapon.
• Committing assault in a way that causes temporary but serious disfigurement, impairment, or fracture of any body part.
• Committing assault while the victim is physically restrained.
• After entering the victim’s home with the intent to commit assault.
• Violating a protective order.
• Knowing that the victim is a peace officer, constable, firefighter, paramedic, teacher, healthcare practitioner, prosecutor, enforcement officer, park ranger, public defender, or judicial officer.
• While the defendant is in prison and commits assault against an official employee.
• Someone over the age of 18 assaulting someone 14 years old or younger To learn more about this, speak to a Scottsdale child abuse lawyer.
• Intentionally impeding the breathing or blood flow by applying pressure to the throat or neck, or by obstructing the nose or mouth.

Aggravated assault may be Class 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 felonies depending on the circumstances. Penalties for committing assault in Arizona can range from 30 days in jail and fines of up to $500 to up to 15 years in prison.

Endangerment, intimidation, threats, or assaults against public safety officers may come with additional charges and consequences. Conviction of two simple assault charges within two years will lead to more severe penalties. Learn more about what is classified as an assault by speaking to a Scottsdale assault lawyer.

Were you recently accused of domestic abuse? If so, speak to our Scottsdale domestic abuse lawyers.

What Are the Potential Defenses for Assault Charges in Scottsdale?

During defense negotiations or a criminal trial, your assault attorney can come up with strong defense strategies according to the specifics of your case. Potential defenses to assault include self-defense, defending others, or having an alibi. Self-defense might be an appropriate tactic if you only committed the assault as a means to combat the threatening actions of the victim. The same is true if you were acting to defend a third party. An alibi defense provides proof that you could not have been at the crime scene at the date and time the assault took place.

Another defense tactic is to show that the prosecution does not have adequate evidence to incriminate you for assault. It is the prosecution’s burden to prove your guilt “beyond a reasonable doubt.” The inability to meet this burden will result in the jury finding you not guilty of assault.

The defense strategy or plea bargain your Scottsdale assault attorney comes up with can ultimately decide your fate after an assault charge in Arizona. Trust your case in the hands of proven, experienced assault lawyers for your best chance of the courts dropping the charges, minimizing your sentence or reducing your penalties.

A good lawyer can help you from the very beginning. For example, they can persuade the judge to reduce or waive your bail or decrease the amount of time a defendant waits for trial in a holding cell. Schedule a free consultation with our assault lawyers in Scottsdale today.

Get Strong Representation in Scottsdale Today

Contact Hallam Law Group if you’re facing assault charges in Scottsdale, Arizona or have reason to believe you will be in the future.  Our Scottsdale assault attorneys can help defend your rights and give you the best possible outcome in your case.