Aggravated Assault
There are different types of assault charges, each with varying penalties. If you find yourself arrested and charged with aggravated assault (the term “aggravated” means that it is more serious than simple assault), don’t delay calling the skilled team at DeBruin Law, PLLC, to protect your rights in court.
The conflict between two or more individuals can easily escalate into a physical altercation. When an individual is assaulted, or battered and assaulted, a simple conflict is now the foundation of criminal charges. Assault laws in Michigan seek to protect an individual from any physical harm or the threat of such harm.
What Is Aggravated Assault?
An assault in law refers to an attempt made by an individual to cause physical injury to another or making a threat to harm someone. The term assault is often used by the average person as an actual physical contact, but the legal meaning is different. However, when an assault results in serious injury to the victim, the offense is elevated from simple assault to aggravated assault.
In Michigan, aggravated assault does not include the use of a weapon and is charged as a misdemeanor. It is differentiated from felonious assault, which includes the use of a weapon.
To better understand aggravated assault, it is important to note what constitutes a serious injury. Serious or aggravated injury will include physical harm that:
- Necessitated urgent medical attention
- Resulted in disfiguration
- Resulted in the impairment of health
- Resulted in part of the body being impaired
Such injuries are not considered lightly by the court, and if you are found guilty of aggravated assault, you may face up to one year behind bars in addition to a fine of $1,000.
How Can I Overcome An Aggravated Assault Charge?
Being accused of aggravated assault can be a very troubling time for you and your family. Oftentimes, such charges are a result of a simple argument gone wrong. It is important to have a lawyer on your side from the beginning, as aggravated assault charges in Michigan can lead to both serious criminal and civil consequences.
An experienced criminal lawyer can help you beat your charges in any of the following three ways:
- Get charge reduced – If there isn’t sufficient evidence to establish one or more elements of a charge of aggravated assault, your attorney can discuss the matter with the prosecutor for the charges to be reduced. In many instances, once the excitement of the conflict or fight cools down, aggravated assault can be reduced to simple assault.
- Get charges dismissed – Mistaken identity or false accusations can easily lead to your charges being dismissed. If your attorney can establish clear evidence from the state’s own investigation or lead an independent investigation that reveals that no offense occurred, you can walk free.
- Prepare a sound defense – If your matter has to go to trial, having a lawyer will afford you the legal knowledge and research that is necessary to prepare a sound legal defense. Self-defense, a mistake as to identity and false accusation are some of the defenses available to you when you face Michigan aggravated assault charges.
While defending yourself might seem like an inexpensive way to prove your innocence, it can later be extremely costly. Your freedom and a clean criminal record are at stake. The best decision you can make when facing any criminal charges in Michigan is to hire a Lansing assault and battery lawyer.
How The Lansing Aggravated Assault Attorneys At DeBruin Law, PLLC, Can Help You Today
At DeBruin Law, PLLC, we are experienced Lansing criminal defense lawyers utilizing the best defense strategies to provide high-quality legal representation for our clients. We have represented numerous defendants facing assault charges and have established ourselves as giants in the courtroom. You can trust your legal defense to the professional legal team at DeBruin Law, PLLC. Call us today at 517-731-0353 to set up a consultation.