Last Updated on: 17th October 2023, 10:57 pm

Brooklyn Felony Assault Lawyers: Your Guide to Fighting Assault Charges

Getting arrested for a felony assault charge in Brooklyn can be scary. Believe me, I know. I’ve talked to a lot of people in this situation. But don’t panic. With the right legal help, you can get through this.

That’s why I wrote this article – to give you the inside scoop on felony assault charges in Brooklyn, and how an experienced criminal defense lawyer can help. I’m gonna keep it real with you, using plain language a high schooler could understand. My goal is to educate and empower you to make the best decisions for your case.

The Charges: Felony vs. Misdemeanor Assault in Brooklyn

In New York, assault charges range from misdemeanors to felonies, depending on what happened. Misdemeanors are less serious crimes, while felonies carry heavier penalties.

Some examples of misdemeanor assault charges are:

• Third degree assault – when you intentionally or recklessly cause injury to someone
• Second degree harassment – when you shove or slap someone

Felony assault charges, on the other hand, are more serious. They include:

• First degree assault – when you intentionally cause serious physical injury with a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument
• Second degree assault – when you intentionally cause serious physical injury to someone
• First degree gang assault – when you cause serious physical injury to someone while aided by two or more people actually present

As you can see, felony assault charges involve intentionally causing serious physical harm to the victim. This makes them a big deal in the eyes of the law, with potential prison sentences if convicted.

How Lawyers Defend Against Felony Assault Charges

When facing felony assault charges, your best move is to hire an experienced Brooklyn criminal defense lawyer. An assault conviction can ruin your life – but the right attorney can fight to protect your rights and freedom.

Here are some of the most common strategies lawyers use to defend against felony assault accusations:

• Self-defense – If you were protecting yourself from an attack, that may justify your actions under self-defense laws. Your lawyer can argue you used appropriate force to avoid harm.
• Mistaken identity – Eyewitnesses make mistakes. Your attorney can challenge if the victim or witnesses correctly identified you as the assailant.
• False allegations – Sometimes assault accusations are exaggerated or fabricated for ulterior motives. Your lawyer can investigate holes in the victim’s story to show you’re innocent.
• Lack of intent – For assault charges, prosecutors must prove you intended to cause injury. Your attorney can argue things happened accidentally in the heat of the moment.
• Intoxication defense – You can’t form intent if too impaired to know your actions. Your lawyer may argue drugs/alcohol impacted your mental state at the time.

An experienced assault lawyer knows how to craft the strongest defense to fit the details of your case. They’ll thoroughly investigate the incident, interview witnesses, and highlight any inconsistencies in the allegations against you.

Why You Need a Lawyer Who Specializes in Assault

Not all criminal defense attorneys have in-depth experience fighting assault charges. So it’s crucial to hire a lawyer who specializes in these complex cases.

Here are some key benefits of an assault charge specialist:

• They have relationships with prosecutors and knowledge of the system, which can lead to better plea deals.
• They understand the complexities of self-defense and intent laws, which are central to many assault cases.
• They have resources like investigators and forensic experts to examine assault evidence and build the strongest defense.

In other words, an assault charge expert gives you the best chance at an acquittal or minimized consequences. So take the time to research lawyers’ credentials and case results instead of just going with the first attorney you find.

Fighting Felony Charges with an Aggressive Brooklyn Criminal Lawyer

The stakes are high when facing felony assault charges that could land you in prison. You need a fearless litigator who won’t back down until your rights are protected.

Look for these signs of an aggressive assault defense lawyer:

• Willingness to take cases to trial – Many lawyers push clients to take plea deals. But an aggressive litigator isn’t afraid to take your case before a jury if it’s in your best interest.
• Thorough pre-trial preparation – Top attorneys will extensively interview witnesses, visit the crime scene, and build a rock-solid defense long before trial.
• Confident negotiating skills – During plea negotiations, you need a lawyer who firmly but professionally stands their ground to get prosecutors to drop or reduce charges.
• Relentless cross-examination – In court, your attorney should tenaciously question witnesses and expose every contradiction and weakness in the prosecution’s assault accusations.

The most talented felony assault lawyers have a fighter’s mentality paired with outstanding courtroom skills. They work tirelessly to get charges dismissed or keep clients out of jail. That’s the type of Brooklyn lawyer you want in your corner.

How to Check a Lawyer’s Background and Credentials

It’s important to vet any lawyer before hiring them to handle your assault case. Here are some tips on researching Brooklyn defense attorneys:

• Look up their license status – Lawyers must be licensed by the New York State Bar Association to practice. Make sure their license is current and they have no disciplinary history.
• Ask about their case experience – Find out how many assault cases they’ve defended and their track record of results. Look for 10+ years of relevant experience.
• Read online reviews – Client testimonials provide insight into lawyers’ responsiveness, communication skills, and legal abilities. But make sure they’re from credible sites like Avvo.
• Check educational background – Top lawyers graduate from respected law schools and pursue advanced education like National Trial Lawyers College.
• Ask about courtroom experience – You want a lawyer who routinely appears in Brooklyn criminal courts before judges and juries.

Taking time to vet defense attorneys gives you confidence you’ve found the best legal representative. Don’t leave your future to chance – do your due diligence.

Questions to Ask a Potential Assault Lawyer

It’s wise to interview a few lawyers before deciding who to hire for your assault case. Here are some good questions to ask during consultations:

• – How much of your practice focuses on assault defense specifically?
• – What will your investigative process look like for my case?
• – How often do your assault cases go to trial versus end in plea deals?
• – What kind of plea deal do you think you can negotiate based on my charges?
• – If I want to take my case trial, what are my chances of acquittal?
• – Will I have to testify during my trial or can I invoke my right to remain silent?
• – How quickly do you respond to client calls and emails?
• – What are the total fees and costs I can expect for my defense?

The lawyers’ responses will help you gauge their experience, communication skills, trial strategy, and overall fit for your case needs. Never feel shy about asking lots of questions – it’s your future on the line.

How Much Will a Brooklyn Assault Lawyer Cost?

Legal fees vary between attorneys based on experience level, demand, and case complexity. For a felony assault trial in Brooklyn, you can expect to pay:

• – Retainer fee: $5,000 – $15,000 (upfront cost that goes toward total services)
• – Total cost: $15,000 – $50,000+ (if case goes to trial)

However, top assault lawyers know cost is a major factor and will work with your budget. Look for ones who offer payment plans so you can pay over time. It’s also wise to ask if any costs are refundable if charges get dismissed early.

Finding the Right Brooklyn Felony Assault Attorney for You

No two cases or clients are alike. The lawyer who’s perfect for your friend isn’t necessarily the best fit for you. It comes down to finding an attorney who understands your priorities and desired outcome. Here are some tips:

• – Clearly explain your goals – Do you want to avoid prison at all costs? Or is clearing your name most important, even if that means trial?
• – Look for shared values – Having a lawyer who shares your sense of ethics and justice is key.
• – Consider personality fit – You’ll be working closely together, so make sure your personalities mesh well.
• – Prioritize communication style – Look for a lawyer who listens attentively, explains things clearly, and is responsive.

Taking the time find the right lawyer boosts your chance of success. And remember – you’re not stuck with the first lawyer you choose. If the relationship isn’t working, you can make a change.

Conclusion – There are Options, So Don’t Lose Hope

Being arrested for a felony assault charge is scary. The potential consequences can completely upend your life. But it’s not an automatic conviction – there are options. With an experienced Brooklyn criminal defense lawyer guiding you, many clients are able to get charges reduced or dismissed entirely. So don’t lose hope. Take a deep breath, do your research, and make empowered decisions. You’ve got this!