NYC Aggravated Assault Lawyers

Aggravated Assault: Understanding the Law in New York

Aggravated assault is a felony offense in New York. There are various degrees of assault in the state, and aggravated assault is the most serious version. The punishment for aggravated assault is more severe than it is for an assault charge, and it comes with a lengthier prison sentence for anyone charged with the crime. It encompasses assault, sexual assault, and assault with a deadly weapon simultaneously, which is why the penalty for committing this crime is so severe.

Defining Aggravated Assault in New York

There are two reasons assault turns to aggravated assault in New York:

• The victim is a police or peace officer
• The victim is younger than 11

Aggravated assault to a police or peace officer is considered a Class B Violent Felony, and aggravated assault on a person younger than 11 is a Class E Felony in New York. Aggravated assault that results in the death of the person assaulted is no longer considered assault. It’s considered murder. A defendant will be charged with aggravated assault if their victim lives through their serious bodily injuries, which means a lesser prison term is issued to the defendant.

The prosecutor in this type of case is required to prove the defendant knowingly intended to cause serious injury or recklessly caused serious injury to the victim with or without a weapon. For example, a defendant who hits the victim with his car when he turned around to grab something from the back seat isn’t necessarily going to be charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. The deadly weapon in this case is the defendant’s vehicle. If the same defendant was driving well above the law or was under the influence when the same accident occurred, it could be argued he recklessly caused this injury to another person knowing his actions were illegal.

If the defendant was angry with the victim for saying something offensive to him and he chooses to run him down with this vehicle to teach him a lesson, he knowingly and intentionally committed aggravated assault. Understanding the various degrees to which aggravated assault can be tried is imperative to all accused parties.

Aggravated Assault Sentences

When a defendant is brought to trial on aggravated assault charges, the judge in the case takes several factors into consideration. The sentence terms for a person accused of aggravated assault as a Class E Felony might not do any prison time, but could be sentenced to probation instead. The maximum prison sentence for a Class E Felony is 4 years in prison.

Aggravated assault as a Class B Felony is considered more serious. The minimum sentence is 5 years in prison, and the maximum sentence is 25 years. If a fine is imposed, it will be no more than $5,000 according to New York law. The only exception to this law occurs if the defendant was offered compensation by a third party to commit aggravated assault. A judge might then impose a fine of as much as double what the defendant was paid. The fine is the greater amount.

In addition to the monetary punishment and prison terms, defendants found guilty of aggravated assault have other consequences to face. Once a prison term is completed and a defendant is free, they might find it difficult to find employment, to apply for a loan, or to find housing. Many employers, lenders, and landlords perform criminal background checks on anyone who submits an application. A felony on their criminal record is often all it takes for the application to result in denial.

The judge’s decision is based on factors that include the age and previous criminal history of the defendant, the seriousness of the injury caused to the victim, and several other circumstances. Not every defendant is issued the same punishment for the same crime.

An experienced, knowledgeable criminal defense attorney can help defendants navigate their charges, learn their rights, and prove their case. Sentencing depends on the ability of the prosecutor to prove the aggravated assault charges are valid, and a criminal defense attorney can help the accused fight their case and disprove the prosecutor on the case. Experience is helpful in cases such as this.

Assault With a Deadly Weapon Lawyers

Assault is defined as a physical attack. Assault escalates quickly when use of a deadly weapon accompanies a physical attack. The law refers to this as assault with a deadly weapon. A deadly weapon is defined as any tangible item with the ability to cause a person serious bodily harm, injury, or death. When used during assault, a deadly weapon can become anything from a gun to a hammer to a car. Unlike other laws which differ slightly from state to state, assault with a deadly weapon is a felony crime in every state.

Classifying a Deadly Weapon

As previously mentioned, any object used during assault that could inflict serious injury or death to a person becomes a deadly weapon. Common weapons such as guns and knives of all forms are always considered deadly weapons. This classification expands the definition of a knife or gun to a deadly weapon per se. When classified in this manner, prosecuting attorneys are exempt from providing evidence that the weapon could, in fact, be used in a deadly fashion.

A good example of assault with a deadly weapon per se is as follows. A victim is physically attacked by the defendant with a pencil. The defendant uses the pencil to stab the victim. While most people never consider a pencil more than a means with which to write, prosecutors now need to prove the pencil has the ability to cause death or serious injury to the victim. If the same victim was assaulted with a knife, the case is assault with a deadly weapon per se. No proof that the knife is capable of causing serious injury or death is needed.

Anything can be used as a deadly weapon if it’s used during assault to cause injury. A shoe can become a deadly weapon when used to hit a victim repeatedly. The defendant can cause harm to another person with virtually any object, but all assault with a deadly weapons cases are different.

According to both state and national laws, even the body can be used as a deadly weapon in an assault case. The most common body parts classified as deadly weapons in assault cases are knees, arms, and feet. Even teeth can be considered a deadly weapon, particularly if the person attacking another knows he or she is HIV+ and capable of spreading their incurable disease to another person in this manner.

Assault With a Deadly Weapon Lawyers

Felony Charges for Assault with a Deadly Weapon

This is a felony charge. In a court of law, felony is defined as a typically violent crime “regarded as more serious than a misdemeanor,” which means the charges are more serious. Anyone accused of assault with a deadly weapon faces prison. These cases see trial, and a judge provides the appropriate punishment for the crime if a defendant is found guilty of assault with a deadly weapon.

The most common punishment is prison. However, the severity of the sentence depends on numerous factors:

• Seriousness of the injury
• Seriousness of the attack
• The defendant’s prior record
• Age of the defendant

New York law further divides this charge into additional categories. First-degree assault is a Class B felony, which carries a potential sentence of up to 25 years in prison. Second-degree assault is a Class D felony, which carries a potential sentence of up to 7 years in prison. Class B felonies and Class D felonies both require certain levels of assault. Both Class B and D felonies must include a victim with an injury, and both must be caused by either reckless behavior or intentional behavior. As evidenced by the severity of the prison sentences possible with each class, Class B felony assault requires a victim with serious injuries.

A felony assault with a deadly weapon charge in New York could cost an accused party as much as 25 years in prison. It’s a serious charge, and it’s one in which you require a knowledgeable, experienced attorney. Your sentence is issued based on several factors, including the strength of your defense. Without an experienced attorney by your side during a felony assault with a deadly weapon trial, your chance of going to prison increases significantly.