Phoenix Assault Lawyer
An assault occurs when one person knowingly or recklessly causes, or attempts to cause physical injury to another person. In Phoenix, this includes intentionally making another person reasonably afraid of imminent physical injury. Arizona does not differentiate between assault and battery – imposing fear of harm and actually inflicting the harm both qualify as “assault,” as does touching another person with the intent to commit assault. A person can allege assault under a variety of circumstances, true or untrue. The Phoenix assault lawyers at Corso Law Group will help Arizona citizens who are facing assault charges.
About Assault Charges in Phoenix
Simple assault, or assault that does not qualify as “aggravated,” is a misdemeanor offense in Arizona. Misdemeanor assault stemming from physically harming another person, resulting in injury, is a class 1 misdemeanor. This conviction is punishable with a maximum of 6 months in jail, a $2,500 fine plus surcharges, and up to 3 years of probation. A class 2 misdemeanor may occur, when an individual intentionally places another person in reasonable apprehension of imminent physical injury if the assault is reckless and may or may not have led to the injury. This is punishable by up to 4 months in jail, a $750 fine plus surcharges, and up to 2 years of probation. Touching with intent to injure, but not causing physical injury is a class 3 misdemeanor that carries a maximum sentence of 30 days in jail, a fine of $500 plus surcharges, and up to 1 year of probation.
If you committed assault through reckless or negligent actions instead of intent to harm, the courts may charge you with endangerment, or reckless endangerment, instead of assault. Endangerment is a class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by up to 6 months in jail, a fine of $2,500 plus surcharges, and up to 3 years of probation. Reckless endangerment describes an action that poses a substantial risk of imminent death. This crime is a class 6 felony with a potential sentence of up to 3 years of probation, with up to 1 year in jail, as a term of probation, or up to 2 years in prison. Committing assault intentionally or negligently is a serious crime that demands representation from the experienced assault attorneys in Phoenix at the Corso Law Group, who have successfully handled thousands of assault cases.
Possible Defenses for Assault
At Corso Law Group, our team works hard to come up with effective defense strategies for each client we represent. We thoroughly consider every option available through the justice system, and select defenses that are in the best possible interest of our clients. When it comes to assault defense, there are a few mainstay strategies that may be applicable in your unique situation:
- Self-defense. This is the most common defense for assault charges. It may be possible to prove that you assaulted the victim in an act of self-defense. For example, if you had an honest perceived fear of harm from the other person.
- Defense of others or property. Perhaps you assaulted someone in defense of someone else, such as a friend or loved one, or to defend your property. In these scenarios, the courts may reduce or drop charges, if they believe you had reasonable grounds to assault the victim.
- In some cases, the victim may have voluntarily consented to participate in an act, such as a boxing match. The victim could not allege assault if he or she consented to the action – unless the assault exceeded the parameters of the permission.
Speaking with our lawyers at Corso Law Group is the best way to understand your specific rights and legal opportunities after an arrest, for an alleged assault in Arizona. Call (480) 471-4616 or submit our contact form to speak with diligent, aggressive defense lawyers today. Initial consultations are always free of charge.
