Assault

Law Offices of Jezic & Moyse, LLC.

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Washington, DC Assault Lawyer

In Washington, DC, assault is defined as one of three scenarios

1)      Simple Assault – use of violence in an attempt to injure another person, where you have the actual ability to injure the person

2)      Assault with Significant Injury – engaging in conduct where you intend, or know, that significant bodily injury will result

3)      Aggravated Assault – engaging in conduct where you intend, or know, that serious bodily injury will result

It is important to note that you can be charged with assault without actually making physical contact with the other person.  The punishment for an assault will depend on the injury to the other person and the risk created by the conduct.

Simple Assault

This form of assault is a misdemeanor and carries a maximum penalty of 180 days in prison, and/or a fine of up to $1,000.  This occurs when a person purposely attempts, using violence, to injury another.  The person must, at the time of the assault, also have the ability to injury the other person.  This may also occur when a perpetrator makes such an attempt with the intent to frighten the other person. 

Assault with Significant Injury

This form of assault is a felony and carries a maximum penalty of three years in prison, and/or a fine of up to $3,000.  This occurs when a person engages in conduct that he/she intended, or knew, would cause significant bodily injury to another.  Significant bodily injury is defined as an injury that requires hospitalization or immediate medical attention.

Aggravated Assault

This form of assault is a felony and carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, and/or a fine of up to $10,000.  An attempted aggravated assault carries a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison, and/or a fine of up to $5,000.  This occurs when a person knowingly or purposely caused serious bodily injury to another, or engaged in conduct under circumstances manifesting an extreme indifference to human life, which created a grave risk of serious bodily injury.  Serious bodily injury is defined as an injury that creates substantial risk of death, unconsciousness, extreme physical pain, or protracted and obvious disfigurement.

Assault during the commission of another crime can also serve as an aggravating factor, increasing the penalties for an assault charge.  If an assault is committed with intent to kill, rob, poison, commit first or second degree sexual abuse, or child sexual abuse, the penalties range from 2-15 years in prison, and up to $37,000 in fines.  If committed during the crime of mayhem or using a dangerous weapon, the maximum penalty is 10 years in prison and/or up to $25,000 in fines.  Further, if an assault is committed upon a police officer, maximum sentence is 10 years in jail and/or a fine of up to $10,000.  Such crimes are aggressively prosecuted in the District.

An assault conviction can have important future consequences affecting employment, occupational licensing, financing, and the ability of non-citizens to remain in the United States.  Contacting a Washington, DC assault lawyer can make navigating the legal system much easier, and help you take a proactive approach to resolve such an issue in a way that most benefits your needs.

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