Atlanta Assault Lawyer

When you are arrested and charged with assault or another criminal offense, you might be wondering what to do next. Not only is your personal and professional future at stake, you have to navigate the criminal justice system. An Atlanta assault lawyer could help by advising you of your rights, reviewing the evidence against you, and developing a defense strategy on your behalf.

When you are charged with a crime, it is in your best interest to secure good legal representation. While it may be tempting to take a plea deal, in some cases, you may be able to have charges reduced or dropped entirely. Be sure to consult an experienced criminal defense attorney about your options.

Assault Laws

The laws relating to assault can be found in Title 16, Article 2, Chapter 5 of the Georgia Code. The crime of assault is broken into two crimes: simple assault and aggravated assault.

Simple Assault

Simple assault involves an attempt to commit a violent injury to another person. However, any intentional conduct that could reasonably cause someone to fear they are about to suffer a violent injury, could constitute an assault. There is no requirement that someone suffer an injury for a person’s actions to be an assault, nor is physical contact necessary for an assault to take place.

A simple assault is a misdemeanor offense under state law and can result in a jail sentence of up to one year making it important to contact an assault attorney in Atlanta.

Aggravated Assault

The related crime of aggravated assault is considered a felony offense. Those convicted of an aggravated assault could be sentenced to a lengthy prison sentence of up to twenty years. An aggravated assault is defined as a simple assault committed with any of the following aggravating factors:

• The intent to rob, rape, or murder the victim
• Using a deadly weapon, or any object that could be used to cause serious bodily injury
• Discharging a firearm from a vehicle at another person (or a “drive-by” shooting)
• Choking someone or obstructing their nose or mouth

Battery

A closely related crime to assault is the criminal offense of battery. Battery involves offensive touching or physical contact. When someone intentionally strikes or hits another or touches them in an insulting manner against their will, they may be charged with battery. Simple battery is a misdemeanor offense, punishable by up to one year in jail and up to a $1,000 fine. In cases where the battery is aggravated in nature, someone could face more serious penalties including a fine of up to $5,000.

Develop a Defense Strategy with an Atlanta Assault Attorney

When you are charged with assault, there are a number of defenses that could help you get the charges reduced or even dismissed. Asserting self-defense, for example, can help you avoid a conviction. As Atlanta assault lawyers, we can assist you by developing a defense strategy and negotiating with prosecutors on your behalf.

A criminal conviction could follow you for years, even if it is a misdemeanor. An assault charge can impact your personal relationships, professional goals, and cause other complications in your life. Contact us to discuss your options for a defense.