People can face assault charges for many reasons with varying degrees of severity. While a conviction for simple assault can mean spending up to a year in jail, a felony assault can mean spending as long as 20 years in prison.
If you have reason to believe you are under investigation for assault, you must begin preparing a defense strategy immediately. Call a hard-working assault attorney skilled in assault investigations in Doraville for help with your case.
What Is Assault?
State laws dictate that assault is any action causing another to feel reasonably frightened they will suffer bodily harm. Physical contact is unnecessary.
Simple Assault
Simple assault involves attempting to cause bodily harm to another or threatening to hurt them. It is a misdemeanor offense, and a conviction can result in paying up to $1,000 in fines and a jail term of up to one year.
Aggravated Assault
Aggravated assault charges are more serious than simple assault and occur when an individual assaults another with a deadly weapon or object that could cause severe harm in an attempt to commit theft, sexual assault, or murder. Aggravated assault is a felony offense, and a conviction results in a minimum of one year in jail, with a maximum of 20 years. Some examples of aggravated assault include:
- Sexual assault
- Discharging a firearm from a moving vehicle
- Strangling the alleged victim during the attack
- Assault with a gun, knife, or other deadly weapon
- Committing assault in the commission of a felony offense
- Assaulting police officials, emergency medical responders, and other public servants while they are performing their duties
During the consultation, a lawyer could answer specific questions about the investigation of your case, possible sentencing, and defense strategies for an assault charge in Doraville.
Investigative Services
When alleged crimes in the state are particularly severe or require additional agents and services, police departments may seek help from outside agencies. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation – Investigative Division assists state police department agencies in investigations, including felony assault, rape, and sexual assault.
They have legal authority and authorization to conduct criminal investigations and arrests and execute search warrants. The agency may initiate action without request or upon requests from those with authority, including:
- District attorneys
- Sheriff departments
- Superior court judges
- The governor of Georgia
- Chief law enforcement officers
- Regular or volunteer fire department chiefs
- The chief of police from county police departments
- Government officials from the municipality where the alleged offense occurred
Agency officials have the authority to enforce state law, investigate crimes, and arrest individuals they allege guilty of felony assault or other crimes. A seasoned Doraville lawyer with experience in handling assault investigations could communicate with state prosecutors, police officers, and the investigative division on your behalf to fight for the best potential outcome.
Contact a Knowledgeable Attorney About Doraville Assault Investigations
Knowing you are under investigation for any criminal action is stressful, as the outcome could change your life and future. Therefore, it is vital to take steps to begin preparing your defense against the charges immediately.
An experienced lawyer at Robert James Trial Attorneys could provide sound legal advice and guidance throughout your assault investigation in Doraville. Call and schedule a consultation today.