Felony assault charges carry significant penalties, including potential imprisonment and a criminal record that can impact your future. I am an Athens felony assault lawyer who can help you understand these charges, protect your rights, and build a strong defense.
I can advise you on your rights, guide you through interactions with law enforcement, and ensure those rights are respected. It is vital that you work with an assault defense attorney who can explain the specific charges against you and the potential penalties, empowering you to make informed decisions at every stage of your case.
A single punch or merely threatening someone with a deadly weapon can lead to a charge of felonious assault. Felonious assault is much more serious than simple assault, and a conviction will have devastating consequences. You may face a long prison sentence in addition to financial and other consequences. I can help.
A comprehensive investigation, including witness interviews, evidence gathering, and analysis of police procedures, is essential for a successful defense. In some cases, early intervention strategies, such as negotiating with prosecutors for reduced charges, can be beneficial. Felonious assault charges can lead to significant penalties, including prison time, fines, and a criminal record, so a strong defense from an Athens attorney is critical.
In Ohio, felony assault is defined under Ohio Revised Code § 2903.11. The offense involves knowingly causing serious physical harm to another person or an unborn child, or causing or attempting to cause physical harm with a deadly weapon or dangerous ordnance. Ordnances include items like explosives, automatic or sawed-off firearms, and other military-style weapons.
Felony assault is generally a second-degree felony, but can be elevated to a first-degree felony if the alleged victim is a peace officer or an investigator from the bureau of criminal identification and investigation, and if the victim suffers serious physical harm. Felony assault carries much harsher penalties than simple assault, as defined under Ohio Rev. Code § 2903.13, which is typically classified as a first-degree misdemeanor.
Felony assault charged as a second-degree felony can be punishable by up to eight years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000. First-degree felonies can result in up to 11 years in prison and a fine of up to $20,000.
If you are facing felonious assault charges, do not wait to seek the help of an Athens attorney. I can explore the potential legal defenses at your disposal, such as self-defense, lack of intent, or challenging the prosecution’s evidence. I can fight for the best possible outcome, whether it is a dismissal of charges, a not guilty verdict, or a reduced sentence.
I have helped many clients facing charges of felonious assault in my 25-year career. Often, charges of felonious assault depend upon the nature and extent of the physical injuries a person received. My background as an Athens felony assault lawyer litigating complex medical cases such as shaken baby syndrome (SBS) and my experience with forensic pathology in murder cases allow me to assess the true nature of the injuries. When you work with me, you can be sure that I will devote my attention to your case and fight relentlessly for you. I represent clients throughout Ohio, and I focus on helping Ohio University students charged with crimes from my office in Athens.
The successful defense against felonious assault charges begins with a thorough investigation of your case. Witnesses need to be interviewed, physical evidence needs to be examined and law enforcement’s investigation needs to be scrutinized in order to effectively tell your side of the story. I recognize and take seriously the fact that the rest of your life is at stake.
Preparing your defense may also involve investigating and challenging the forensic evidence in your case. I am uniquely qualified in DNA evidence and have experience in other forensic issues such as fingerprints, ballistics, crime scene investigation, eyewitness identification and more. When appropriate to the case, I work with experts who can assist with such issues. Providing expert analysis of evidence may demonstrate an alternate theory of the crime or prove your innocence. Call today.