Being charged with assault with a deadly weapon is a serious criminal offense. You could face a lengthy prison sentence, fines, and other penalties. Therefore, you need a serious and highly-skilled Cincinnati criminal defense lawyer to fight for you.
The Cincinnati criminal defense attorneys of Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers have over 100 years of combined experience. We have former police officers and prosecutors on our legal team. We’ll use our experience and insights to help you build the strongest defense to your charges.
Contact our law office to schedule a free consultation at (513) 333-0014 with a Cincinnati assault attorney.
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How Our Cincinnati Criminal Defense Lawyers Help You With a Felony Assault Charge
Ohio has severe penalties for criminal charges involving violent crimes. Using a deadly weapon could result in one or more assault charges. Our lawyers at Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers have extensive experience handling all types of assault charges.
When you hire our legal team, you can expect us to:
- Conduct a thorough, independent investigation into the criminal charges against you
- Explain the applicable laws governing your case and your legal options
- Use private investigators and expert witnesses as necessary
- Gather evidence and review the state’s evidence against you
- Thoroughly prepare for negotiations for plea deals and trial
- Prepare an aggressive defense strategy based on the facts and evidence
- Provide guidance and support throughout your case
Our lawyers stand with you as you face criminal charges. We fight to protect your civil rights. Our legal team is focused on pursuing a courtroom victory in your case.
Contact us today to schedule your free consultation with one of our experienced Cincinnati assault defense attorneys.
What Charges Do I Face Because I Committed Assault With a Deadly Weapon?
The Ohio statutes define assault as knowingly causing or attempting to cause physical harm to another person or an unborn child. When you use a deadly weapon during an assault, you could be charged with:
Negligent Assault
If you negligently use a deadly weapon to cause harm to another person or unborn child, the charge is negligent assault. Negligent assault is a third-degree misdemeanor.
Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon
Aggravated assault cases involve acts made when a person is in a sudden fit of rage or sudden passion. It is a crime to use a deadly weapon to cause harm or attempt to cause harm in such a state. In other words, a person responded disproportionately to the provocation.
Aggravated assault with a deadly weapon is a fourth-degree felony in most cases. However, if the assault is against a police officer, the charge is a third-degree felony.
Felonious Assault
Felonious assault is an attempt to cause harm or cause harm to another person or an unborn child without the provocation of aggravated assault. Using a deadly weapon to cause harm falls under the felonious assault definition.
Felonious assault with a deadly weapon is a second degree felony in most cases. However, if the assault is against a police officer, the offense is a first degree felony.
What Are the Penalties for Assault in Cincinnati, Ohio?
The penalties for assault depend on the charges. In most cases, the court imposes the following penalties:
- Negligent Assault – Up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine
- Aggravated Assault – Six to 18 months in prison and $5,000 in fines. The penalty increases to nine months to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine if the victim is a police officer.
- Felonious Assault – Two to eight years in prison and a $20,000 fine. The penalty increases if the victim is a police officer.
The penalties for assault with a deadly weapon can increase based on a person’s criminal history and aggravating factors. Therefore, you should always seek legal counsel when facing an assault charge.
Are There Defenses to Assault Charges?
Our Cincinnati assault lawyers diligently investigate your case to gather evidence and determine the best defenses to use. The defense strategy depends on the facts of the case. However, some defenses to assault charges include:
- Self-defense of yourself or another person
- You lacked intent because you did not act knowingly to injure someone
- Your conduct did not meet the standards for negligence in a negligent assault case
- The police officers lacked probable cause for an arrest
- Evidence is inadmissible because it was gathered pursuant to an illegal search and seizure
- You are the victim of domestic violence suffering from Battered Woman Syndrome
The sooner you contact our office, the quicker we can begin gathering evidence and developing a defense strategy. It is never in your best interest to talk to the police or a prosecutor without legal counsel. Also, avoid all contact with the victim and their relatives.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Cincinnati Assault Defense Lawyers
If you are charged with assaulting another person, you could face significant penalties for a conviction. Having an experienced, skilled Cincinnati criminal defense lawyer on your side is crucial. Call our law office to schedule your free consultation to discuss your case with one of our defense attorneys.
