Top Tuscaloosa, AL Aggravated Assault Lawyers Near You
Aggravated Assault Lawyers | Tuscaloosa Office
600 Lurleen B Wallace Blvd S, Suite 120, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
Aggravated Assault Lawyers | Tuscaloosa Office
811 21st Avenue, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
Aggravated Assault Lawyers | Tuscaloosa Office
1629 McFarland Blvd. N., Suite 402, Tuscaloosa, AL 35406-2239
Aggravated Assault Lawyers | Tuscaloosa Office
2610 6th St, Suite B, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
Aggravated Assault Lawyers | Tuscaloosa Office
2312 University Blvd, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
Aggravated Assault Lawyers | Tuscaloosa Office
2216 14th St, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
Tuscaloosa Aggravated Assault Information
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What Is Aggravated Assault?
Aggravated assault is a charge for threatening to physically injure, or actually physically injuring, a victim. In some jurisdictions, this behavior may also fall under battery or aggravated battery charges, though there is a distinction between the two charges in certain states which differentiate between assault and battery.
In these jurisdictions, assault is separated from battery where battery requires actual physical contact to be made between offender and victim. Assault charges are not bound by any such elemental requirement and can be just a serious threat made with intent.
Is Aggravated Assault a Felony?
Aggravated assault is categorized as a felony in nearly all instances. Due to the severity of the crime, it is differentiated from simple assault, which can sometimes be classified as a misdemeanor rather than a felony.
What’s the Difference Between Assault and Aggravated Assault?
The primary difference between assault and aggravated assault is the severity of the offense. There are several ways an instance of assault can escalate into an instance of aggravated assault — the threat of use of, or use of, a deadly weapon being one primary example.
Further, assault of a minor, assault of the elderly, assault of an individual in the public service or assault of an individual for whom you are designated a caretaker can all result in aggravated assault charges rather than simple assault charges.
Simple assault can be as simple as making a verbal threat against a victim with intent to start a fistfight, but aggravated assault might be something more like pulling a gun or a knife out, brandishing it threateningly at the victim.
What Is the Penalty for Aggravated Assault?
The penalty for aggravated assault is typically quite severe, and the charge is prone to sentence enhancement for a variety of reasons.
Aggravated assault is typically charged at the state level, as battery and aggravated battery are the nearby charges which are typically heard in federal court. That being said, penalties do vary based on the degree classification of the felony, the particulars relevant to each incidental case and the state the case is being heard in.
In some states, the penalty for aggravated assault could be one year of imprisonment, fines of up to $10,000 and a potential probation period. Aggravated assault can also be either a second-degree felony or a first-degree felony. The penalty for second-degree aggravated assault is a jail term of two to 20 years, while first-degree aggravated assault penalties can include five to 99 years in jail.
Aggravated assault can lead to prison for any number of years, with sentencing enhancement allowing for what are essentially life sentences in some states.
Can I Get Probation for Aggravated Assault?
Probation is a common penalty if you are convicted of aggravated assault, given that the crime is, by its nature, a violent offense. A probation period may stretch anywhere from six months to a few years, with it being necessary to keep in regular contact with a probation officer as well as abiding by all rules set forth at the outset of the probationary period.
Those looking to avoid probation or conviction of aggravated assault charges should secure an experienced and professional legal counsel as soon as possible. Even if a trial may look unfavorable to you, your lawyer may be able to negotiate a reduced sentence via a plea deal or bargain with the prosecution.
Were You Charged with Aggravated Assault?
Aggravated assault is the crime of assault but is more serious by the law. The crime could escalate to aggravated assault by using a weapon, based on who the victim is and also the intent of the person.
What Are Aggravated Assault Legal Options?
If you are charged with aggravated assault immediately contact a criminal defense lawyer experienced in aggravated assault cases. The lawyer will explain the law to you, outline your options, form your defense and aggressively challenge the evidence against you.
Best Time to Seek Legal Help
No matter what your legal issue may be, it is always best to seek legal help early in the process. An attorney can help secure what is likely to be the best possible outcome for your situation and avoid both unnecessary complications or errors.
The Importance of a Good Consultation
The goal of an initial consultation is to find an attorney you are comfortable working with and someone who can help you understand your options under the law. Seek to understand the relevant legal experience the attorney brings to your case. While it is not realistic to expect an attorney to resolve your legal issue during an initial consultation, you should gain a level of comfort with his/her ability to do so. A good consultation can clarify issues, raise pertinent questions and considerations for your case, and help you make an informed decision towards resolving your legal issue.
How will an attorney charge me?
A reputable attorney will be very upfront about how he/she will charge you. The three most common fee structures that attorneys use to charge for their services are:
- Bill by the hour
- Contingent fee agreement
- Flat fee agreement
Depending on your specific legal situation, it’s possible that only one type of fee structure is available. For instance, criminal defense attorneys almost always bill by the hour. In a flat fee arrangement, an attorney accepts a one-time payment to help you resolve your issue. With a contingent fee agreement, the client pays little to nothing upfront and the attorney receives a percentage of the money recovered if you win your case.
Common legal terms explained
Plaintiff – a person or party who brings a lawsuit against another person(s) or party/parties in a court of law. Private persons or parties can only file suit in civil court.
Judgment – A decision of the court. Also known as a decree or order. Judgments handed down by the court are usually binding on the parties before the court.