Ohio does not take lightly violent crimes of any sort. For instance, if you are facing an assault charge, whether at a misdemeanor or felony level, the consequences can be rather severe. You do not have to let such a charge ruin your future, however. Attack an assault charge head on with a strong criminal defense.
Prosecuting attorneys have the difficult job of proving guilt in any criminal case. When prosecuting an assault charge, it is necessary to show that certain elements exist in the case. What are those elements and what defense options might you have to fight the charges at hand?
2 basic types of assault; different required elements
In Ohio, assault charges are either simple or aggravated. Simple assault is a misdemeanor offense, while aggravated is more serious and is considered a felony level offense. The required elements to prove guilt in a simple assault case are:
- Intent to cause or attempt to cause bodily harm to another person
- Recklessly causing bodily harm
The required elements to prove guilt in an aggravated assault case are:
- Intent to cause serious harm to another person
- Causes or attempts to cause bodily harm through force or use of a weapon
So, in either type of case, intent and action matter.
What are the consequences of an assault conviction?
If you are facing a simple assault charge, the potential consequences if convicted include a jail sentence of up to six months and a fine of no more than $1,000. If you are facing an aggravated assault charge, this is punishable by up to six years in prison and fines of no more than $5,000.
What are my defense options?
Different defense strategies may be available, depending on the details of your case. Some common defenses used in assault cases include:
- Claiming self-defense
- Claiming the act was unintentional
- Claiming one was under the influence of an impairing substance
- Denying involvement
Your criminal defense attorney can help you choose the best course of action for your case.
Do not put your future in the hands of just anyone
Fighting an assault charge will not prove to be an easy task. With potential consequences that can be quite severe, how your case is ultimately handled will have a significant impact on both your personal and professional life. Do not put your future in the hands of just anyone. A skilled criminal defense attorney will be able to fully investigate your case and look for any flaws or missing information that could benefit your cause.
