Clarkston Assault Lawyer

Assault charges and convictions in Clarkston are very serious offenses, and anyone convicted of assault could be looking at months or years of incarceration. Beyond just criminal penalties, you could also suffer harm to your personal and professional reputation.

A Clarkston assault lawyer familiar with the potential consequences of an assault conviction may be able to guide you through your criminal case. Once retained, an experienced defense attorney can represent you in court to help you achieve the best possible result.

The state of Michigan defines assault as placing another person in fear of an imminent battery. Battery refers to physical contact by another person that is harmful or offensive.

Depending on the circumstances, assault may be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony. As such, there are various forms of assault codified under Michigan state law, including:

• Aggravated assault
• Simple assault
• Assault and battery
• Felony assault, including an assault using a deadly weapon, assault with intent to maim, assault with intent to murder or to cause significant bodily harm, and assault with the intent to rob, steal, or commit another felony

When it comes to proving that an assault occurred, the prosecutor must demonstrate beyond a reasonable doubt that the accused party is the one who committed the criminal offense. A skilled Clarkston assault attorney can work to determine if the prosecutor has satisfied their burden of proof and, if applicable, contest the notion that they have.

The penalties for assault depend largely on the type of assault allegedly committed. In cases of simple assault or assault and battery where the accused slapped, pushed, or threatened to harm another person, a convicted party could receive a maximum of 93 days of incarceration according to Michigan Compiled Laws §750.81. An aggravated assault conviction could increase this penalty to as much as one year of incarceration.

If you are convicted for assault with a deadly weapon—in other words, with a gun, knife, or another object—you could receive a maximum of four years in jail. Furthermore, a conviction for assault with the intent to maim or cause great bodily harm could result in up to a $5,000 fine and a maximum jail sentence of 10 years. The same potential penalties apply to a conviction for assault with intent to rob, steal, or commit another felony.

Finally, a conviction for assault with intent to murder could result in a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, as well as a maximum fine of $5,000. An experienced assault lawyer in Clarkston can appear in court on a defendant’s behalf and ensure their rights are upheld for any of these offenses throughout all proceedings including a trial.

In addition to the various legal penalties that may follow a conviction, you may suffer non-legal consequences as a result of an assault conviction. For example, you could lose your job and have difficulty finding a replacement.

A Clarkston assault lawyer could represent you from the beginning and assist you with handling every aspect of your criminal case. To learn more about what may be possible in your case, call today to schedule a free consultation.