Fairfield Second-Degree Assault Lawyer 

Anyone arrested for assault in the second-degree should seek advice and counsel from a Fairfield second-degree assault lawyer.

Despite what many may think, second-degree assault charges are a serious matter. Second-degree assault is not a breach of peace or disorderly conduct charge, it is a felony punishable by up to five (or even 10 years) in jail in some cases.

Our team will know how to craft the best defense based on the circumstances and evidence involved in your case. If you have been charged with assault, get in touch with a skilled assault attorney who can begin to build your case.

Second Degree Assault Laws in Connecticut

All Fairfield arrests report to Bridgeport Superior Court located at 172 Golden Hill Street. There, an individual will face a quick but intense series of interviews and hearings that will result in a protective/restraining order being issued against them following their arraignment in Bridgeport Court for assault in the second degree. If not handled properly by a Fairfield second-degree assault attorney, the restraining order can prevent an individual from returning home or having any contact with their spouse or children.

Section 53a-60 of the Connecticut criminal code sets forth 7 situations that permit Fairfield police officers to make arrests for second-degree assault. There are, in addition, other statutes that build on to these definitions such as assault in the second degree with a firearm, assault of a pregnant or disabled person in the second degree, and assault in the second degree with a motor vehicle – a DWI / DUI assault.

Scenarios Considered Second-Degree Assault

The situations that constitute assault in the second-degree under Section 53a-60(a) of the Connecticut code occur when an individual:

• Intends to and does cause serious physical injury to another
• Intends to and does use a dangerous instrument or deadly weapon to cause a physical injury to another (except by firing a gun)
• Recklessly causes serious injury to another using a dangerous instrument or deadly weapon
• Administers drugs to another with the intent of causing unconsciousness or injury and does cause such condition without a lawful medical purpose
• Intentionally injures a member or employee of the parole board while having the status of a parolee
• Intends to and does render another unconscious by striking a blow to the head without provocation
• Strikes or kicks another who is lying down with the intent to cause physical injury and does cause such injury

Serious Physical Injury

Under Connecticut law, a serious physical injury is defined as an injury that either:

• Causes the loss or impairment of any bodily organ or
• Results in serious health impairment or
• Causes serious disfigurement or
• Creates a substantial risk of death

A trusted Fairfield attorney can help people who are facing second-degree assault charges understand what they are up against and help build the best possible defense.

Jail Sentences for Second-Degree Assault Cases 

In general, Assault in the Second Degree arrests are classified as Class D felonies punishable by up to 5 years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000. When a second-degree assault results in serious physical injury, however, the crime elevates to a Class C felony with a maximum prison sentence of as much as 10 years in jail and a fine of up to $10,000.

Additionally, the law imposes extra consequences for the more specialized forms of second-degree assault. For instance, in the case of assault in the second degree with a firearm, the court is not permitted to suspend or reduce one year of the sentence, and the penalties for assault in the second degree with a motor vehicle includes a license suspension. You should enlist the help of a Fairfield second-degree assault attorney to mitigate harsh penalties.

Contact a Fairfield Second-Degree Assault Attorney

Every second-degree assault arrest has its own unique defenses. An attorney who is well-versed in this area of law will know will understand how to build the best defense for you and your family and will also know how to push back against heavy-handed prosecutors.

Your Fairfield second-degree assault lawyer will help ensure that the facts of your case are investigated fully and fairly and will work with you to bring about the best possible result. Contact an attorney now, so they can get started on building your case.