Norwalk Assault Lawyer
A criminal charge of assault is something that must be treated seriously. Acts of aggression and violence against others are severely prosecuted by Norwalk Police and Danbury Superior Court prosecutors. Though the type and severity of penalties will depend on the specific charges and facts, their impact is almost always likely to be profound, especially when it comes to your online reputation. If you have been arrested for assault in Norwalk, contact a distinguished domestic violence attorney to begin crafting the most cost-effective defense for your case. A Norwalk assault lawyer can give you clarity and peace of mind during this difficult time.
Possible Defense Strategies in Assault Cases
Because the formal punishments imposed following an assault conviction can be so severe, it is essential for all accused individuals to wage a vigorous legal defense against prosecutors. Modes of attack on the prosecution’s case could include those related to self-defense, defense of others, intoxication of the accuser, and unconstitutional interrogation, search, and seizure. Norwalk assault lawyers can pursue the dismissal or reduction of charges in each person’s case or, in the alternative, argue for reduced penalties at the time of sentencing.
What is the Definition of Assault under Criminal Law?
No matter what degree of assault someone has been accused of perpetrating, the prosecution is always required to establish beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant:
- Acted in a voluntary manner
- Acted with the clear intent to commit assault or another type of offense
- Did cause injury or other harm to another party
Assault charges require intent and Connecticut law recognizes the concept of transferred intent. Thus, it is not necessary for the state to show that a defendant intended to harm a particular individual, only that there was an intent to harm someone, even a person other than the actual victim.
Degrees of a Norwalk Assault Law
The Connecticut Penal Code categorizes assault offenses by a series of degrees which are determined by the facts and outcomes of the criminal conduct involved. First-degree assault is typically characterized by the use of a dangerous instrument, with the intent to seriously or permanently disfigure or destroy another party’s body or reckless engagement in behavior likely to cause death and which does cause serious injury.
Second & Third Degree Assault Arrests
Second-degree assault tends to involve the actual infliction of serious injury, intent to cause such injury with a deadly weapon besides a firearm, recklessly causing injury with a deadly weapon or intentionally administering a drug or other substance without the alleged victim’s consent.
A charge of third-degree assault generally implies allegations of intentionally inflicting physical injury to another, recklessly causing serious injury to another, or acting in a criminally negligent manner with a deadly weapon that in fact causes serious injury.
Potential Penalties for Convictions
Official penalties for assault convictions in Connecticut can be extremely severe, depending on the degree of harm caused as well as other critical factors. First-degree assault convictions can yield up to 20 years of incarceration and fines upwards of $15,000.
Convictions on charges of assault in the second and third degree can bring sentences of between up to five years imprisonment along with fines into the thousands of dollars. Enhanced penalties can be imposed in cases involving assaults on expectant mothers, prison officials, and the blind.
If you have been charged with an assault crime in Connecticut, you may be rattled by feelings of doubt and fear. Because there truly is no room for delay in developing your legal counterattack, contact a Norwalk assault lawyer who is ready to begin work on your behalf.