Everett Assault Defense Lawyer

Being accused of assault can feel like the end of the world. If you choose not to do anything about your criminal charge, you could receive a conviction that stays with you for the rest of your life. Alternatively, an Everett assault defense lawyer could help you contest this charge. 

Puget Law Group has more than 150 years of combined legal experience on staff. Let an Everett criminal defense lawyer from our team represent you in your assault case. Contact us today for more information. 

What It Means to Be Charged with Assault

You can be charged with assault if you physically harm someone. However, police could arrest you for assault even if you do not physically touch a person. If you have been charged with this crime for any reason, meet with an attorney. 

If you are convicted of assault, you may be punished to the fullest extent of the law. This can include jail time, a fine, and probation. Along with these, your conviction could prevent you from landing your dream job, buying a home, and maintaining positive relationships with family members and friends. 

Puget Law Group focuses on helping our clients achieve optimal case results. We can evaluate your assault charge and find ways to disprove the prosecution’s case against you. Schedule a free case consultation. 

Assault vs. Aggravated Assault: What You Need to Know

Assault is defined in accordance with the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) Chapter 9A.36. This refers to any act in which a person fears they will be attacked. To be charged with assault, an individual may threaten to inflict physical harm on someone or actually do so. 

Aggravated assault may involve the use of a deadly weapon. With this type of assault, an individual intends to cause serious harm to another. Thus, aggravated assault penalties are typically more severe than those of simple assault. 

Those who are dealing with an assault or aggravated assault charge should pursue legal help. An assault defense attorney in Everett, WA, can provide insights into how to prepare for a criminal trial. They could help you avoid a harsh punishment. 

How You Could Be Punished for Assault

It can be beneficial to hire a criminal defense lawyer if you are not guilty of assault. An assault defense lawyer in Everett, WA, can explain what punishments you could receive if you are convicted. Assault punishments vary based on degree, and there are four degrees to consider:

• First: This is a Class A felony that can result in lifetime imprisonment and a fine of up to $50,000. 
• Second: As a Class B felony, a second-degree conviction can lead to a prison sentence of up to 10 years and a fine of up to $20,000. 
• Third: If you are convicted of third-degree assault, you may receive a maximum prison sentence of five years and a maximum fine of $10,000. 
• Fourth: A fourth-degree assault conviction is treated as a gross misdemeanor, and with this, you could get a jail sentence of up to one year and a fine of up to $5,000. 

An assault defense lawyer in Everett can share additional details about these and other factors relating to your case. They will work diligently to craft an argument that resonates with the court. If your argument is successful, your attorney could compel the court to dismiss the charge against you. 

Building an Everett Assault Defense Argument

Many legal strategies can be used to defend against an assault charge. An assault defense attorney in Everett will examine the facts of your case as they determine what strategy could help you achieve a favorable outcome. Common legal defenses utilized in assault cases include:

Self-Defense

Your lawyer could argue that you harmed someone because you were defending yourself. In this situation, your attorney can present evidence to show that you used reasonable force to protect yourself. They may also look for ways to prove that you did not provoke the other person to attack you in the first place. 

Defense of Others 

Similar to a self-defense strategy, your lawyer may illustrate that you were doing everything within your power to protect others. If family members or friends were in imminent danger, you may have acted in a certain way to help keep them from getting hurt. Your attorney may use surveillance footage, witness statements, and other proof to support your argument. 

Duress

If you act under duress, you do so due to concerns for your own safety or the safety of others. For example, someone may threaten to hurt you if you do not commit an assault. In this scenario, you may have been coerced into engaging in a crime.

Your lawyer tailors your argument to your case. Along with this, they can provide an explanation of the Washington State bail bond system and offer legal insights and recommendations throughout your proceedings. In addition, your attorney may negotiate a plea deal on your behalf. 

How a Plea Bargain Works

If you face an assault charge and are worried about a conviction, a plea deal may prove to be a viable option. Your lawyer can discuss plea bargains with you. If they believe a plea agreement can help you, they may explore this option with the prosecution. 

With a plea deal, you accept a lesser charge than the one initially proposed. For instance, a plea agreement may allow you to have a felony charge reduced to a misdemeanor. Or, you may have the punishment of your crime lowered from prison time to a fine. 

By approving a plea agreement, you will not have to go to trial and argue your case in court. On the other hand, a plea deal is not an option in every assault case. Your lawyer can help you evaluate the pros and cons of a plea agreement and explain if they feel it is in your best interests to consider one. 

Partner with an Assault Defense Lawyer Who Fights for Their Clients

Puget Law Group cares about our clientele. Those who have been charged with assault can trust our legal team to assist you with all aspects of your case. Request a free case consultation with our team.