Bellevue Assault Defense Lawyer

Nearly all criminal convictions have the potential to turn your world upside down. If you have been accused of causing unwanted physical harm to another, the penalties that come with a conviction are harsh. The prosecutor must prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt to secure a guilty verdict.

Make sure you have a leading Bellevue assault defense lawyer from Puget Law Group by your side to ensure the jury hears the plausible reasonable doubt needed to return an acquittal. With over 150 years of combined trial experience, your Bellevue criminal defense lawyer from our firm has the skills and resources needed to win. Get started on your defense strategy today when you contact our office to request a confidential consultation.

Assault vs. Aggravated Assault 

Many people use the terms assault and aggravated assault interchangeably. However, aggravated assault is a more serious offense. Assault charges can be elevated to aggravated assault if aggravating factors are present, such as:

• The intent to cause severe bodily injury or death
• The use of a deadly weapon, such as a firearm, vehicle, or knife
• Attacking a particularly vulnerable individual, such as a child
• Inflicting severe bodily injury, disfigurement, or permanent disability on the alleged victim

There are multiple types of assault charges. If you are convicted of fourth-degree assault, it would be classified as a gross misdemeanor, and you could spend up to one year in jail per RCW 9A.36.041. However, if you are convicted of first-degree assault, you can be charged with a class A felony,  punishable by up to $50,000 in fines and at least 20 years in prison under RCW 9A.20.020.

You Can Challenge the Charges Against You

Consider your options before your case goes to trial. We will need to review your criminal record and the specific details of your arrest to determine how to approach your defense strategy. Some potential defenses include:

• An alibi
• Consent
• Defense of others
• Defense of property
• Insanity
• Lack of intent
• Lack of probable cause
• Mistake of fact
• Mistaken identity
• Unlawful search and seizure
• Self-defense

You can rely on your Bellevue homicide defense lawyer to identify the strongest defense strategy based on the circumstances of your case. In some instances, we may recommend plea bargaining with the prosecutor. It is our goal to protect you from some of the harsh criminal penalties that you could be facing, including life in prison.

Bellevue Assault Defense FAQ

Is Assault Considered a Violent Crime?

Yes, assault is generally considered a violent crime. However, the definition of assault under RCW Chapter 9A.36 states that assault occurs anytime someone causes “unwanted physical harm” to another. That does not necessarily mean that there needs to be a severe bodily injury.

Any attempt to cause physical bodily harm or putting someone else in fear that they might be subject to severe bodily harm is also considered assault. The act must be considered offensive by the alleged victim for criminal charges to apply. While assault may be considered a violent crime, we may be able to work with the district attorney to get your charges reduced to a lesser offense.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for Assault Charges in Washington State?

The prosecutor only has a limited amount of time to file criminal charges for assault. Under RCW 9A.04.080, the statute of limitations for assault charges is two years from the date the alleged assault occurred. If the district attorney does not file charges in time, the state will not be able to prosecute you.

However, there are some stipulations. If you attempt to avoid prosecution by fleeing the state, the statute of limitations countdown will simply pause. This means it will only resume counting down once you re-enter Washington.

What Does It Cost to Hire a Reputable Assault Defense Lawyer in Bellevue, WA?

The cost of hiring a Bellevue assault defense attorney from Puget Law Group does not need to be intimidating. Working with a public defender is an option if money is tight. However, public defenders in the Washington criminal justice system are often overloaded with cases and may not be able to give your defense the attention it needs to secure an acquittal.

The cost of hiring a criminal defense attorney will vary depending on the complexity of your case. In some cases, we may be able to work on a flat fee or hourly rate. However, we may also require a retainer so you can reserve our services.

Should I Just Work with a Public Defender?

It may not be in your best interest to work with a public defender. While educated and informed about the law, public defenders do not have access to the resources a private assault defense lawyer in Bellevue would need. This means they may not be able to hire experts to testify on your behalf or analyze the evidence at hand.

With a private criminal defense lawyer, you have individualized attention. You can expect regular updates on your case status when you choose Puget Law Group and the ability to reach your legal representative, and when you have questions, an assault defense attorney in Bellevue will walk you through every step including how to prepare for a criminal trial. Unfortunately, public defenders may not have that much time or resources to devote to your defense.

Is Assault an Expungeable Offense in Washington State?

Certain types of assault may be eligible for expungement. If you were convicted of third or fourth-degree assault, you may qualify for expungement. However, there must have been no sexual motivation, use of a deadly weapon or firearm, or attack against a law enforcement officer.

You could also qualify for expungement if you were charged with assault, but the charges against you were dismissed. If you were arrested but never formally charged, the arrest could also be expunged. Generally, crimes involving children, deadly weapons, or violence are ineligible for expungement.

Call a Respected Assault Defense Attorney in Bellevue, WA for Help Today

Criminal charges of any kind can impact your life, but when you have been accused of committing a serious violent crime like assault, your entire future could be in jeopardy. We are not only talking about jail or prison time and fines. We are talking about a lifetime of having a violent criminal conviction on your record.

Do not let yourself be haunted by the trauma of this experience. Take your defense seriously and hire a top-rated assault defense lawyer in Bellevue from Puget Law Group. When you are ready to get started but are unsure of where to begin, call our office or fill out our confidential contact form to schedule your initial defense strategy session as soon as today.