If you are facing assault charges, you may worry about potential jail time, fines, or a criminal record. We understand why a criminal charge is a heavy burden – your future is on the line. A Napoleon assault lawyer from Groth & Associates can defend you against the charges.
The Napoleon criminal defense lawyers at our firm have helped many Ohioans with misdemeanor and felony charges. Our trial lawyers collectively have over 89 years of legal experience we will use to pursue the best outcome for your case, no matter how complicated.
The clock is ticking, so if you have been charged or think you could be facing charges, secure representation today. Call us today for a free case consultation.
An Overview of Assault Charges in Napoleon, Ohio
Ohio defines assault as intentionally causing harm or threatening to cause harm to another person. In Napoleon, assault charges can range from simple assault to felonious assault, depending on the severity of the incident and the injuries the victim suffered.
The state categorizes assault charges based on the severity of the offense and the circumstances surrounding the incident. In Ohio, defendants can be charged with assault, even if the person wasn’t hurt.
The main types of assault charges include:
Negligent Assault
- Definition: Negligent assault occurs when a person physically harms another through negligent actions. This means they failed to exercise the standard care that a reasonable person would in similar circumstances.
- Penalties: Classified as a third-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to 60 days in jail and fines up to $500.
Simple Assault
- Definition: Causing or attempting to physically harm another person without a weapon.
- Penalties: Classified as a first-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to six months in jail and fines up to $1,000.
Aggravated Assault
- Definition: Causing serious physical harm or using a deadly weapon during the assault.
- Penalties: Classified as a fourth-degree felony, punishable by six to 18 months in prison and fines up to $5,000.
Felonious Assault
- Definition: Felonious assault involves causing serious physical harm to another person or causing harm using a deadly weapon or dangerous ordnance.
- Penalties: Classified as a second-degree felony, punishable by up to eight years in prison and fines of up to $15,000. The offense becomes a first-degree felony in an attack on a law enforcement officer. This is punishable with fines of up to $20,000 and 11 years in prison.
Our lawyers understand the nature of the assault charges and the state law that governs them. We will explain the charge you face, Ohio’s assault laws, and your options when we talk with you about your case.
Factors Affecting Assault Charges
Several factors can influence the severity of assault charges in Napoleon, including:
- Intent: Whether the assault was intentional or accidental.
- Injury severity: The extent of the victim’s injuries.
- Use of weapons: Whether a weapon was used during the assault.
- Prior criminal record: Any previous convictions can lead to harsher penalties.
For a free legal consultation with a assault lawyer serving Napolean, call (419) 930-3030
How Our Napoleon Assault Defense Lawyer Will Help You
Our Napoleon assault attorneys will provide professional legal representation from day one. We will assess your case’s details to understand the charges and potential defenses. We also will guide you on what to say and do so you can avoid self-incrimination.
We can be present during your arrest, booking, and police questioning to ensure authorities recognize your rights. We will also advocate for reasonable bail conditions or seek release on recognizance.
We will:
- Gather and preserve evidence that supports the client’s case, including witness statements, surveillance footage, and physical evidence.
- Analyze police reports and other documentation for inaccuracies or procedural errors.
- We will promptly manage all essential legal documents and filings, including any motions we must file to suppress evidence or dismiss charges.
- Develop a tailored defense strategy based on the specifics of your case.
- Negotiate with prosecutors to reduce charges or seek alternative sentencing options.
If your case goes to trial, we will outline your defense, present evidence, and call witnesses to support your account of events. We can also cross-examine prosecution witnesses to challenge the credibility and reliability of their testimony.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Me (419) 930-3030
Understanding the Legal Process for Assault Charges in Ohio
If you are charged with assault in Napoleon, the legal process typically involves several steps:
- Arrest and booking: The police will arrest and book you, taking your fingerprints and photographs.
- Initial appearance: You will appear before a judge, who will inform you of the charges and set bail.
- Preliminary hearing: The prosecutor presents evidence to determine if there is enough to proceed to trial.
- Arraignment: You will enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
- Trial: If your case goes to trial, both sides will present their evidence and arguments. The judge or jury will then decide the verdict.
- Sentencing: If found guilty, the judge will determine your sentence based on the severity of the offense and other factors.
Commonly Used Defenses in Assault Charge Cases
Our experienced trial lawyers can use several defenses to challenge your charges, including:
- Self-defense: Asserts that you were protecting yourself from harm.
- Defense of others: Claiming that you were defending another person.
- Lack of intent: Demonstrating that the assault was accidental.
- False accusations: Proving that the accusations are not true.
- Mistaken Identity: Arguing that someone else committed the crime and that you were wrongly identified.
- Alibi: You were somewhere else when the crime occurred.
Your Defense Is a Key Part of Your Napoleon Assault Case
Our Napoleon assault charges attorney’s knowledge of Ohio’s laws, investigative skills, and strategic thinking will help us build a robust defense for your case. Before we build your defense, we will listen to your story to identify potential defenses or mitigating factors.
We will ask you questions about the incident, your background, and other relevant details to understand the full context of your case. We can obtain and review police reports to understand the prosecution’s case against you and examine the prosecution’s evidence.
This evidence can include witness testimony, physical evidence, and available video or audio recordings. When we review the opposing side’s case, we will look to see if mistakes were made during the investigation or your arrest, such as failure to read your Miranda rights.
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Our Napoleon Assault Lawyer Can Represent You – Call Us
If you are facing assault charges in Napoleon, Ohio, you can secure a criminal defense lawyer to fight the charges against you. You owe it to yourself to get legal care and support, as a conviction can have serious and lasting consequences that affect your freedom and future.
A Napoleon assault lawyer from Groth & Associates will build a solid defense and guide you through every step of the legal process. Don’t wait—contact us now to get the support and representation you need. Call for a free consultation today.
Call or text (419) 930-3030 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form