While simple assault is typically prosecuted as a misdemeanor in Arizona, aggravated assault is always considered a felony. Depending on the circumstances, it may be prosecuted as a “dangerous” felony punishable by longer prison terms upon conviction. Regardless of your criminal history, being charged with aggravated assault is a serious matter with potentially life-changing consequences. The quality of legal counsel you retain can significantly impact the outcome of your case—and the rest of your life.
Fortunately, the help you need to achieve a favorable final case result is available from a Phoenix aggravated assault lawyer at Grand Canyon Law Group. No matter the circumstances, our dedicated Phoenix criminal attorneys will work tirelessly to protect your rights and best interests throughout the legal proceedings.
As defined under Arizona Revised Statute §13-1204, every instance of aggravated assault begins with someone committing simple assault—defined under A.R.S. §13-1203—with one or more aggravating conditions present. The most common aggravating conditions are the defendant causing serious physical injury to the targeted person and using a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument while committing the assault.
However, numerous other scenarios could lead to enhanced assault charges, including the following:
As our skilled Phoenix assault lawyers can explain, someone may also be charged with aggravated assault if they knowingly or intentionally strangle a household or family member.
An aggravated assault charge may be prosecuted as a Class 6 non-dangerous felony up to a Class 2 dangerous felony, depending on the specific aggravating conditions. In such conditions, consulting a Phoenix felony assault lawyer can be helpful for you. At a minimum, the sentencing range for a first-time offender could be four months to two years, with a presumptive sentence of one year. Probation may be available under certain circumstances as well. At a maximum, this range could be seven to 21 years, with a presumptive sentence of 10 years.
Additionally, any adult who causes serious physical injury or uses a dangerous instrument or deadly weapon while assaulting someone under 15 may be prosecuted for a Class 2 dangerous felony against children. This offense is punishable by a sentencing range of 10 to 24 years, with a presumptive sentence of 17 years. The aggravated assault lawyers at our firm can explain the penalties associated with a particular charge and work to prevent them by building a strong defense strategy.
Aggravated assault charges can result from various circumstances, many of which do not involve serious physical harm. To improve your chances of securing a favorable result from your legal proceedings, help from knowledgeable legal counsel is a necessity.
A conversation with a Phoenix aggravated assault lawyer could give you confidence and clarity on your next steps. Call Grand Canyon Law Group today to set up a consultation.