Simple Assault Laws

In very general terms an assault is any attempt or actual contact between one person and another with the intent to cause harm or damage to that individual. Simple assault differs from aggravated assault in that there is no weapon used in the assault and the injuries, if any, are minor and not considered serious or life threatening. Typically under the the simple assault laws, any minor injuries obtained in the assault will be caused by the use of feet, fists or other parts of the body coming into contact with another person.

Simple Assault Penalties

Simple assault charges can result in a wide range of penalties, often dependent on the number of prior charges for assault or violence as well as the actual injuries inflicted in this altercation. Different jurisdictions may have different levels of severity for simple assault charges.

Possible Penalties

• Fines
  
• Anger management classes
  
• Probation
  
• Jail time
  
• Community service
  
• Loss of the right to own or carry weapons or firearms

Simple Assault Sentencing

Sentencing for simple assault charges may not be as straight forward as one might expect. There are many different issues that can be presented to the court that may affect the penalties. Past violence of the other party, self defense, harassment or stalking by the other party may be seen as mitigating factors to the charges. In addition your attorney can work to move the case to probation or community service and anger management classes, possibly avoiding all issues with jail time.

Hiring An Attorney For Simple Assault

It is always important to get an attorney involved in any criminal defense case. Not only can they help to ensure that you get a fair trial but they may actually be able to work with the prosecutor and the court to have your charges decreased or even deferred. In some situations the attorney may be able to get charges such as simple assault dropped to disorderly conduct, which is often much less problematic on your record.

• If you have been charged with Assault, Submit Your Case for a Free Review from a skilled Criminal Defense Attorney.