A simple altercation can quickly escalate into a serious criminal offense. While no one expects this to happen to them, an aggravated assault arrest in Yuma, whether it stems from a confrontation in the Mesa Heights neighborhood or an incident outside a venue like Kress Ultra Lounge in Historic Downtown, happens faster than most people think. A Yuma aggravated assault lawyer at Lerner and Rowe Law Group can get involved early, examine what the prosecution is working with, and help you make informed decisions before the process moves forward.
Call (520) 620-6200 to schedule your free, confidential consultation with a Yuma criminal defense lawyer.
What Is the Difference Between Assault and Aggravated Assault in Arizona?
There are several factors that separate assault and aggravated assault in Arizona.
An assault charge in Arizona occurs when an individual:
- Intentionally causing physical injury to another person
- Placing someone in reasonable fear of imminent harm
- Knowingly touching another person with intent to injure or provoke
Assault becomes aggravated assault when specific factors are present, including:
- Use of a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument.
- Substantial bodily injury
- Assault of a protected person (police officer, teacher, firefighter, healthcare worker)
- Assault by strangulation or suffocation
- Assault that occurs during a home invasion
A Yuma aggravated assault lawyer can explain how these elements apply to your case and what the state would need to prove.
What Happens after an Aggravated Assault Arrest in Arizona
Cases in Yuma are processed through the Yuma County Superior Court. After an arrest for aggravated assault charges in Yuma, here’s what you can expect to happen:
- Booking and Initial Detention: You’ll be booked into custody, fingerprinted, and held until a bail hearing if applicable.
- Initial Appearance and Bail: Within 24 hours of your arrest, you’ll appear before a judge who will go over the charges, decide on release conditions, and set bail.
- Arraignment: The charges against you are formally stated, and you enter your plea.
- Pre-trial hearing: This stage involves reviewing disclosed evidence, filing motions to suppress, and negotiating with prosecutors.
- Resolution or Trial: If a negotiated resolution fails, your attorney challenges the prosecution’s evidence in court.
You have your rights protected from the start when you have an attorney, not just in court.
Yuma Aggravated Assault Lawyers Can Fight Potential Penalties
Arizona charges aggravated assault as a Class 6 or Class 2 felony. Convictions can result in:
- A prison sentence
- Probation
- Fines and court fees
- Loss of your civil rights
- Your felony conviction record forever
- Severe consequences for your job, housing, and personal life
If you have previous convictions, used a weapon, or caused serious injuries, you could face even tougher penalties.
FAQs: Yuma Aggravated Assault Charges
Under Arizona law, in order for a conviction to be upheld, the state must prove each element of the charge of aggravated assault. Your lawyer will spot that burden early and look for any holes in the state’s case.
Yes, most likely. Once all sentencing requirements have been fulfilled, some individuals are eligible to petition for a set-aside, though this option isn’t always available.
Contact a Yuma Aggravated Assault Lawyer Today
Aggravated assault charges in Yuma are serious, and waiting to get legal help only gives the other side more time to build their case. An attorney at Lerner and Rowe Law Group can carefully examine the evidence, explain your options, and begin developing a defense that fits your situation.
Lerner and Rowe Law Group offers affordable payment plans to all our clients.
Call (520) 620-6200, connect via LiveChat, or submit the secure online form to schedule your free, confidential consultation. Our team of Arizona criminal defense lawyers is available 24/7.