Being accused of aggravated assault in Scottsdale, AZ is a dire legal situation that, if handled improperly, can result in a lengthy prison sentence and a permanent criminal record that will follow you for life. If you or a loved one has been charged, a Scottsdale aggravated assault lawyer from Lerner and Rowe Law Group can protect your rights and fight for you in Maricopa County courts.
You can reach our Scottsdale criminal defense lawyers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at (602) 667-7777. Give us a call any time, any day of the week, to arrange your free, no obligation consultation and discuss our flexible payment plans.
What Makes Aggravated Assault Different from Simple Assault?
Under Arizona law, a simple assault becomes an aggravated felony as detailed in ARS 13-1204. These “aggravating” factors drastically increase the severity of the charge and the associated penalties. Conditions that elevate simple assault to aggravated assault include:
- Assaulting a protected victim, such as a police officer, firefighter, teacher, or healthcare worker.
- Committing the assault while the victim is physically restrained.
- Entering a private home to commit the assault.
- Causing serious physical injury to another person.
- Using a deadly weapon (like a firearm) or a dangerous instrument.
A knowledgeable Scottsdale aggravated assault lawyer understands how to analyze the evidence and challenge the prosecution’s claim that these elements apply to your case.
How is Aggravated Assault Punished in Maricopa County?
The penalties for an aggravated assault conviction are generally harsh, but can vary in severity depending on the specific felony class. Consequences in Maricopa County can include:
- A Permanent Felony Record: A conviction creates lifelong obstacles to employment, housing, and professional licensing, and results in the loss of key civil rights.
- Mandatory Prison Sentences: Terms can range from several years for lower-level felonies to over a decade for assaults involving deadly weapons or on protected personnel.
- Substantial Financial Penalties: You may face fines of up to $150,000, plus court-ordered restitution paid to the victim.
Facing extreme penalties that can affect your life for decades makes securing a determined Scottsdale aggravated assault lawyer essential. Lerner and Rowe Law Group’s Arizona criminal defense attorneys are standing by to win you the best possible outcome.
How Can a Scottsdale Aggravated Assault Lawyer Help Me?
The prosecution will build a powerful case against you from the moment of your arrest. An experienced Scottsdale aggravated assault lawyer from our firm will mount a strong defense by:
- Conducting a thorough, independent investigation into the incident.
- Challenging the credibility of witness statements and the reliability of the evidence.
- Exploring all possible defenses, such as self-defense, defense of others, or lack of intent.
Having skilled Arizona criminal defense attorneys on your side provides your best chance to have charges dropped or sentence greatly reduced.
Contact a Trusted Scottsdale Aggravated Assault Lawyer
Violent felony charges are serious matters that should not be faced alone. With more than 70 years of combined experience and a long history of winning favorable verdicts for our clients, you can count on Lerner and Rowe Law Group’s Arizona criminal defense attorneys to manage your defense.
You can reach a Scottsdale aggravated assault lawyer by calling (602) 667-7777. For your convenience, you can also reach us online by submitting your case information through our secure contact form or by speaking with our LiveChat agents.