New York City Assault Lawyer

Defining the Act of Assault

Assault is generally described as threatening or attempting to hit, strike, attack, or otherwise injure another person. It does not matter whether the individual is successful in the assault, the intent is enough to get you a possible charge.

Depending upon the severity of the incident as well as the circumstances and individuals involved, you could be facing anywhere from a class A misdemeanor (could result in a year of jail time) to a class B felony. A class B felony is the second highest form of felony – the punishment for such is only second to life imprisonment and the death penalty.

If you have been charged with assault in New York, it is extremely important that you retain a competent and qualified criminal defense attorney from the Law Offices of Daniel A. Hochheiser who has experience with assault crime charges:

• Assault in the third degree can be charged if you intend to cause physical injury to another person and do.
• Assault in the second degree can be charged if you intend to cause physical injury to another person with the use of a dangerous weapon or instrument and do.
• Assault in the first degree can be charged if you intend to permanently harm, disable, disfigure or otherwise seriously injure a person by use of a dangerous instrument or weapon and do.
• Gang assault can be charged if you intend to inflict serious physical injury to another person and do such while aided by two or more people.
• Assault on a law enforcement official can be charged if you intend to seriously physically injure a police officer or similar official while they are attempting to perform their duties.

What defense strategies can help me?

If you have been charged with assault, then there are ways that you can get your charges dropped! If the other person who you assaulted had consented to a fight without being coerced, then you would not be held accountable for their injury. If you committed assault in self-defense when the offender attacked with greater force then you may be justified. Similarly, if you assaulted someone in others' defense because you thought they needed aid, then your charges could be dropped.

You may also have defended your property against a trespasser or thief, in which case your right to assault could be justified. The right to defend property is more limited because it is not as valuable as human life. Persons who are performing their duty may also be exempt from assault charges, such as a police officer. The assault, however, must not be cruel or excessive.

Protecting Your Freedom in NYC, Scarsdale, Westchester, Bronx, & Manhattan

If you are facing a serious assault charge, you need to make certain that your rights are upheld throughout your criminal trial. The criminal defense lawyers at the Law Offices of Daniel A. Hochheiser have over 60 years combined legal experience in New York City and the surrounding areas. If you are looking for a serious and effective lawyer who will give your case the personal attention that you deserve, we are the law firm for you. Your freedom and constitutional rights should be as important to your attorney as they are to you.

Contact our firm today for a free case evaluation!