Aggravated Assault

Washington, D.C. Criminal Defense Attorneys

A simple assault conviction can be considerably damaging to your freedom, finances, reputation. An aggravated assault charge is not only more devastating to your wellbeing but also more common due to the legal definition of what can constitute an aggravated, or felony, assault.

Your assault charge will be escalated if it was committed with the intent to:

• Murder the victim
• Maim or seriously injure the victim
• Use a dangerous weapon
• Commit another violent crime, such as rape

Whether or not you actually lay a finger on someone is somewhat irrelevant to your aggravated assault charges. You can be charged with this serious crime merely for “having the intent” to commit it. If you have been arrested for aggravated assault, you should contact our Washington, D.C. criminal defense lawyers from Hunter & Johnson, PLLC right away.

Start your defense now by calling 202.759.7929.

Details Regarding Serious Bodily Injuries

One of the main components of an aggravated assault charge, and therefore of the prosecution’s case against you, is the term “serious bodily injury.” If the harm experienced by the alleged victim is not significant, an aggravated assault conviction should be impossible; if anything, you would instead face a simple assault charge with much lower sentencing.

Seriously bodily injury is constituted by the presence of or intent to cause:

• Death
• Unconsciousness
• Extreme physical pain
• Disfigurement
• Debilitation of a limb or bodily function

Any wound or ailment that requires immediate medical attention can also be considered a significant bodily injury and garner an aggravated assault charge. Using any sort of poison is also considered to be an aggravated form of assault.

Penalties for Aggravated Assault in D.C.

The District of Columbia has a fairly well-known record of resorting to incredibly harsh criminal penalties to deter crime within the nation’s capital. For this reason and many more, you must do all you can to protect yourself from an aggravated assault accusation.

If you are convicted of aggravated assault, you could be penalized with:

• 10 years in prison
• $25,000 fine

Penalties are reduced by 50% for convictions for attempting aggravated assault but not actually completing it. Regardless of the potential penalties you are facing, you need to start working on your criminal defense case as soon as you can. Request a case consultation with our Washington, D.C. assault lawyers today.