Lakewood, CO Assault Lawyers
A lot can happen in the heat of the moment. In situations where you are arguing with someone, or find someone threatening or insulting, things can escalate. If you are arrested for assault, you need to tell your side of the story with the help of legal representation from our Lakewood assault lawyers!
One moment and one choice can change the trajectory of the rest of your life, but we believe it doesn’t have to when you have the right legal representation on your side. Joyner Law will defend your rights and liberties and help you navigate the complexities of the legal process every step of the way.
There are severe penalties in cases of assault, so it’s in your best interest to contact us immediately and set up a free no-obligation consultation in order to learn about your next steps. We will work together to form a defense strategy!
Degrees Of Assault In Colorado
In order to better understand what consequences you could potentially face for your assault charges, you need to understand the degrees of assault and how they are defined. Assault can potentially be charged as either a felony or a misdemeanor depending on the specifics of your case–though every level of assault takes away your right to own a firearm.
The degrees of assault can be broken down as follows:
- First-degree assault: First-degree assault is a felony. You might be found guilty of this charge if you attacked someone and caused debilitating injuries, if you assaulted a peace officer, or if you used a weapon at any point during the assault. Penalties for this type of assault are very serious and could put you away in prison for decades.
- Second-degree assault: This type of charge is also a felony, and its consequences range from between 5 to 16 years in prison along with heavy fines. Second-degree assault is defined as causing “grievous bodily harm” though not necessarily with the use of a weapon.
- Third-degree assault: This type of assault is usually charged as a misdemeanor, though you will likely face jail time and fines if you are found guilty. Misdemeanor assault is usually defined as not causing bodily injury or using a weapon.
In addition to the loss of your right to own a firearm, an assault conviction can have ramifications that affect your ability to find a job, obtain housing, or apply for certain university programs. Having an assault conviction on your record will follow you around for the rest of your life, so working with our Lakewood assault lawyers is essential for preserving your opportunities and leading the quality of life you want.
How Our Lakewood Assault Lawyers Can Make An Impact
When you work with Joyner Law, you will be in the hands of a team who are dedicated to preserving your rights and hearing out your side of the story to create a cohesive, convincing argument in your favor. The specifics of the strategies we will use to defend you will depend on the circumstances you outline to us, but here are a few different tactics we might incorporate into our argument on your behalf:
- We might argue self-defense or defense of someone else.
- We might argue that contact between you and someone else was accidental.
- We might prove that you are the victim of a false accusation.
- We might prove that you are the victim of misidentification.
These are not the only arguments we can employ in your favor, but they are a representative sample. In order to get to know what unique strategies will work best for you, we will collaborate with you closely and become closely acquainted with your side of the story.
Joyner Law Can Help With Your Assault Charges
At Joyner Law, we believe that preserving the rights of clients is paramount, which is why we will work with you to develop a legal strategy that has the best chance of having your charges reduced or dropped. We have spent years helping clients with their assault charges, so we know the ideal moves to make on your behalf. Reach out to schedule a free initial consultation and learn how we can help you fight back against your assault charges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is “heat of passion” a good defense for assault?
If you assault someone because you were provoked, you could potentially use it as an argument in your defense. However, using the “heat of passion” argument admits that an assault has taken place, so you might not want it as your first line of defense. If we can prove the circumstances of your provocation, we can potentially use this defense to have your charges reduced.
What is the difference between assault and battery in Colorado?
Though related, assault and battery are two distinct charges in Colorado. Legally, battery is called “menacing” and it involves causing someone to fear that you will do them harm, whereas assault involves actually touching another person or causing them harm.
Will I be facing elevated charges if I assaulted a law enforcement officer?
Assault of a police officer typically incurs felony charges, which is why it’s essential that you contact us right away. Even if you did not cause harm to the officer, you will potentially be facing a harsh sentence.