Colorado Criminal Defense Lawyers
Defense Against All Assault Charges
Even the lowest level of assault charge is a serious criminal offense that could lead to a jail sentence of six months to two years, not to mention a long list of other penalties. Felony assault charges carry with them long mandatory prison sentences of up to 32 years behind bars. No matter what level or how serious your assault charge is, you will be best served with the representation of experienced Colorado Springs defense attorney Brian Boal at Boal Law Firm, PC. Unlike other states, where assault charges may be categorized as simple assault or aggravated assault, Colorado assault charges are differentiated by degrees. Third-degree assault is a Class 1 misdemeanor and the least serious assault charge defined generally as knowingly or recklessly causing bodily injury. Second-degree assault is a felony offense committed when a person knowingly or recklessly causes serious bodily injury or causes injury using a weapon. First-degree assault is the most severe and most commonly occurs when a weapon is used to cause serious bodily injury to the victim. If convicted at trial, the offender faces a mandatory prison sentence ranging 10 to 32 years. Assault charges and attempted assault charges frequently arise out of domestic incidents and are subject to the domestic violence sentence enhancer. In this case, even a third-degree assault conviction comes with mandatory, life-changing penalties.
The Right Defense Is Crucial
In addition to being a skilled criminal defense attorney, Brian B. Boal is also a former El Paso County criminal prosecutor who understands the government’s burden of proof in assault cases and all other types of cases. Incidents of assault, whether in a domestic dispute or a bar fight, can be difficult for defendants to understand, and there may be available legal defenses depending on who initiated the altercation or the other surrounding circumstances. If you believe that you were acting in self-defense, you may have an affirmative defense to the assault charge and be entitled to have the jury so instructed by the judge at trial.
The investigation may also reveal that the injuries supposedly suffered by the victim were pre-existing, not as severe as stated, or caused by something else. There is also the question of the accused’s mental state at the time of the commission of the alleged offense. Did you know that your actions would cause harm? Did you act recklessly, or just negligently? Were you using reasonable force to defend yourself from another person? The answers to these questions often mean the difference between a “guilty” and “not guilty” verdict at trial.
Start Fighting Assault Charges by Calling Us Now For A Consultation
Call at 719-602-2262 or email to discuss your assault case directly with Brian B. Boal. His law practice serves clients throughout El Paso County and all other counties up and down the Front Range.