Have you been arrested for assault in Sandusky, Ohio? If convicted, you could face consequences that impact your life for years to come. Call Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers at (419) 625-7770 for experienced legal defense. Your first consultation with an experienced Sandusky assault defense lawyer is completely free of charge.
We’re a top-rated criminal defense law firm. We bring over 181 years of legal experience to the table, and we’ve effectively helped clients respond to all types of criminal charges over the years.
Why Choose Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers If I’ve Been Accused of Assault in Sandusky, OH?
Assault charges are serious. That said, it’s important to remember that you’re innocent until proven guilty–although it might not feel that way right now. You still have time to fight back, but you should have an experienced Sandusky criminal defense lawyer in your corner.
Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers is a leading criminal defense law firm in Sandusky. We’ve helped countless clients secure case dismissals and not guilty verdicts. We know the local courts, laws, and procedures inside and out. We have the skills to guide you through the entire legal process.
Our Sandusky criminal defense attorneys will start working behind the scenes to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. We’ll conduct our own investigation and build a custom-tailored defense strategy. Call us today for a free consultation with a Sandusky assault defense attorney.
A Brief Overview of Assault Laws in Ohio
Ohio recognizes three primary types of assault:
- Simple assault, under Ohio Revised Code Section 2903.13
- Aggravated assault, under Ohio Revised Code Section 2903.12
- Felonious assault, under Ohio Revised Code Section 2903.11
While some criminal charges are more serious than others, any type of assault charge is serious. Assault is a violent crime. The consequences for conviction can follow you for years to come. Hiring an experienced defense attorney is the best way to protect yourself.
What Should I Do If I’ve Been Arrested or Accused of Assault in Sandusky, OH?
Whether you’ve been arrested or simply brought in for questioning, it’s important to remain calm and polite.
The following steps can be incredibly helpful:
- Avoid giving any type of detailed statement
- Avoid contacting the alleged victim
- Avoid posting about the assault or accusations on social media
- Request an attorney if you’ve already been brought in for questioning or arrested
You have the right to have an attorney by your side when the police are asking questions. Take advantage of that right. Your attorney can be your most valuable tool throughout the criminal process. Having them by your side from day one is always a smart idea.
We Handle All Types of Assault Defense Cases in Sandusky, OH
Our attorneys have the experience and resources to handle any type of assault defense case, including:
Simple Assault
Prosecutors can charge you with simple assault in Ohio if they can prove either of the following:
- You knowingly caused, or attempted to cause, physical harm to another person or their unborn child
- You recklessly caused serious physical harm to another person or their unborn child
Simple assault is typically a first-degree misdemeanor. The charges can be elevated to felony status depending on the circumstances of the alleged assault.
Aggravated Assault
Aggravated assault charges involve assaults that occur when the accused is influenced by a “sudden passion” or “sudden fit of rage”. That’s true if that sudden passion is because of some provocation by the victim that would reasonably incite a person into using deadly force.
The charge applies if, while under this sudden passion, the defendant knowingly:
- Caused serious physical harm to another or their unborn child, or
- Caused, or attempted to cause, physical harm with a deadly weapon
A conviction for aggravated assault can carry serious consequences, making it important to understand the charge and the defenses that may apply.
Felonious Assault
Felonious assault charges may apply when a defendant knowingly causes serious physical harm to another person or their unborn child. The charge may also apply when someone knowingly causes or attempts to cause physical harm to another person using a deadly weapon.
Felonious assault is a serious criminal charge that can result in significant penalties and long-term consequences if convicted.
Domestic Violence
Domestic violence cases present unique complications. The underlying elements of the assault charge itself are no different. However, you could immediately be served with a restraining order. Our attorneys can begin working immediately to protect your interests and reputation.
What Are the Possible Penalties If I’m Convicted of Assault in Sandusky, Ohio?
The penalties for an assault conviction in Ohio depend on many different factors.
Those include:
- The severity of the harm suffered by the alleged victim
- The nature of the charge
- The defendant’s criminal history
- The victim’s status (for example, as a peace officer)
- Whether aggravating or mitigating factors exist
If you’ve been accused of a crime, you deserve to understand the possible penalties you’re facing. Jail time, financial penalties, and other collateral consequences are all on the table if you’re convicted.
What Are the Penalties for a Misdemeanor Assault Conviction in Ohio?
In Ohio, assault is usually a first-degree misdemeanor unless aggravating factors are present. Misdemeanors can still carry jail time.
Conviction for a first-degree misdemeanor carries up to 180 days in jail. Your attorney may also argue for probation or community service in order to avoid jail time.
Possible Penalties for Felony Assault Convictions in Ohio
Felony assault charges can carry serious penalties in Ohio. The specific consequences depend on factors such as the offense charged, the degree of the felony, the circumstances of the alleged assault, and the defendant’s criminal history.
A felony assault conviction may result in:
- A jail or prison sentence
- Significant fines
- Probation or other court-ordered supervision
- Restrictions on firearm possession
- A permanent felony criminal record
- Other consequences that can affect employment, housing, and professional opportunities
Because the potential penalties can be severe and vary considerably from case to case, anyone facing a felony assault charge should understand the specific allegations and possible consequences before deciding how to proceed with their defense.
Understanding How an Assault Conviction Can Impact Your Future
The consequences you face if convicted of assault can be far more than what the court itself imposes. That’s especially true in felony cases, where you might feel the consequences for months or years after you’ve served your sentence.
These “collateral” consequences might include:
- Parole, which can restrict your rights in many different ways
- Inability to find stable housing or employment
- Family court problems, including loss of child custody
- Deportation and other problems with immigration
- Drug and alcohol testing or counseling
- Community service
- Mandatory anger management treatment
- Inability to own a firearm
- Loss of your voting rights
- Loss of professional licenses
Hiring an experienced Sandusky assault defense attorney can make all the difference in avoiding or minimizing these and other consequences. Contact our attorneys today to discuss the best course of action in your case.
What Defenses Can Be Raised If I’ve Been Accused of Committing an Assault in Ohio?
The state must prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt. That’s a high burden. Our attorneys have the skills to make it as difficult as possible for prosecutors to secure your conviction.
While the nature of your defense strategy depends on the charges, evidence, and circumstances, effective defenses might include:
- You did not have the required mental state–meaning that you did not knowingly, intentionally, or recklessly cause the alleged harm
- False allegations
- Lack of evidence to prove you harmed the alleged victim
- Mistaken identity, alibi, and other innocence defenses
- Constitutional violations
- You acted in self-defense or in defense of another
- Miranda violations or denial of your right to an attorney during questioning
It’s critical to have a strong defense if you are charged with a crime. You don’t want to waste any time if you’ve been arrested for assault. Even if you’re only being questioned, our attorneys can get to work immediately to protect your rights.
Call to Schedule a Free Consultation With an Experienced Sandusky Assault Defense Lawyer
If you have been charged with assault in Sandusky, you do not have to navigate the criminal justice system alone. Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers can review the charges against you, explain your legal options, and help you build a defense based on the circumstances of your case.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Sandusky assault defense attorney.