Assault is a very serious charge that can result in substantial jail time depending on the circumstances.
In many cases, an assault charge is the result of a fight where the alleged victim is either the one who called the police, or got the worst of it, regardless of who actually started it.
But when you are facing a serious criminal charge, you need an experienced New Haven criminal defense attorney to argue on your behalf, and work to get the charged reduced or dismissed.
And you need to act quickly, before you lose your chance to file motions in court on your behalf. Contact me today for a free legal consultation.
What is Assault in New Haven, CT?
Under Connecticut criminal law, the crime of Assault is charged at different levels based on the intent of the attack, the level of harm caused, who the victim was, and whether or not a weapon was used.
An assault charge is considered a 1st degree assault (most commonly assault with a deadly weapon)(CGS 53a-59), if it involves:
- causing serious injury by means of a deadly weapon or a dangerous instrument, or
- intending to seriously or permanently disfigure a person, or to destroy, amputate, or disfigure a persons body
- recklessly engaging in behavior that could cause a person's death, that results in serious physical injury to another person.
- intent to cause serious physical injury with 2 or more other people participating
- causing physical injury by use of a gun or firearm
Assault in the 2nd degree (CGS-53a-60) is defined as:
- causing serious injury
- intent to cause serious injury with a deadly weapon (other than a firearm)
- recklessly causing serious injury with a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument
- intentionally administered a drug or controlled substance without that persons consent
Assault in the 3rd degree (CGS-53a-61) is defined as:
- intentionally causing physical injury
- recklessly causing serious physical injury
- with criminal negligence, causing physical serious injury with a deadly weapon
Assault 2nd with a motor vehicle (CGS-53a-60) is similar to assault with a deadly or dangerous weapon. If you hit someone with your car, or threaten to run them over, you can face this charge. Assault with a vehicle offenses will include a license suspension if you are convicted. Assault 2nd with a motor vehicle also means that the driver has consumed alcohol prior to driving but n
The charge below gives a few examples of some possible penalties. Assessing your situation can get very complicated quickly if there are other charges or prior offenses.
Field Law Office, LLC can provide a free consultation to get a true understanding of what you are likely facing in your specific case.
Connecticut Assault Penalties
| DEGREE | PENALTY | CLASSIFICATION |
|---|---|---|
| Assault, first degree |
|
Class B Felony |
| Assault, second degree |
|
Up to $5,000 |
| Assault in the Second Degree with a Firearm |
|
Class D Felony |
| Assault in the Second Degree with a Motor Vehicle |
|
Class D Felony |
| Assault in the Third Degree |
|
Class A Misdemeanor |
There are additional, enhanced penalties for:
- Assault on a Pregnant Woman
- Assault on a Blind Person
- Assault on a Dept. of Correction employee, or prison official
These charges may result in a required or additional 1 year in prison, mandatory.
How to Beat a New Haven Assault Charge
There are many different ways to successfully win a criminal assault case in court. To get the charges reduced, I will often contest the intent of the accused, or challenge the degree of the injury.
To get a case dismissed, I will argue that the fight was mutual, or that the other person started it and it was self-defense.
These cases can be complicated, and how I would actually proceed really depends on the facts of your case. Contact me today for a free consultation, and after reviewing the facts I'll tell you exactly what I can do to help you.