Assault at any level is considered a crime of violence. It contains the element of use, attempted use, or threatened use of physical violence against another human being. It does not matter if you are convicted of misdemeanor assault or assault in the first degree — you will receive a permanent mark on your record as a violent offender.
If you are facing a misdemeanor or felony assault charge in Connecticut, you should be worried about how a conviction will impact you. A conviction on your record can have a negative impact on employment, housing, and personal relationships for the rest of your life. That’s why, if you have been charged with assault, you should seek counsel from an experienced criminal defense attorney right away.
Here at my firm, DeMatteo Legal Solutions, I work diligently to prepare a strong legal defense for clients arrested for a number of different crimes, including assault. I am proud to stand up and fight for individuals in West Haven, Connecticut, and the surrounding areas of Milford, Meriden, Derby, Middletown, Bridgeport, and New Haven.
Assault is defined as any instance in which an individual causes a physical injury to someone either intentionally or recklessly.
In Connecticut, assault crimes are classified into three distinct categories — first, second, and third, with assault in the first degree being the most serious. The degree is based on the intent of the crime, the victim, the amount of risk and injuries caused, and whether a weapon was used in the commission of the act.
Assault in the first degree includes any of the following:
Assault in the first degree is considered a Class B felony, punishable by:
Examples of assault in the first degree can come in many different forms, but some of the most common include intentionally striking someone in the head or body with a baseball bat or firing a gun into a crowd of people.
Assault in the second degree includes:
Second-degree assault is considered a Class D felony, punishable by:
Examples of assault in the second degree can also come in many different forms. Some common examples include hitting someone in the head with an object to render them unconscious so you can steal their vehicle, or slipping someone Rohypnol (known as the “date rape drug”) to render them unconscious.
Actions that result in a charge of assault in the third degree include:
Third-degree assault is considered a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by:
Examples of assault in the third degree include threatening to beat someone up or using a stun gun on someone.
Any assault conviction, whether a misdemeanor or felony, has the potential to remain on your record forever. You can also find yourself charged with assault when you believe you were acting in self-defense. Every set of circumstances is different, so it is crucial that you work with an experienced criminal defense attorney if you’re facing assault charges.
A skilled criminal defense attorney can protect your rights and work toward achieving the best possible outcome for your case. Given that assault is considered a violent crime in Connecticut, even a misdemeanor conviction can affect employment opportunities, professional licensure, eligibility to rent a home, or even child custody and visitation agreements. Don’t face your charges on your own. Rely on the experience of DeMatteo Legal Solutions so that you can fight to have your charges reduced or dropped altogether. Call today to schedule a free initial consultation!
DeMatteo Legal Solutions understands what is on the line for clients who have been charged with assault. Attorney Christopher DeMatteo is dedicated to doing the work necessary to mitigate charges and penalties. Guilty or innocent, you deserve knowledgeable and energetic representation against your assault charges. If you are being investigated for or have been charged with assault in West Haven, Connecticut, or the surrounding areas of Milford, Meriden, Derby, Middletown, Bridgeport, or New Haven, your future could be at stake. Don’t wait. Call Dematteo Legal Solutions today for reliable legal help!