At Patituce & Associates, LLC, we understand the impact a conviction for assault can be. It can imply that a person is violent, even if there were extenuating circumstances or no physical contact. We want to help protect your rights, future, and reputation. Contact us today to arrange a free and private consultation.
How Our Akron Assault Defense Lawyers Can Help
Our Akron criminal defense lawyers understand that assault allegations are hardly ever one-sided. We can talk to you to learn more about how the events occurred and get your side of the story. There may be additional evidence that can help establish your innocence or version of events, such as video footage or a witness who did not come forward before. We can also investigate whether there was an agenda for the alleged victim to make the accusations against you.
Patituce & Associates, LLC is here to advocate for you, every step of the way.
Types of Assault Cases Our Team Handles
A conviction of assault does not have to involve physical contact. Just acting in a way that could cause injury to another person can form the basis of a criminal assault charge. Some of the common types of assault cases Ohio prosecutors bring include the following:
Simple Assault (2903.13)
Simple assault can be charged when someone knowingly or recklessly causes or attempts to cause physical harm to another or their fetus. This is the default type of assault charge that is used when aggravating factors are not present. This is a first-degree misdemeanor in Ohio, carrying a maximum sentence of 180 days in jail and a fine of $1,000.
Aggravated Assault (O.R.C. 2903.12)
Aggravated assault has the same basic definition as simple assault. However, the crime is committed while using a deadly weapon or dangerous ordnance. This crime is a fourth-degree felony, punished by up to six years imprisonment and a fine of $5,000.
Negligent Assault (O.R.C. 2903.14)
Negligent assault occurs when a person’s negligent use of a deadly weapon or dangerous ordnance causes physical harm to a person or fetus, which carries a maximum sentence of 60 days in jail and a fine of $500.
Felonious Assault (O.R.C. 2903.11)
Assault can be charged as a felony when the defendant:
- Knowingly causes serious physical harm to another
- Knowingly uses a deadly weapon or dangerous ordnance
- Knowingly transmits AIDS
This offense can be charged as a first or second-degree felony. A second-degree felony carries a maximum sentence of 12 years in prison and a fine of $15,000. A first-degree felony can result in imprisonment up to 16.5 years and a fine of $20,000.
Menacing (O.R.C. 2903.22)
Sometimes, the crime of menacing can be charged if a person knowingly causes another person to feel threatened they or their family may be physically hurt. This offense is a fourth-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to 70 days in jail and a fine of $250.
Vehicular Assault (O.R.C. 2903.08)
If the weapon that harmed a person was a vehicle, the defendant can be charged with vehicular assault. Aggravated vehicular assault (O.R.C. 2903.08) can be charged when the victim suffered serious physical harm. Vehicular manslaughter (O.R.C. 2903.06) can be charged when the defendant was committing a minor misdemeanor traffic offense when accidentally causing the death of another person. The maximum penalties for these offenses are:
- Vehicular manslaughter – 90 days of jail time
- Vehicular assault – 18 months’ imprisonment
- Aggravated vehicular assault – Five years’ imprisonment
Contact Our Akron Assault Defense Lawyers for Help
For any type of assault crime you are facing, you can count on Patituce & Associates, LLC for help. Contact us to arrange your free and confidential consultation.