Medina Assault Lawyers

Understanding Assault Charges in Ohio

Various types of conduct can be charged as an assaultive offense under Ohio law. The specific charges filed depend on several factors, including the accused’s mental state at the time of the incident, the level of harm inflicted, and whether a weapon was involved. Each charge carries serious consequences, from incarceration to long-term felony records, making experienced legal representation essential.

Assault charges include the following:

• Assault (Ohio Revised Code § 2903.13) – Assault, commonly referred to as simple assault, is charged when an individual knowingly causes or attempts to cause physical harm to another person or recklessly causes serious physical harm. Thus, even if no injury occurs, an attempt to cause harm may still lead to charges. The offense is a first-degree misdemeanor.
• Negligent assault (Ohio Revised Code § 2903.14) – Negligent assault is a lesser offense but still a criminal charge. It applies when a person negligently causes physical harm to another using a deadly weapon or dangerous ordnance. In this context, negligence refers to a failure to recognize a substantial and unjustifiable risk. The offense is a third-degree misdemeanor.
• Aggravated assault (Ohio Revised Code § 2903.12) – Aggravated assault is a felony-level offense that occurs when an individual, in the heat of passion or sudden rage, causes serious physical harm or uses a deadly weapon in an attack. Unlike felonious assault, aggravated assault acknowledges that the defendant acted under extreme emotional distress. The offense is a fourth-degree felony. 
• Felonious assault (Ohio Revised Code § 2903.11) – Felonious assault is one of the most serious violent offenses in Ohio. It is charged when someone knowingly causes serious physical harm or uses a deadly weapon to harm or attempt to harm another person. Unlike aggravated assault, provocation or emotional distress is not a requirement. The offense is a second-degree felony.

We provide aggressive legal defense for clients facing assault, negligent assault, aggravated assault, and felonious assault. Our attorneys know how to challenge the prosecution’s evidence, question witness credibility, and fight for case dismissals, charge reductions, or acquittals.

Our Dynamic Approach to Assault Defense

Our clients are our top priority. We don’t take cases to push them through the system. We fight relentlessly for the people we serve because we understand what’s at stake—their freedom, future, and reputation. 

A strong defense begins with a meticulous investigation. We don’t just take the prosecution’s version of events at face value—we challenge it at every turn. Our attorneys examine every piece of evidence, work with forensic experts, and scrutinize law enforcement’s procedures to identify weaknesses in the case against you. We leave no stone unturned, from body cam footage and surveillance videos to witness statements and forensic reports. 

Our team includes former prosecutors who know firsthand how the state builds criminal cases. This insight allows us to anticipate the prosecution’s strategies, identify their weaknesses, and craft powerful counterarguments to dismantle their case. We are familiar with the pressure prosecutors face to secure convictions, and we know how to leverage that to your advantage—whether through tough negotiations, motions to suppress evidence, or courtroom litigation.

What to Do if You’re Facing Assault Charges

Being charged with assault in Medina is serious, but how you respond in the first moments and days following your arrest can impact your case. Whether you’re facing misdemeanor or felony charges, your freedom, reputation, and future are at stake. 

Steps to take if facing assault charges include:

• Remaining silent – The most important thing you can do after being arrested for assault is to exercise your right to remain silent. Law enforcement officers and prosecutors are trained to elicit statements that can be used against you, often in ways you may not anticipate. Tell them you will not answer questions until you have a lawyer present.
• Refraining from discussing your case – Anything you say—whether to police, family, or friends—could be taken out of context and used as evidence. Do not discuss your case with anyone except your attorney. Even seemingly innocent explanations or apologies can be twisted to support the prosecution’s case.
• Contacting a defense attorney – The sooner you have a skilled attorney in your corner, the better your chances of seeking a favorable outcome. Early legal intervention can make a crucial difference—from securing evidence that supports your defense to negotiating with prosecutors before formal charges are even filed.