Dunwoody Assault Lawyer
Many people assume that assault and battery are the same thing, but they are actually two separate crimes. A person can be arrested for assault in Georgia even if they do not make contact with someone else. If you or someone you know has been arrested for assault in Georgia, it is important that you talk to an experienced Dunwoody assault lawyer right away in order to protect your rights. At Hawkins Spizman, our team is prepared to advocate on your behalf and defend you against accusations of assault. To learn more, call or contact our office today for a free consultation.
Simple Assault
Assault, also known as simple assault, is defined in Georgia as an attempt to cause physical injury to another person, or any act or threat of action that causes a person to be reasonably in fear for their physical safety. Swinging a punch at someone and missing as well as threatening to beat someone up in a menacing manner both count as assault even though no contact was made with another person. Attempting to injure an unborn child is also considered assault under Georgia law.
Simple assault is a misdemeanor offense in Georgia, and conviction can result in jail time and fines along with a criminal record. The punishment is aggravated if the assault occurs to a family member, elderly person, on public school property, or against a pregnant person.
Aggravated Assault
Aggravated assault is also defined as an attempt to cause physical injury to another person, or any act or threat of action that causes a person to be reasonably in fear for their physical safety, that happens in the context of additional circumstances. Assault that occurs with the intent to rob, rape, or murder, or with the use of a deadly weapon that could be used to cause serious bodily injury or strangulation will elevate an assault charge to aggravated assault. It is also considered aggravated assault in Georgia to discharge a firearm from a vehicle, even if no one is struck by a bullet.
Aggravated assault is a felony, with penalties including between one and twenty years in prison, probation up to twenty years, fines up to $100,000, and possible restitution to any victims. If a person has one or more felony convictions on their record, a subsequent conviction for aggravated assault could require that person to serve the maximum sentence. To learn more about what constitutes assault, aggravated assault, or to learn more about your legal options after an arrest for assault you should talk with a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.
Call or Contact Our Office Now
At Hawkins Spizman, our team of dedicated legal professionals is prepared to offer you a skilled defense after an accusation of assault or aggravated assault by the state. Call the office or contact us today to schedule a free evaluation of your criminal case with one of our experienced Georgia criminal defense attorneys now.