Orange County Assault Attorney

Degrees of Assault Charges in California

If you have been arrested for any sort of crime, you likely realize that your future is at stake. Whether law enforcement believes you to be guilty of petty theft crimes, computer fraud or even murder; choosing to hire a criminal defense attorney is the most important step for you to make. Criminal charges, no matter the severity can have a life-altering effect on your life, whether it means having to come up with extreme fines to the court, or spending months on probation and even years behind bars; it is worth fighting if it means saving your future.

When dealing with assault charges, there are generally four different degrees for these charges that determine the severity of the crime and the subsequent consequences with the law:

First-Degree Assault

First-degree assault is the most severe of the four. This means that the person responsible for the actions is being accused of a felony charge. The first degree is the category for which suspects not only intended to cause extreme harm to the victim but were also successful in doing so. This includes any disfiguring as well as threatening others with a deadly weapon with the intent to kill or cause serious harm, and actually hurting them. Even within the category of first-degree assault charges, there is still going be a difference between aggravated and mitigated charges to determine the level of severity. For example, an aggregated assault is believed to be the most severe and more often involves the use of a deadly weapon. Under this category also fall sexual relations with underage children, among others. Mitigated generally means that there is less severe force, etc. While there is no set in stone consequences, as each case is unique, those convicted of first-degree assault may spend between 10-16 years in prison.

Second-Degree Assault

Second-degree assault is the next level down, though it is still considered a felony charge. Those accused of this level of crime generally fall under the category of having caused some level of harm to another person using a dangerous weapon, even if their actions were reckless as opposed to intentional. A person with any intent to cause harm falls under this category if they actually did commit an act leading to injury. Drugging people without consent, hindering law enforcement officials, and others fall under this category as well. As stated, every case is unique though the consequences may be between 5 and 8 years in prison.

Third-Degree Assault

Third-degree assault is much less serious as the court then considers it to be first-degree misdemeanor charges as opposed to a felony. If the accused either knowingly or recklessly caused some form of harm to another person it may fall under this category. Those who are convicted of this category of crime will generally spend an average of 2 years in prison.

Fourth-Degree Assault

Fourth-degree assault is considered to be anything that does not fall under the first three categories and can result in a variety of different consequences as determined by the court. No matter the situation you are in, if you have been accused of any category of assault charges, do not hesitate in contacting a trusted and experienced Orange County assault attorney at The Law Offices of Jacqueline Goodman; we will fight aggressively for you!

Understanding Assault Charges in Orange County

Living in Orange County, you are likely familiar with the bustling communities of Anaheim, Santa Ana, and Irvine. However, with the vibrant lifestyle comes the unfortunate reality of legal issues such as assault. The Orange County District Attorney's Office is known for its rigorous prosecution of violent crimes, making it crucial for residents to understand the local legal landscape.

Assault charges in Orange County can stem from various situations, including disputes that escalate or incidents involving weapons. The local law enforcement agencies, such as the Orange County Sheriff's Department, are diligent in their investigations, often working closely with prosecutors to build a strong case against the accused. This can be a significant pain point for residents who find themselves facing these serious charges.

At The Law Offices of Jacqueline Goodman, we understand the unique challenges that Orange County residents face when dealing with aggravated assault charges. We are familiar with the local court systems, including the Superior Court of California, County of Orange, and we know how to navigate the complexities of these cases. Our goal is to provide you with a robust defense strategy that takes into account the specific nuances of the local legal environment.

Whether you are in Fullerton, Huntington Beach, or any other part of Orange County, our team can help you address the legal challenges you face. We know that being charged with aggravated assault can be overwhelming, but with the right legal support, you can work towards a favorable outcome. Don't let the aggressive tactics of local prosecutors and law enforcement agencies dictate your future. Reach out to us for a free consultation and let us help you protect your rights.