Assault Jail Time in Arizona: Tips by Attorney Nick Alcock

What you need to know if you’ve been charged with assault in AZ.

If you’ve recently been charged with assault in Arizona, you probably have many questions about what to expect from your case. An attorney’s answers to your questions will largely depend on the nature and circumstances of the specific assault charge. Because the criminal courts treat these violent crimes so seriously, it is critical to have an effective, experienced assault lawyer to defend you.

Assault is broadly defined as by ARS 13-1203 as any a touching with the intent to injure, insult or provoke. In some cases, even the threat to injure another person can be considered as an assault. It is important to note that prosecutors often push for harsh penalties for those charged with assault. This is especially the case when victims are very involved in the process. Examples of assault can include bar fights, domestic disputes (domestic violence) or even incidents that occur between fans at a sporting event. In cases where the victim was not actually physically injured, such situations can quickly escalate into a serious legal matter once the police are called to the scene.

Understand that assault cases can be charged as either misdemeanors or felonies depending upon the circumstances surrounding the case. Such elements include the severity of the injury to the victim, whether or not a deadly instrument was used, and how aggressive the prosecutor pursues the assault charge. Also, having a prior criminal background can lead to an even harsher punishment. Please feel free to contact our assault attorneys in Arizona to answer any questions about how the statute works.

Assault misdemeanor charges carry penalties of up to six months in county jail. Most misdemeanor assault cases stem from simple physical altercations where no weapon is used. Felony assault charges can lead to lengthy prison sentences. Most felony assault cases involve serious physical injury or a deadly weapon. Other assaults become felonies if another serious crime was committed at the same time, such as kidnapping, child abuse, or trespassing. Whether you are convicted of a misdemeanor or felony assault, you could face any or all of the following: County jail or state prison time, a permanent criminal record, significant fines, probation, parole, mandatory anger management classes, losing your right to carry firearms, and possibly a lifetime revocation of your state Driver’s License.

Here at Alcock & Associates, we understand just how serious and damaging such a charge can be to your future. Our skilled attorneys will work extremely hard for your case and fight aggressively to minimize all damages and unfair punishments. We have work very hard to dismiss assault cases in Arizona.

If you are facing assault charges in Arizona, please contact Alcock & Associates at 602-989-5000 to speak with an attorney for a free, confidential consultation and learn just exactly how we can help.