An assault charge in Arizona can be for either the threat of physical harm to a person or actual physical harm to a person. The violent nature of assault crimes means that they are punished remarkably harshly. Prosecutors and judges do not tend to let people off easily for violent crimes, which is why it is extremely important that you retain a Scottsdale criminal defense attorney at the Law Offices of Randall J. Craig.

With the assistance of a qualified and experienced assault defense lawyer at our firm, it is possible that your charges could be completely dismissed, that you could be acquitted, or at the very least, the charges could be reduced.

Simple Assault:  Simple assault is a misdemeanor and is punishable by up to a year in jail and up to $2,500 in fines. If convicted, you may also be placed on probation and have to perform community service.

Aggravated Assault: Aggravated assault is a felony and is punishable by up to 15 years in state prison for a first offense. If it is a second offense for a violent crime, it could mean 20 years in prison, and if it is a third offense for a violent crime, up to 25 years in prison.

Certain factors that cause an assault crime to be considered aggravated include: the use of a deadly weapon, possession of a deadly weapon while the crime was being committed, serious injury to the victim, assault against a minor, and assault in connection with a sex crime.

If you are convicted of aggravated assault, not only will you be imprisoned, but afterward, you will likely face discrimination in the community, an inability to find gainful employment or obtain a loan at reasonable rates, as well as harsher punishments for any other crimes you might be charged with in the future. A Scottsdale assault defense lawyer may be able to help you avoid the myriad of negative consequences of an assault conviction.