Are you searching for a criminal defense attorney near me? Have you been accused of committing an assault and need an attorney with extensive experience defending assault charges?
Assault in Kentucky usually results from any attempt to recklessly or intentionally cause bodily injury to another while possessing the physical ability or tools to do so. Assault charges in Jefferson, Bullitt, Hardin, Spencer, Shelby, and Oldham counties can be either a misdemeanor or a felony. The prosecution has considerable discretion in these cases. As your defense attorney, there is a lot I can do to seek lesser charges and consequences or an outright dismissal of your case.
Fourth-degree misdemeanor assault would usually be charged if an attempt was made to harm another, but the prosecutor deems the overall circumstances don’t justify felony charges or if the situation was a one-time instance. Another factor would be an external cause or reason that makes the action seem to be more excusable, such as culpability on the part of the allegedly assaulted party.
Assault can become a felony offense when the circumstances surrounding the crime seem to be more severe. Defending assault charges requires the expertise of an experienced and proven criminal defense attorney.
Felony assault may be the result of multiple attempts, the use of a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument, the application of martial arts, or the severity of the situation itself. There are several levels of felony assault charges that are available to the prosecution. Felony assault can result in a fine of between $1,000 to $10,000 and a potential jail sentence of up to 20 years.
My name is John Schmidt, and after more than 25 years of experience as a criminal defense attorney, I can tell you the likelihood of jail time and a heavy fine significantly increases when a person tries to represent themselves in these cases.
As your defense attorney, I can thoroughly investigate every aspect of the circumstances surrounding the accusations or charges you face. This includes the words and actions of other parties that contributed to the situation at hand, as well as every step taken by law enforcement and evidence-collection technicians. Witness testimony often presents an opportunity to challenge the presumptions of the prosecution to reduce the charges and consequences you may face or seek dismissal of your case.
Criminal charges can be filed in Kentucky based upon a believable threat. Menacing is closely related to assault under Kentucky law. Menacing is usually charged when a credible, intentional threat puts a person under “reasonable apprehension” or fear of a physical attack or injury, even if the attack doesn’t occur. Menacing can result in a fine of up to $250 and a jail sentence of up to 90 days. Criminal harassment is another option available to the prosecutor in these cases. It usually carries the same potential penalties as a menacing charge.
If you have been contacted by law enforcement for an interview or face assault charges in Shepherdsville, Mount Washington, Shelbyville, Taylorsville, Radcliff, Elizabethtown, Jeffersontown, or Louisville, Kentucky, there are two things you need to do:
- Remain silent. The prosecution doesn’t need any more information they might be able to use against you, and
- Call the Law Offices of John Schmidt & Associates at (502) 509-1490
There is a lot I can do to help reduce the charges and consequences you may ultimately face in these cases. We invite you to contact us via e-mail, schedule an appointment or call us today at (502) 509-1490 to get the advice and aggressive criminal defense you need and deserve. At the Law Offices of John Schmidt & Associates we bring more than 25 years of experience to your side of the equation, to help manage the situation you face and the allegations against you, and work hard to achieve a much better outcome in your case than you can or will accomplish on your own.
