If you are facing aggravated assault charges, you may be feeling fear or stress when you think about what a conviction could mean for your freedom, reputation, and future. The Holly Springs criminal defense lawyers at Speights Law understand the heavy toll of a pending criminal case, but you don’t have to face it alone.
If you haven’t done so yet, you should hire a lawyer now to protect your rights as you defend yourself. For more than 20 years, our team of former prosecutors and trial lawyers has offered compassionate support and robust legal representation to Georgians facing legal battles.
We want to help you navigate this uncertain time and seek the best outcome for your case. Our Holly Springs aggravated assault lawyers can review your options and next steps. Call us today for a consultation.
What Is Aggravated Assault in Georgia?
In Georgia, aggravated assault is a serious felony. It involves attacking someone with the intent to cause severe harm, using a deadly weapon, or aiming to commit another serious crime like murder, robbery, or rape.
Unlike simple assault, which might involve threats or minor physical altercations, aggravated assault is characterized by its severity and potential to cause significant injury or fear.
Per Georgia law, aggravated assault can occur under various circumstances, including:
- Assault with a deadly weapon such as a firearm, knife, or any object that can seriously injure or kill someone.
- Assault with a firearm from a vehicle, such as discharging a firearm from within a vehicle toward another person.
- Assault with the intent to cause serious bodily harm, even if a deadly weapon is not used.
- Assault that involves strangulation or attempting to strangle another person.
Assault on a Public Safety Officer Is a Criminal Offense
A person can also face an aggravated assault charge if they assault a public safety officer, correctional officer, or another official while they are performing their formal duties.
The factors in any of these scenarios would elevate a simple assault to aggravated assault, carrying more severe legal consequences and penalties.
What Are the Penalties for Aggravated Assault in Georgia?
Individuals convicted of aggravated assault face prison time, hefty fines, and long-term consequences, personally and professionally. Georgia treats aggravated assault as a serious felony, so convicted offenders must serve time in prison at a minimum.
The specific penalties can vary based on the circumstances of the assault and the defendant’s criminal history. Here are the general penalties:
- Prison sentence: A conviction for aggravated assault typically results in a prison sentence ranging from one year to 20 years. The length of the sentence can depend on the details of the crime.
- Fines: In addition to prison time, those convicted of aggravated assault may also face steep fines, which can amount to thousands of dollars.
- Probation: Depending on the case, a judge may impose a period of probation either in place of or in addition to a prison sentence. Probation can include strict conditions such as regular check-ins with a probation officer, community service, and travel restrictions.
- Loss of civil rights: A felony conviction for aggravated assault can result in losing the right to vote, the right to own or possess firearms, and the right to hold certain professional licenses.
How Our Holly Springs Aggravated Assault Defense Lawyers Can Help You
Our Georgia-based legal team believes in making sure our clients are treated fairly and can defend themselves against serious charges. Our serious felonies lawyers in Holly Springs will give you legal counsel to help navigate the complexities of the legal system and work toward the best possible outcome.
If we represent you, we will:
- Explain your rights: We will meet with you privately to hear your side of the story and ensure you understand your legal rights and the process.
- Investigate your case: We’ll review the details of what happened in your situation to find evidence that can help your defense. We will also review what happened before, during, and after your arrest to ensure no violations of your rights or procedures occurred.
- Build a strong defense: We’ll use the evidence to create a strong defense strategy to fight the charges against you, such as witness statements, video footage, medical records, and expert testimony to support your defense.
- Negotiate with prosecutors: We’ll talk to the prosecutors to try to get the charges reduced or dropped. We will aim to minimize the harshest consequences you face.
- Represent you in court: If your aggravated assault case must go to trial, we’ll seek to resolve your case before a judge and jury.
- Lead your appeal request: If the judge does not rule in your favor, we can seek to file a criminal defense appeal. A higher court can review the ruling and determine how to proceed.
- Provide support: We’ll be there to answer your questions and help you understand what’s happening every step of the way.
With our Holly Springs aggravated assault defense attorneys working for you, you will receive guidance as your case moves through the judicial system. The sooner we hear from you, the sooner we can help you. Call us today for a private consultation.
What to Do if You Have Been Charged With Aggravated Assault
It’s crucial to take prompt and strategic actions to protect your rights and build a strong defense. Here are tips to help you manage the legal process:
- Stay quiet: Do not discuss your case with anyone other than your lawyer. Anything you say can be used against you in court.
- Hire a criminal defense lawyer: Get an experienced criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible to help guide you through the legal process.
- Gather evidence: Collect any evidence you have that might support your defense, such as photos, video footage, or witness testimony information.
- Follow legal advice: Listen to your lawyer’s counsel and follow their instructions carefully to avoid making mistakes that could harm your case.
- Stay calm and comply with the law: Remain calm and respectful during all interactions with law enforcement and the court to help maintain a positive impression.
- Keep records of everything: Take detailed notes of everything related to your case, including dates, times, and descriptions of events. This can help you remember important information.
- Avoid social media: Do not post about your case or anything related to it on any social media platform, as it could be used against you.
Call for Help From a Holly Springs Aggravated Assault Lawyer
Facing criminal charges is a serious matter, so the sooner you secure help from a Holly Springs aggravated assault lawyer from Speights Law, the sooner you can connect with someone who cares about your future. We understand the legal system and the severe penalties that come with a felony conviction.
We will provide you with the best defense and keep you up to date on all aspects of your case. You deserve to get help from legal professionals who will fight for you. Call us today or contact us online for a free consultation.