Aggravated assault charges are among the most serious violent crimes you can face in Georgia. If you are accused of this offense, a Cumming aggravated assault lawyer from Speights Law can protect your rights and your future.
With over 122 years of combined experience, the attorneys at Speights Law—including former prosecutors and seasoned trial lawyers—know how to handle complex criminal cases. Our Cumming criminal defense lawyers will lead the entire legal process and fight for the best outcome. You can call us today for a confidential consultation.
Understanding Aggravated Assault Charges in Georgia
Aggravated assault is one of the most serious violent crime charges under Georgia law. Per Ga. Code § 16-5-21, aggravated assault occurs when someone intentionally attacks another person with the intent to cause serious bodily harm or while using a deadly weapon.
This is more severe than simple assault, which involves only threats or attempts to harm another person without significant injury or a weapon involved.
What Makes Aggravated Assault Different From Simple Assault?
The key factors that elevate an assault charge to aggravated assault include:
- Use of a deadly weapon: This could be a firearm, knife, or any object used in a way that could cause serious injury or death.
- Intent to commit a serious crime: For example, this could be an assault during an attempted robbery or with the intent to kill.
- Severity of injury: If the victim suffers serious harm, the charge is more likely to be aggravated assault.
These factors make aggravated assault a felony offense, carrying much harsher penalties than simple assault, which is often charged as a misdemeanor.
Penalties for Aggravated Assault in Georgia
A conviction for aggravated assault can have life-changing consequences, including:
- Prison time: You face a sentence of one to 20 years for most cases, and potentially more if the crime involves certain victims (such as law enforcement officers or elderly individuals).
- Fines: Substantial financial penalties can leave you in significant debt.
- Criminal record: A felony conviction can permanently affect your ability to find employment, secure housing, or even exercise your civil rights.
Aggravated assault charges are treated with the utmost seriousness by prosecutors and judges in Georgia. If you are facing these charges, you should get legal representation as soon as possible.
Our Cumming Aggravated Assault Attorneys Will Represent You
Hiring a lawyer early in the process ensures your rights are protected from the start and allows us to build a strong defense tailored to your case.
With former prosecutors on staff, our attorneys understand how the state prepares its cases and know how to counter their strategies effectively. Our lawyers offer aggressive representation as we defend clients facing aggravated assault charges.
Initial Case Review
We will meet with you to understand your side of the story and review all available evidence, including police reports and witness statements.
Protect Your Rights
We will ensure law enforcement and prosecutors follow legal procedures, preventing violations like unlawful searches or coerced statements.
Investigate the Case
Our team will gather additional evidence, interview witnesses, and identify any weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
Analyze the Charges
We will evaluate whether the charges are appropriate based on the evidence and push for a reduction or dismissal where possible.
Develop a Defense Strategy
Our team will build a defense tailored to your case, such as proving self-defense, lack of intent, or mistaken identity.
Negotiate With Prosecutors
We will use our knowledge of how the state builds its cases to negotiate for reduced charges or lighter penalties when possible.
Represent You at Trial
We will advocate for you if your case goes to court. This involves presenting a compelling argument to challenge the prosecution’s evidence in front of a judge and jury.
Appeal Your Aggravated Assault Case (if Necessary)
If you are convicted, we can review the trial for legal errors and move to challenge the conviction or sentence. Appealing a criminal conviction in Georgia involves asking a higher court to review your case. We can handle this process for you.
Hiring a Criminal Defense Lawyer Early Can Help Your Case
When you involve a lawyer early in your case, you can avoid mistakes that could harm your case, such as making statements to the police without legal counsel. If you hire us to represent you, we will start working immediately to secure the most favorable outcome for you.
With decades of experience and a deep understanding of Georgia’s criminal laws, Speights Law is ready to fight for your rights and your future. Contact us today to get started on your defense.
What if You Haven’t Been Charged With a Crime Yet?
You can still hire our attorney to represent you if you haven’t been formally charged but believe you are under investigation or may face charges. Our Cumming aggravated assault charge lawyers will review your case and explain your legal options.
Common Defenses in Aggravated Assault Cases
Every case is unique, but several defenses could apply to aggravated assault charges. The defense we develop for you may include any of the following:
- Self-defense: Demonstrating that you acted to protect yourself or others from imminent harm
- Defense of property: Showing you acted to protect your home or belongings under specific circumstances
- Lack of intent: Arguing that there was no intention to cause harm or that the act was accidental
- Mistaken identity: Proving you were not the person who committed the alleged crime
- False accusations: Highlighting inconsistencies or motives for false allegations by the accuser
Speights Law evaluates the specific facts of your case to determine the strongest defense strategies.
What to Do if You’re Facing Aggravated Assault Charges in GA
If you’ve been accused of aggravated assault in Georgia, you can do all the following to protect your rights and your case:
- Do not speak to law enforcement without a lawyer: Anything you say can be used against you. Contact our aggravated assault charges attorneys in Cumming before answering any questions.
- Gather evidence or witness information: If possible, document any details that could help your defense, such as witness names or videos.
- Avoid contact with the alleged victim: Any communication could complicate your case or lead to additional charges.
- Be honest with your lawyer: Full honesty with our attorneys is important, as we can only build the best defense if we know all the facts, including those that might seem harmful to your case. Attorney-client privilege keeps your disclosures confidential.
- Follow your lawyer’s advice: A Cumming criminal defense lawyer from our firm can help you make the best decisions at every stage of your case.
Let Our Cumming Aggravated Assault Lawyers Lead Your Case
You’re facing aggravated assault charges, your future is at stake, and time is working against you. While the prosecution is already building its case, you need to act quickly to start building a strong defense and protecting your rights.
You don’t have to take on your case alone. For over 20 years, Speights Law has defended Georgians against serious criminal charges, and now we want to help you. Take control of your defense today—contact us for a confidential consultation and let us start fighting for you.