Assault Attorney In Independence, Ohio

When it comes to assault, Ohio has taken a very strict stance and enacted potentially harsh penalties to match. The state has robust assault laws that define four specific types of assault crimes. One category is simple assault, which carries the lowest penalties and fines. In a simple assault, the individual knowingly or recklessly caused physical harm to another person or an unborn child. The second type of assault also carries relatively moderate penalties and fines, and it is called negligent assault. This involves situations in which the individual causes harm to another person or attempts to cause harm to another person while using a weapon of deadly force. These include guns, bats, hammers, tire irons, and other objects.

The other two categories of assault carry more severe penalties and fines, including prison sentences, so it is especially critical to consult an assault defense attorney if you are facing these types of charges. Felony assault is the most serious assault charge in Ohio and involves situations in which the individual intended to cause harm to someone or an unborn child, or attempted to cause harm or actually caused harm by using a deadly weapon. Aggravated assault is the same as felony assault except for a third element, which provides that the prosecution must prove that you were acting under a sudden passion or a fit of rage. Since the penalties and fines associated with each of these four categories of assault vary so greatly, it is critical to ensure that you are charged appropriately and that you are not sentenced more harshly than what the situation justifies. A knowledgeable and experienced lawyer can ensure that you are not subjected to unjust penalties.