An assault conviction carries tough penalties in Arizona. If you are facing assault charges, it is in your best interests to get an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side. Call Scott David Stewart today for the dedicated legal representation you need.
Simple assault (as compared to aggravated assault) in our state is defined as:
Assault is a domestic violence crime when it occurs between spouses or former spouses or people who live together or have a romantic or sexual relationship.
There are three categories of misdemeanor assault under Arizona Revised Statutes Section 13-1203.
Class three misdemeanor assault involves touching another person with the intent to injure, insult, or provoke. It is the intent that counts, whether or not an injury actually occurred. Penalties upon conviction of this offense may include:
Class two misdemeanor assault involves threat of injury. It is charged for intentionally causing another person to reasonably fear bodily harm and carries more serious penalties than class three misdemeanor assault. To prove its case, the prosecution must show that the victim felt a “reasonable apprehension of imminent physical injury.” Penalties upon conviction of class two misdemeanor assault may include:
This is the most serious category of misdemeanor assault. It is charged for knowingly and recklessly causing injury to another person and requires the State to prove that injury actually occurred. The severity of the injury does not matter – it may be as minor as a bruise or as serious as a bleeding wound. If a discernable injury can be shown as proof of contact between the perpetrator and the victim, the offense of assault can be charged as a class one misdemeanor. Penalties for class one misdemeanor assault may include:
At Scott David Stewart in Surprise, Arizona, we are committed to fighting for the best possible outcome for our clients. We will find every weakness in the prosecution’s case and use it to strengthen your defense. If you have been charged with assault, the sooner you speak with an experienced attorney, the better. Call us as soon as possible for a free case evaluation.