Nhat Hanh, a Buddist monk, once said, “Anger is like a flame blazing up and consuming our self-control, making us think, say, and do things that we will probably regret later.” If you have been accused of letting anger consume your self-control by allegedly committing an assault, please read on, then contact an experienced Rockland County assault attorney to learn more about the consequences of assault charges in the state of New York.
Consequences of assault charges in the state of New York
The state of New York breaks assaults down into Simple Assault and Aggravated Assault. Simple assault is a Class A misdemeanor punishable by 1 year in jail or 3 years of probation and a fine of up to $1,000. Aggravated assault is either a Class D or Class B felony, punishable by anywhere from 3 to 25 years in prison and a $5,000 fine.
What is worthy of assault charges in New York?
An “assault” is an intentional, unlawful threat by word or act to do violence to the person of another, coupled with an apparent ability to do so, and doing some act which creates a well-founded fear in such person that such violence is imminent. It must meet all three elements: intent, apprehension of a harmful contact and causation.
What are some examples of Simple Assault and Aggravated Assault?
The following includes examples of simple assault and aggravated assault:
Simple Assault:
- Inflicting or threatening to inflict minor injuries, touching and threatening words or behavior
- Pushing someone away from you in an argument
- Verbally threatening an individual with violence
- Raising a fist and moving it in a threatening manner toward a person
Aggravated Assault:
- Inflicting or threatening to inflict serious injuries or the addition of weapons into the interaction
- A defendant waving a pocket knife around while threatening to stab the alleged victim
- Using a glass bottle to strike the alleged victim on the head
- Shooting or threatening to shoot someone, particularly while the gun is pointed at the alleged victim
- Assault with the intent to commit another felony crime, such as robbery or rape
Whether you are facing a charge of simple assault or aggravated assault, you should reach out to a skilled Rockland County criminal defense attorney because an assault conviction of any severity can hold life-long consequences. Do not let a brief lapse in judgment ruin the rest of your life. Call a qualified legal representative today.
Contact our experienced Rockland County firm
Those facing criminal charges in New York need a strong Rockland County defense attorney who knows the ins and outs of the criminal justice system. Fortunately, our firm is ready to put over 30 years of experience to work for you. Call today or contact The Law Office of Carl Spector online to schedule a free confidential consultation. We are ready to help you go on living life positively, happily, and free from the burdens of a criminal conviction–all you have to do is ask.
