Connecticut Assault Lawyers Assault & Battery Defense

An assault charge is a criminal citation against an individual for physically injuring another purposely or through reckless and negligent actions. Most assault charges stem from physical fights or car accidents, such as drunk driving, and can be filed any time a victim is hurt by the use of force or a weapon.

In Connecticut, there are three degrees of assault charges. The degree is based on the severity of the victim’s injuries, the intent of the alleged perpetrator, whether the victim is of a specially protected class, and whether or not a weapon was used.

First-degree assault is the most serious charge and is a class B felony, defined as:

• Intentionally causing serious injury with a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument.
• Intentionally causing a victim serious and permanent disfigurement, amputation, or disabling part of their body.
• Recklessly causing serious injury in a manner that creates a risk of death and extreme indifference to human life.
• Intentionally causing serious injury to two or more parties.
• Intentionally discharging a firearm to cause injury to the victim or another.

Second-degree assault is a class C or D felony, defined as:

• Injuring another with the intent to cause serious injury.
• Intentional assault with a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument other than a firearm.
• Recklessly causing serious injury with a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument.
• Intentionally rendering a victim unconscious by administering drugs or other means.
• Injuring a Board of Pardons or Paroles member as a parolee.
• Striking a victim’s head with the intent to render them unconscious without provocation.
• Intentionally striking or kicking a victim while they are lying down.
• Recklessly assaulting another with a motor vehicle by driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Third-degree assault is the least severe form and a class A misdemeanor defined as:

• Intentionally injuring another person.
• Recklessly causing serious physical injury.
• Negligently causing physical injury with a deadly weapon, dangerous instrument, or electronic defense weapon.

In addition to assault charges, the charges are increased if the victim is a vulnerable victim or family member. Vulnerable victims are classified as:

• Blind
• Elderly
• Intellectually disabled
• Physically disabled
• Pregnant
• Under 10 years old

There are also separate class A felony charges for the assault of a pregnant woman causing a lost pregnancy.

Domestic charges may apply if the victim is the following:

• Blood relative
• Child
• Co-parent
• Current or former dating partner
• In-law
• Parent
• Roommate
• Spouse or former spouse

If you are convicted of assault, you will face serious consequences. Even the lowest level assault charge can result in incarceration. Depending on the severity of the charge, penalties range from thousands of dollars in fines to prison sentences of up to 20 years. The penalties may be steeper if the victim is a vulnerable person, relative, or Department of Corrections employee.

Assault charges are serious and can carry severe consequences that can have long-lasting repercussions on your personal and professional life. Assault charges in Connecticut involve complex legal that cannot be handled without legal knowledge and experience.

Convictions for assault can affect current and future employment opportunities, housing, loss of licensing, and more. If you are charged with assault, you need experienced legal representation to reduce the charges or potential penalties. An experienced lawyer can:

• Investigate the reports and charges and review the evidence.
• Identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
• Advise you regarding improving your position, the elements the state must prove, and the ability to win your case.
• Develop a sound strategy to argue the charges.
• Explore alternative penalty options, such as diversionary programs.
• Negotiate with the prosecutor for lesser charges or lighter sentencing.
• Defend your legal rights.
• Represent you at trial.

Our experienced lawyers at the Law Offices of Jason L. McCoy, LLC defend individuals charged with assault and will work tirelessly to protect your rights and secure the best possible outcome for your case.

A defensive strategy is unique to each case and depends on the circumstances surrounding the charges. For instance, your lawyer may argue that your actions were not intentional or that the victim’s injuries were not as serious as the prosecutor claims. There may be several possible defenses to mitigate the outcome of your case, such as the following:

• Self-defense
• Alibi
• Investigative violations
• Procedural defenses