Little Rock Aggravated Assault Lawyer

Little Rock Aggravated Assault Attorney

Aggravated assault charges carry enhanced penalties due to the violent nature of the crime. Arkansas laws take a zero-tolerance approach to these crimes, and anyone convicted of aggravated assault would likely spend significant time behind bars for their actions. Anyone facing this serious crime can rely on the legal services of a Little Rock aggravated assault lawyer who can fight the charges and seek a favorable resolution to the case.

The legal team at Lemley Law Partners understands that heated moments can become regrettable mistakes. Our trial-ready attorneys can take steps to get your side of the story across so you do not have to face the most serious penalties under the law.

Legal Representation When It Matters Most

Facing criminal charges can be an intimidating and unsettling ordeal. Arkansas’ criminal justice system has vast resources at its disposal. In the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges, you need legal representation from a firm that is not intimidated by the tactics used by prosecutors to secure guilty pleas or unfavorable plea bargain agreements.

The legal team at Lemley Law Partners does not take on more clients than we can properly defend, because our clients are not mere numbers to us. Every person we represent has a story to tell, and they deserve the highest quality legal representation they can find. We will not back down until every reasonable legal strategy is explored and considered. Our ultimate goal is to have your charges dropped or reduced.

Understanding Arkansas’ Assault Laws

Arkansas classifies assault charges based on the severity of the injury incurred by the victim and the use or non-involvement of weapons during the assault. The most serious type of assault charge in Arkansas is aggravated assault, which refers to acts that place another person at serious risk of death or substantial injury.

Often, this crime involves serious bodily injury to the victim, but not always. Pointing a gun at someone would be sufficient for aggravated assault charges under state law. The use of a weapon during an attack that results in injury is also grounds for aggravated assault.

Firearms and knives are commonly cited as weapons during aggravated assault charges, but other types of weapons can include:

• Motor vehicles
• Explosives
• Sleeping pills
• Incendiary devices
• Brass knuckles
• Cutting instruments

Aggravated assault is charged as a Class D felony, which can result in several years of prison and steep fines. Arkansas takes a heavy-handed approach to prosecuting these charges due to the potential for serious bodily injury or death to the victim.

Other Charges

Lower charges that are still serious include assault in the first, second, and third degree. First-degree assault refers to reckless acts that place someone’s life in danger. Choking is one such act that can be brought as a first-degree assault charge. Reckless acts that place someone’s safety but not their life in jeopardy can be charged as second-degree assault. Assault in the third degree refers to an act that causes someone to fear for their life or safety.

Potential Penalties and Consequences of an Aggravated Assault Charge

Aggravated assault charges carry a heavier stigma than other assault charges due to the use of a deadly weapon or the serious bodily harm that leads to these types of charges. A conviction would mean a felony record and the potential of serious prison time and heavy fines.

Once a time is served, there would be lingering repercussions for anyone with a felony record. Attaining gainful employment could become difficult if not impossible. Many jobs screen for criminal records, and felonies are often an instant disqualifier. Finding rental housing could also be difficult because many apartments and rental homes screen for serious crimes like aggravated assault.

Arkansas commonly bans anyone with a serious criminal record from ever owning a firearm again. Voting rights are also suspended in Arkansas following a felony conviction, although there are steps that can restore these rights.

Why Legal Representation Is Crucial When Facing Assault Charges

Given the severity of the punishment for aggravated assault crimes, having strong legal representation is key to preventing an unfavorable outcome to your case in Little Rock, AR. An attorney can scrutinize the evidence and investigate the circumstances that led to the arrest.

Any steps that can be taken to weaken the prosecution’s case can strengthen your defense and your chances for a favorable outcome. If the victim engaged in reckless behavior or sought to escalate the situation, that could call into question the criminality of the offense. In cases where the victim knows the accused, there could be a potential conflict of interest in the victim’s efforts to seek criminal charges that need to be explored.

Little Rock Aggravated Assault FAQs

Q: How Many Years Can You Get for Aggravated Assault in Arkansas?

A: In Arkansas, aggravated assault is a felony offense with penalties that can include several years of imprisonment. The exact length of the sentence depends on factors like the severity of the offense, whether a weapon was involved, and the defendant’s criminal history. Consulting an experienced attorney can provide clarity on potential sentencing and help build a defense to mitigate the consequences.

Q: Is Aggravated Assault Worse Than Assault?

A: Yes, aggravated assault is generally considered more severe than simple assault. It often involves the use of a deadly weapon, the intent to cause serious harm, or actions that place another person in significant danger. Due to the heightened penalties and felony classification, charges of aggravated assault carry greater legal consequences than standard assault offenses in Arkansas.

Q: Is Simple Assault the Same as Aggravated Assault?

A: No, simple assault and aggravated assault are different. Simple assault typically involves minor threats or harm without a weapon or serious injury, often classified as a misdemeanor. Aggravated assault involves more serious factors like the use of a deadly weapon or intent to cause significant harm, making it a felony offense with harsher penalties.

Q: What Is the Difference Between Domestic Assault and Aggravated Domestic Assault?

A: Domestic assault involves harm or threats of harm against a household or family member. Aggravated domestic assault is more severe, typically involving a deadly weapon, intent to cause serious harm, or actions resulting in significant injury. The penalties for aggravated domestic assault are harsher due to the heightened danger posed by the offense.

Schedule Your Aggravated Assault Charge Consultation Today

Aggravated assault charges carry the potential for serious penalties. The first step anyone charged with this crime should take is to seek legal representation from a law firm that gets results. Lemley Law Partners can review your case before developing a strategy that can poke holes in the prosecution’s case. Any evidence that weakens the criminality of your actions can lead to dismissed or reduced charges. To schedule your consultation, contact our office today.