Aggravated Assault Attorney in Lansing

It doesn't take much to move a simple assault charge up to one of aggravated assault, and overly zealous prosecutors often try to do so. However, if they succeed, you could be looking at an increase in both jail time and fines. So before you talk to the police, we recommend you call Grabel & Associates for a free consultation and let out assault attorneys in Lansing begin building a defense to keep the true facts of your case in the limelight and to discredit any inflated charges brought against you.

Definition of Aggravated Assault

Aggravated assault causes or threatens to cause “serious or aggravated injuries.” Unlike the relatively minor injuries involved in simple assault, which do not usually require immediate medical intention to heal properly, an aggravated assault causes injuries that often do require treatment, and/or impair the victim's health or physical functioning, or causes disfigurement.

The catch, however, is that none of these injuries need actually occur for a person to be charged with assault. It's enough for the aggressor to merely threaten such injuries or for the victim to “reasonably” believe that such battery is imminent. According to the state of Michigan, such injuries must also be inflicted without the use of a weapon. If a weapon is involved, the charges are automatically upgraded to one of several felony offenses.

Aggravated assault, however, because of the lack of a weapon, is considered a misdemeanor. If convicted, a person can face a full year in prison, pay a fine of up to $1,000, or both. For anyone with a history of violence or multiple assault, battery, or violent crime convictions, the punishment could become even more severe.

So don't let these charges get worse. Contact Grabel & Associates before anything else is said and start building a solid defense.

Felony Assault

Being charged with aggravated assault is one thing, but just like simple assault, the charges can escalate quickly, taking your misdemeanor all the way up to a felony. Police and prosecutors may look at your case in different ways so as to increase your charges and further ensure your conviction. This is something your attorney from Grabel & Associates will be standing up against.

If the charge is upped from aggravated assault to a felony assault charge, much more serious punishments will enacted. According to MCL 750.84, an assault with intent to do great bodily harm (less than murder) can lead to as many as 10 years in prison and as much as $5,000 in fines. If the charge is assault with the intent to remove a portion of another person's body or face (MCL 750.86), the punishment could be five years in prison and fines totaling $5,000.

Both of these charges lead to very serious punishments. Don't let them convict you. Fight for your freedom with Grabel & Associates.

Defenses Against Aggravated Assault

In some instances, there may be ways that you can receive a lighter sentence or be acquitted. Your defense lawyer in Lansing will best advise you on how to proceed, so listen well, especially if your representative is from Grabel & Associates.

Those with no prior convictions may be able to apply for a deferred or delayed sentencing, according to MCL 769.4a. In other cases, your case can be pleaded down to a less serious charge, such as disturbing the peace. This misdemeanor does not often come with jail time, and if you have a license to carry a concealed pistol, you should be able to keep it.

If none of these options are available to you, then you may have to face a jury at a trial. With an experienced attorney by your side, you can feel at ease walking into the courtroom with your head held high. If you're in need of legal representation, look no further than Grabel & Associates. You're certain to receive the best service and outcome possible.

Contact Grabel & Associates

A simple assault and battery charge can quickly escalate to an aggravated assault charge in Michigan. The upgraded charges show more jail time and higher fines to pay. Having this charge on your record can make it difficult to find a job that will pay you well or really any job at all. If you had plans to go back to school, you might have trouble finding an institution that will take you on.

Before you let these charges control the rest of your life, you should call Grabel & Associates and get the best representation available in Lansing. Our toll-free number is 1-800-342-7896, and you can also contact us through our website. Do not put your freedom at risk. Contact Grabel & Associates today.