Assault and Aggravated Assault Charges in Arizona

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An assault or aggravated assault conviction could potentially result in severe consequences. From a damaged professional reputation and career to incarceration, these types of convictions can be quite damaging to an individual. Considering the severity of the assault, the accused may even lose his or her firearm license. Aggravated assault and assault are defined differently. People convicted of aggravated assault or assault often receive different types of punishment. If you find yourself in either of these situations, then you should reach out to an aggravated assault attorney as quickly as possible. 

An aggravated assault can be defined as an attack that is done recklessly, knowingly, or intentionally and may result in a physical injury. There are five major types of aggravated assault; inflicting severe physical injury, causing fracture or disfigurement, using a dangerous tool or deadly weapon, assault on a police officer, and domestic violence strangling the victim. 

It may also involve approaching or touching a person with the intention of causing insult or injury. On the other hand, an assault is less serious in nature but is carried under similar conditions and intents. 

In Arizona, the aggravated assault charges have been categorized into class 2 – class 6, ranging from most to least severe. The offenders, who commit aggravated assault for the very first time, can face the penalties mentioned below.  

Class 2

Serve in prison for 7-21 years, and a tentative minimum sentence of 10.5 years

Class 3

Serve in prison for up to 15 years, and a tentative minimum sentence of 7.5 years

Class 4

Serve in prison for 4 to 8 years, and a tentative minimum sentence of 6 years.

Class 5

Serve in prison for 2 to 4 years, and a tentative minimum sentence of 3 years.

Class 6

Serve in prison for 18 months to 3 years, and a tentative minimum sentence of 27 months.

In addition to imprisonment, an aggravated assault conviction may include compensation for the victim, fines up to $150,000, criminal record, additional charges, and taxation or necessary penalties deemed appropriate by the court. An aggravated assault becomes a permanent part of your record. 

If you have committed aggravated assault for the first time, you may face felony charges belonging to class 3 or 4. If the severity is high, you will end up being imprisoned. Several supporting factors may convert a simple assault into an aggravated one; for instance, a person who was hit with no intent of intense damage but was left with a scar or permanent disfigurement.

If you find yourself facing assault or aggravated assault charges, then you should immediately seek the help of a defense attorney. Aggravated assault can take many shapes and uncover certain details that the defendant or the plaintiff may miss. An experienced attorney will know how to examine your case and explain the specifics of assault statutes.