Erin Field is on your side if you have been charged with assault in the state of Connecticut.
Assault is a very serious charge that can result in substantial jail time depending on the circumstances.
In many cases, an assault charge is the result of a fight where the alleged victim is either the one who called the police, or got the worst of it, regardless of who actually started it.
But when you are facing a serious criminal charge, you need an experienced defense attorney to argue on your behalf, and work to get the charge reduced or dismissed.
For an immediate phone consultation on any assault charge, please call me immediately. I answer my own phone, and I can talk to you right away.
What is Assault in Connecticut?
Under Connecticut criminal law, the crime of Assault is charged at different levels based on the intent of the attack, the level of harm caused, who the victim was, and whether or not a weapon was used.
Assault in the 1st degree
An assault charge is considered a 1st degree assault (most commonly assault with a deadly weapon), if it involves
- Causing serious injury by means of a deadly weapon or a dangerous instrument, or
- Intending to seriously or permanently disfigure a person, or to destroy, amputate, or disfigure a person's body
- Recklessly engaging in behavior that could cause a person's death, that results in serious physical injury to another person.
- Intent to cause serious physical injury with 2 or more other people participating
- Causing physical injury by use of a gun or firearm
C.G.S. § 53a-60 – Assault in the 2nd degree
Assault in the 2nd degree is defined as:
- Causing serious injury
- Intent to cause serious injury with a deadly weapon (other than a firearm)
- Recklessly causing serious injury with a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument
- Intentionally administered a drug or controlled substance without that person's consent
C.G.S. § 53a-61 – Assault in the 3rd degree
Assault in the 3rd degree is defined as:
- Intentionally causing physical injury
- Recklessly causing serious physical injury
- With criminal negligence, causing physical serious injury with a deadly weapon
Assault with a motor vehicle is similar to assault with a deadly or dangerous weapon. If you hit someone with your car, or threaten to run them over, you can face this charge. Assault with a vehicle offenses will include a license suspension if you are convicted.
The charge below gives a few examples of some possible penalties. Assessing your situation can get very complicated quickly if there are other charges or prior offenses.
Please call us for a consultation to get a true understanding of what you are likely facing in your specific case.
Connecticut Assault Penalties
| DEGREE | PENALTY | CLASSIFICATION |
|---|---|---|
| Assault, first degree |
|
Class B Felony |
| Assault, second degree |
|
Up to $5,000 |
| Assault in the Second Degree with a Firearm |
|
Class D Felony |
| Assault in the Second Degree with a Motor Vehicle |
|
Class D Felony |
| Assault in the Third Degree |
|
Class A Misdemeanor |
There are additional, enhanced penalties for:
- Assault on a Pregnant Woman
- Assault on a Blind Person
- Assault on a Dept. of Correction employee, or prison official
These charges may result in a required or additional 1 year in prison, mandatory.
How to Beat a Connecticut Assault & Battery Charge
There are many different ways to successfully win a criminal assault case in court. To get the charges reduced, I will often contest the intent of the accused, or challenge the degree of the injury.
To get a case dismissed, I will argue that the fight was mutual, or that the other person started it and it was self defense.
Contact Me for Assault Defense Today
These cases can be complicated, and how I would actually proceed really depends on the facts of your case. For a free consultation on Connecticut assault laws, and any other criminal charges, and penalties, call me at (860) 573-0700.