DC Assault Penalties

DC assault penalties can lead to several years in jail and significant fines. If you are facing charges, you should reach out to an experienced assault lawyer today. An attorney could fight for you and help protect your rights. A seasoned lawyer could help you get your charges reduced or dropped. Call today and set up your consultation.

What are the Penalties for Assault in Washington DC?

The penalties associated with assault in Washington DC depend on the severity of the assault. The maximum penalty for simple assault is 180 days in prison, a fine up to $1,000, or both. If the assault causes someone to require hospitalization or medical care, the penalty is three years in prison, a fine up to $12,500, or both. More serious types of assault have penalties of five years in jail or ten years in jail depending on the different variations which are:

  • Assault with intent to kill
  • Assault with intent to commit burglary
  • Assault with a dangerous weapon
  • Aggravated assault

Anyone charged with any kind of assault should get a lawyer as quickly as possible to ensure they have the best defense to avoid a conviction.

Misdemeanor and Felony Assault Charges

The prosecutor has the discretion to charge an assault as a felony or misdemeanor. They decide whether the charge is a misdemeanor or felony charge and the decision is usually driven by the circumstances of the assault. For example, if a weapon is used, the person may be charged with a felony. When serious bodily injuries occur such as broken bones or a concussion, the defendant could be charged with a felony.

Any issues related to the cause of the assault could have an impact on the charge. For example, assaulting a police officer which is a separate charge in and of itself, could affect the decision of the prosecutors and judges as to how they want to handle the charges.

Prosecuting an Assault Case

To obtain a conviction against a person facing assault charges, Washington DC prosecutors must show that there was an unwanted harmful or offensive touching. They do not necessarily have to demonstrate injuries to prove a misdemeanor assault.

When there is a more serious assault, other elements are added. For instance, when the charge is assault with a dangerous weapon, the prosecutor must prove there was a weapon. Sometimes, assault charges are associated with committing another offense such as assault with intent to commit burglary. The prosecutor must prove the assault aspect and the other elements that prove the burglary was either committed or attempted to be committed.

Contact a Washington DC Lawyer Today

A person charged with assault in Washington DC should contact a lawyer immediately because if they are convicted of an assault charge, they could go to jail. For a minor assault, a person could face 180 days in jail. A more serious assault offense carries a prison sentence of up to ten years.

Also, there may also be collateral consequences associated with an assault charge. If one has immigration status issues, an assault charge could lead to deportation. Professional licenses might come into question. Security clearances may be in jeopardy as well. When someone is convicted for an assault such as felony assault, they could lose their job. A felony assault conviction makes it more difficult to find employment. When an individual has a child custody status, an assault charge could have an impact on their visitation or child custody status with the court.

If you are facing DC assault penalties, reach out to a well-versed criminal attorney today.