First degree assault cases in American states are often sentenced for imprisonment for multiple years with thousands of dollars as penalty. It is very important for a person involved in a first degree assault case to contact a first degree assault attorney immediately so that he will take charge of the situation and guide the accused in every matter including what to tell to the interrogating officers as well in the court were trail will be conducted. The punishments in these types of crimes are going to have far reaching effect in the life and character of the person concerned. So an assault lawyer who has knowledge in various aspects related to the offense and the court proceedings are the apt person to trust and hand over the matter.
Potential penalties for first degree assault
In many states first degree assault is included in the class B of felony. The penalties that can be imposed for offenses under this category varies from imprisonment for a period extending from two years to twenty years and a fine which may extend up to thirty thousand dollars. The driving license of the person will be cancelled if there is any involvement of a vehicle in the crime. A person without any history of criminal behavior will be punished with minimum imprisonment if a weapon is used in the assault. This being the situation, it is important that any accused in assault cases meet a criminal defense lawyer immediately so that his knowledge and position can be utilized in every possible manner to get the punishment reduced to the minimum possible level.
Long term effect of assault charge
A person who has been convicted in a first degree assault case will have to face some long term effect as a consequence of the verdict in the first offense. He is not allowed to vote or carry weapons. When such a person commits the same type of offense a second time, he comes under the group of habitual offenders who attract still severe punishment and consequences.
The defense strategy
The defense strategy followed by a criminal defense lawyer in first degree criminal offense will be focusing on the level of injury sustained by the victim. The lawyer will try to prove that the injury sustained can be considered as a physical injury. If he succeeds, the case ceases to be first degree assault case. If the cause of injury can be related to an accident then also major penalties can be mitigated. An experienced lawyer in criminal matters will be the best person to help the accused as he knows everything and all the possible strategies that can be followed in a particular case and the supporting proof that can be deduced.
Hearing of the case
Hearing of first degree assault cases begins in limited jurisdiction courts known as district courts. In such courts no determination of innocence or guilt takes place. The beginning of the hearing entails the accused his right to study the states evidences against him and understand the cause for the warrant issued to him.