If you’ve been charged with aggravated assault in Washington state, it’s important to know what comes next and what lies ahead. Cases involving aggravated assault can be sensitive, and uncertainty about the legal process can add further stress to an already emotional situation.
A Washington criminal defense attorney with years of experience defending clients accused of aggravated assault can help you fight back against your charges.
In this blog, the assault attorneys at LaCross & Murphy in Port Orchard, Washington will guide you through what is likely to happen after you’ve been charged with aggravated assault, and how you can best defend your rights.
What is Considered Aggravated Assault in Washington State?
In order to understand what will likely come up after you’ve been charged with aggravated assault, it’s important to first know what is considered aggravated assault in Washington.
According to Washington State Legislature Title 9A, Chapter 9A.36, aggravated assault refers to assaulting another with a firearm or any deadly weapon with the intent to inflict bodily harm. However, aggravated assault charges may not always involve a weapon.
There are several classifications of felony aggravated assault charges that fall under different circumstances, like intentionally harming an unborn child by inflicting injury upon a pregnant woman or assaulting an individual with protected status (i.e., a law enforcement officer, nurse, school bus driver, etc.)
Penalties of Aggravated Assault in Washington State
The potential penalties for aggravated assault charges in Washington State vary depending on the assault type, but for first-degree charges (the most severe type of assault in Washington), individuals can face up to a life sentence and $50,000 in fines.
The severe consequences associated with aggravated assault charges further speak to the importance of seeking legal counsel from an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible after being charged with aggravated assault.
The criminal defense attorneys at LaCross & Murphy know the ins and outs of Washington’s assault laws and will put this knowledge to work for you by crafting a strategic defense for you based on your situation and story.
What to Expect After Being Charged With Aggravated Assault in Washington
Every case of aggravated assault is different, but there are some general things to keep in mind about criminal cases in Washington state.
The first is that the length of your case will vary depending on several factors, like which degree of assault you’ve been charged with.
The second is that you should begin searching for a law firm in Washington as quickly as possible after being charged. Although representing yourself is an option, hiring an attorney with knowledge of the intricacies of local law and experience fighting assault charges can be your advocate for justice.
The third is that in any case, but especially a criminal case, it’s imperative to tell the truth to the attorney you’ve hired to defend you. While sugarcoating the details of a story can be a natural defense mechanism, you should be honest with your lawyer so they can ensure no stone is left unturned when it comes to crafting your defense.
Aggravated Assault Attorneys in Port Orchard, Washington
From getting charges dismissed, reduced, or receiving a not guilty verdict at trial, the criminal defense attorneys at LaCross & Murphy in Port Orchard, Washington have a track record that speaks for itself when it comes to defending clients against assault charges.
We are committed not only to achieving the best outcome possible for you, but getting to know who you are at your core, and using your story to fight injustice.
If you’ve been charged with felony assault, we’d love to stand by your side throughout the process. Contact us today to tell us about your case, and we’ll explain your options and work towards the path to justice together.
