Assault charges may not seem as serious as other violent offenses to some people. In some cases, those accused of assault face misdemeanor charges. However, aggravated assault is a different matter entirely.
When the state alleges that an aggravated assault occurred, the party accused typically faces felony charges. If they plead guilty or get convicted, they may face very significant criminal penalties. Defendants who are aware of the consequences the state could impose can more effectively weigh their options.
What penalties could the courts impose?
The details of the situation, including whether the other party sustained injuries, whether a weapon played a role and whether the defendant had a prior conviction, all influence the penalties possible. The state gives the courts plenty of leeway regarding sentencing.
An aggravated assault conviction can lead to anywhere from one to 20 years in prison. In some cases, the minimum sentence can be as high as 10 years. The courts can also order the defendant to pay a fine as part of their sentence.
The amount of the fine could range from as little as $2,000 to $200,000 in special cases. That amount is separate from any order of restitution imposed because of the losses sustained by the alleged victim of the incident.
Those facing accusations of aggravated assault may want to mount a robust defense strategy. They may also want to consider asking their lawyer to plea bargain on their behalf. There are multiple ways for people to reduce the penalties they might otherwise face for pending aggravated assault charges. Ultimately, understanding the potential consequences of a conviction may inspire people to develop a thorough criminal defense strategy.