If one person intentionally hurts another, the state might bring assault charges against them. The more serious the act of violence allegedly was, the more severe the charges pursued and penalties imposed.
State law recognizes numerous unique scenarios and conditions that might make an assault a more serious criminal offense. Aggravated assault charges are possible in a variety of circumstances. Specific factors, including an assault involving certain protected groups of people, could warrant aggravated assault charges. Additionally, under Georgia state statutes, strangulation or attempts to impede an individual’s breathing can warrant aggravated assault charges.
Strangulation might involve a weapon
One of the scenarios where state prosecutors can pursue aggravated assault charges is when an alleged incident involved a deadly weapon. There are numerous types of weapons, both intentionally created and improvised, that can impede an individual’s respiration.
The use of any weapon to prevent someone from breathing normally can justify aggravated assault charges. Manual strangulation is also a serious enough issue to warrant aggravated assault charges under Georgia criminal statutes.
Aggravated assault charges can carry worse penalties than simple assault charges. The criminal record that results may also have a stronger impact on the defendant’s future opportunities. Defendants often need help understanding their options and choosing the best path forward. An experienced defense lawyer can provide critical support beginning immediately after an arrest and throughout all proceedings in criminal court.
There are numerous options available to individuals facing aggravated assault charges. Questioning the actual identity of an assailant, providing an alibi, developing an alternate narrative or even negotiating a plea bargain can all be viable options when facing aggravated assault charges.