Bridgeport Assault Lawyer

If you are accused of assaulting and injuring someone, your case could proceed in many ways. There are numerous statutes under which you could be prosecuted for this offense in Connecticut, and associated penalties may range from misdemeanor-level jail time and minor fines to long terms in state prison.

Working with an attorney can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. At Ruane Attorneys, a Bridgeport assault lawyer could work to build a tailored defense strategy that protects your rights and future prospects. No matter what type of charge you face or what your criminal history looks like, it is best to reach out to legal counsel as soon as possible.

How State Law Addresses Misdemeanor Assault

Most assault offenses in Connecticut fall under one of three “degrees” defined in Connecticut General Statutes §53a-59, 53a-60, and 53a-61. Third-degree assault involves someone:

• Intentionally causing physical injury to someone else
• Causing injury to a third party while intending to injure someone else
• Recklessly causing serious physical injury to any other person
• Causing physical injury through the criminally negligent use of any deadly weapon or dangerous instrument

This is a class A misdemeanor punishable by one year of non-suspendable jail time and a maximum $2,000 fine. C.G.S. §53a-61a separately addresses and provides similar sanctions for the intentional third-degree assault of a disabled, blind, elderly, or pregnant person, as a Bridgeport attorney could explain in more detail.

Felony Assault Charges in Bridgeport

Second-degree assault may involve any of the following actions:

• Intentionally causing severe physical injury to another person or a third party while targeting another person
• Intentionally causing bodily harm by using a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument, except by discharging a firearm
• Recklessly causing serious bodily injury through the use of a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument
• Intentionally drugging someone else without their knowledge, resulting in physical impairment or injury, stupor, or unconsciousness
• Intentionally injuring a Board of Pardons and Paroles member or employee as a parolee
• Striking or kicking someone in the head while they are lying down, or knocking someone unconscious without provocation from a blow to the head

This offense can be a class C or class D felony, depending on whether the defendant’s actions did or did not cause serious physical injury.

A person may face class B felony first-degree assault if they intentionally cause serious physical injury by using a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument, intentionally cause permanent disability or disfigurement to another person, cause serious physical injury through reckless conduct indicating “extreme indifference to human life,” intentionally cause serious bodily injury with aid from two or more other people, or intentionally injure someone else by discharging a firearm. As an assault lawyer at our firm could explain, assault using a firearm, using a motor vehicle, or targeting someone who is disabled, elderly, blind, or pregnant may be prosecuted under different sections of state law that allow for harsher penalties upon conviction.

Contact a Bridgeport Assault Attorney for Help

Assault charges are difficult to effectively contest without legal counsel by your side. At Ruane Attorneys, a Bridgeport assault lawyer could work toward a favorable resolution in your case while advising you on minimizing the professional and social repercussions of the allegations.

Working with our legal team could make a big difference in your ability to protect your rights and interests. Call today to learn more.