Norwich Assault Lawyer

While some states differentiate between “assault” as threatening someone else with harm and “battery” as physically causing harm, Connecticut defines assault as involving some form of physical contact and injury. Even unintentionally causing injuries during an alleged assault can lead to severe repercussions, including steep fines and jail time.

Navigating these types of allegations is much easier with help from a Norwich assault lawyer. Let the legal team at Ruane Attorneys work to protect your future and defend your rights. We have a track record of success representing people like you in similar situations.

Degrees of Assault Charges

The Connecticut Penal Code defines three degrees of assault charges. No matter which kind of assault a person is accused of, they should discuss the charges with a Norwich attorney.

Third-Degree Assault

Under Connecticut General Statutes § 53a-61, assault in the third degree involves intentionally causing an injury, recklessly causing a serious injury, or causing injury through the criminally negligent use of a dangerous instrument or deadly weapon. This is a Class A misdemeanor.

Second-Degree Assault

According to Conn. Gen. Stat. § 53a-60, any of the following actions constitute assault in the second degree:

• Intentionally causing serious physical injury
• Intentionally causing injury to a targeted person or another person nearby using a dangerous instrument or deadly weapon
• Causing serious physical injury through reckless use of a dangerous instrument or deadly weapon
• Intentionally rendering someone unconscious by striking them on the head
• Intentionally injuring someone by kicking or striking them in the head while they are lying on the ground
• Intentionally impairing or injuring another person by administering a drug to them without their consent and not for any lawful medical or therapeutic purpose
• Intentionally injuring any member or employee of the Board of Pardons and Paroles as a parolee

Second-degree assault can be considered a Class D or Class C felony, depending on whether the defendant’s alleged actions resulted in serious physical injury to another person.

First-Degree Assault

Conn. Gen. Stat. § 53a-59 defines assault in the first degree as any of the following actions:

• Intentionally causing serious physical injury by using a dangerous instrument or deadly weapon
• Intentionally causing permanent disfigurement or disability
• Causing injury through reckless conduct demonstrating “extreme indifference to human life”
• Intentionally causing serious physical injury with direct aid from two or more people
• Intentionally causing injury by discharging a firearm

As a Norwich assault lawyer could explain, this offense is a Class B felony with non-suspendable minimum prison terms upon conviction.

Aggravating Factors for Assault Allegations in Norwich

Anyone who assaults a person older than 65, a blind or disabled person, a person with an intellectual disability, or a pregnant person will be subject to mandatory minimum prison terms upon conviction.

State law also mandates enhanced penalties for people convicted of second-degree assault with a firearm, second-degree assault with a motor vehicle while intoxicated, assault of a Department of Correction employee while confined in a correctional facility, or assault of a pregnant woman resulting in the termination of her pregnancy. When facing these severe charges, representation from an assault lawyer at our firm is critical.

Talk to a Norwich Assault Attorney Today

Regardless of the alleged scenario or your past criminal history, assault charges must be taken seriously. Even a first-time conviction can carry felony-level consequences. Certain aggravating factors could lead to mandatory minimum prison terms upon conviction.

Assistance from a Norwich assault lawyer could make all the difference in the outcome of your case. Call Ruane Attorneys today to learn how we can work to protect your rights and freedom.