Being charged with assault is a serious situation to be in, and knowing how to defend yourself can be challenging. That’s why many people choose to work with an assault defense lawyer in Olympia to help protect their rights and build a strong defense.
Puget Law Group has a total of 11 attorneys with 150 years of combined experience in helping clients fight criminal charges that have been made against them. Our team understands how local legal proceedings work and can develop a defense strategy based on the specific circumstances of your case.
An Olympia criminal defense lawyer will investigate the evidence and guide you throughout the process so that you can make the most informed decisions about your path forward.
Why You Need an Assault Defense Attorney in Olympia
Because there are so many layers to an assault charge, it can be hard to understand the extent of the allegations against you and the potential consequences that might follow. An Olympia assault defense attorney can support you through every step of the legal process. Here’s more information on how we can help your case:
Extensive Local Experience
Our aggravated assault defense attorneys spent decades helping clients across Washington when it comes to criminal defense. We have detailed knowledge of the local court system and know exactly how the different legal proceedings work in the area. Our team is also familiar with the various strategies prosecutors may use and knows how to defend against them.
Effective Communication
At Puget Law Group, clarity and transparency are an integral part of our approach to communication. We’ll carefully explain your legal options and make sure you’re well-informed throughout the process. Our effective communication also extends to prosecutors and judges, making sure your defense is clear when representing you in court.
Thorough Investigation
As part of your defense, we’ll do our due diligence when investigating the details of your case. This includes reviewing police reports, witness statements, photographs, videos, and any other evidence attached to your case.
Tailored Defense
Our lawyers for aggravated assault will work hard to develop a strategic defense that’s based on the specific details of your case. We’ll look for weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and conduct negotiations where possible, to find the most suitable outcome for your situation.
For a free legal consultation with a assault lawyer serving Olympia, call (253) 627-4696
Assault Cases We Defend Against
According to the Washington State Law, Chapter 9A.36 RCW, there are several different degrees of assault, including the following:
- Assault in the first, second, third, and fourth degrees
- Assault of a child
- Domestic violence-related assault
- Hate crime assault
- Vehicular assault
- Sexual assault
There are many more offenses listed, and we can help to defend against each one. We’ll review your case in detail and create a defense strategy that focuses on the facts.
Penalties for Assault Convictions in Washington
Assault convictions come with various penalties depending on the degree of the crime. You may be charged with a misdemeanor or felony, with consequences such as fines, probation, prison time, and a permanent mark on your criminal record being typical for these convictions.
Misdemeanor
This usually only applies to assault in the fourth degree. It can come with a penalty of up to 364 days in county jail and a fine of up to $5,000, depending on the circumstances. Probation and no-contact orders are also possible.
Felony
Many assault charges are seen as felonies and result in much larger fines, as well as prison time. Here’s what you can expect:
- Assault in the first degree: Up to life in prison and a $50,000 fine.
- Assault in the second degree: Up to 10 years in prison and a $20,000 fine.
- Assault in the third degree: Up to 5 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
Each case is different, so the penalties may differ depending on the crime and any aggravating factors.
Olympia Assault Lawyer Near Me (253) 627-4696
How to Defend Against Assault Charges
Our assault defense lawyers in Olympia know how to develop the most successful defense for various charges. Here are some of the strategies we often employ:
- Self-defense or defense of others: We’ll show how your actions were reasonable as a direct result of trying to protect yourself or others against an attack.
- False accusations: Our team will challenge the motivations behind the accusation, showing how misidentification, bias, inaccurate information, or personal conflict have led to a false charge.
- Lack of intent: We may argue that the assault was unintentional and that you did not mean to cause harm.
- Insufficient evidence: If there are any gaps in the witness statements or inconsistencies in the prosecution’s evidence, we will highlight this and use it in your defense.
- Coercion: An attorney may prove that your actions were the result of force from someone else, where you were pressured to act under duress.
Our legal team will pick apart the entire case to make sure everything is covered. No stone will be left unturned when it comes to defending your case.
Get the Legal Support You Need from Puget Law Group
An assault case can be a tricky one, but we can help you make sense of the entire legal process. We’ll guide you through the steps you should take after an arrest and make sure your rights are firmly protected.
Our assault defense lawyers in Olympia are dedicated to helping every client and are well-known throughout Washington for their serious felony criminal defense strategies.
Learn more about how we can help you prepare for a criminal trial, or contact us for a free consultation.
Click to contact our Olympia Criminal Defense Lawyers today (253) 627-4696