There are many types of assault charges in Ohio and the United States, generally, each of which involve someone inflicting intentional harm on another person. Sometimes, assault charges are misdemeanors. Other times, they’re charged as felonies.
No matter what charge you’re facing, our dedicated defense attorneys at Hiltner Trial Lawyers can help. We can help you navigate the often-complex waters of the Ohio criminal justice system to fight for your freedom.
In this blog, we’re going to look at what exactly assault charges mean in Ohio, as well as common defenses to those charges.
What Constitutes Assault Charges in Ohio?
Assault charges in Ohio typically cover a wide range of conduct.
The law defines assault as causing or attempting to cause harm to another person or to their unborn child.
Depending on the case specifics, like the severity of the assault and its unique circumstances, charges can range from a simple assault misdemeanor charge to a felony for aggravated assault.
The penalties for assault offenses in Ohio vary based on the severity of the crime. Below are the penalties for the 4 primary types of assault and battery offenses:
- Simple Assault: It is a first-degree misdemeanor punishable by up to 180 days in jail and fines up to $1,000.
- Aggravated Assault: This is typically a fourth-degree felony that can carry a prison sentence of up to 18 months and fines of up to $5,000.
- Felonious Assault: As a second-degree felony, it can result in a prison term of 2 to 8 years and fines up to $15,000.
- Negligent Assault: This is a third-degree misdemeanor, carrying penalties of up to 60 days in jail and fines up to $500.
Possible Defenses for an Assault Charge in Ohio
There are countless ways to challenge an assault charge in Ohio, and the defenses listed below are only the most common. Your defense lawyer, who knows the specifics of your case, will be the best source for exploring various defense strategies for your case prior to trial.
Self-Defense: In some cases, it may be possible to argue that you were acting in self-defense. If you had reasonable cause to think that you were in imminent danger, and you only used the necessary amount of force to protect yourself, this could potentially be a powerful defense.
Defense of Others: For this defense, you must prove to the court that you needed to use physical force to protect someone else and that you had no choice but to use force to defend them.
Mistaken Identity: In some cases, the identity of the perpetrator may be in question, which your lawyer may argue gives the potential for mistaken identity. They may argue that you were wrongfully identified as the person who committed the assault, which will often require the defense to challenge the reliability of the identification process and the credibility of any eyewitnesses.
The Importance of an Ohio Defense Attorney for Beating an Assault Charge
At the end of the day, these types of serious criminal charges are not to be taken lightly. Penalties aside, violent convictions also go on your record for a long time and can wreak havoc in your person life, as well.
Working with an experienced lawyer to clear your name is your best option if you’re facing an assault charge. Your lawyer can help you understand the legal jargon during your case, explain your charges in a clear way, guide you to make the best decisions you can, and represent you in court.
Their in-depth knowledge of Ohio’s legal system ensures that your case is handled properly, giving you the best chance of beating your assault charge.
Contact Hiltner Trial Lawyers for Your Assault Case in Ohio
At Hiltner Trial Lawyers, we understand that assault charges can cause intense stress and uncertainty, which is why we focus on providing a peerless level of legal defense, while also offering support and guidance to all of our clients at every stage of the process. Reach out today to discuss the specifics of your case and charges with a member of our legal team.
