North Royalton Assault

There are many misconceptions about which types of conduct constitute the crime of assault. Even a seemingly harmless situation can give rise to an assault investigation or charge. For North Royalton residents, assault may arise in a variety of contexts. The city lies in close proximity to the major metropolitan area of Cleveland, but it offers a more intimate and affordable suburban environment. Many of its residents are employed in manufacturing and retail industries. The area is also home to universities and educational institutions. Compared to other cities in the United States, North Royalton has a low crime rate, but some individuals still may find themselves facing an assault charge. At the Law Office of A. Dale Naticchia, our North Royalton assault defense lawyer knows that many allegations of assault are unfounded. Despite this, a criminal charge can cause serious stress and disruption in your life. We can work diligently to ensure that your case is handled in a careful manner while protecting your legal rights at every step.

Ohio takes a very serious approach to assault charges and has enacted heavy penalties to reflect this policy. There are four main types of assault charges that you can face in Ohio, and the penalties that you may face differ depending on which type of assault you were convicted of committing. Simple assault is the first offense category, and it involves knowingly causing or attempting to cause physical harm to another individual or to his or her unborn child. Recklessly causing harm also falls into the category of simple assault. Negligent assault is another category, which involves causing harm through the negligent use of a deadly weapon, such as a gun, tire iron, or other object. These two types of assault carry more lenient penalties, but you should still consult an assault defense attorney in the North Royalton area to minimize the consequences to the extent possible.

Felony assault is the most severe charge and involves situations in which the defendant caused harm to someone or an unborn child, or caused harm or attempted to cause harm by using a deadly weapon. Aggravated assault is the final category and is often considered to be a subset of felony assault. It involves the same elements of felony assault but includes the additional element of proving that the defendant committed the act while under the influence of a sudden passion or a fit of rage. The penalties that you may face for assault crimes in Ohio carry different ranges of jail sentences or prison time, in addition to hefty monetary fines.

If you are charged with assault in Ohio, you may feel that you have no recourse. However, a North Royalton assault defense attorney may be able to make a strong argument on your behalf. There are many different defenses that could apply to a certain situation and result in the charges being dropped or reduced. One of the most commonly asserted defenses is offering proof that you were acting in self-defense and that the other person provoked you or caused you to resort to violence or threats of violence. You must show that the amount of force that you used during the event was reasonable, considering the type and amount of force that was either being threatened against you or being used against you. For example, if someone is threatening to punch you, and you react by shooting them, the judge or jury may not find this to be a reasonably proportionate demonstration of force.

Facing criminal liability is a terrifying experience for many individuals, especially when your personal and professional lives are implicated. At the Law Office of A. Dale Naticchia, we can proudly serve you throughout the entire course of your legal matter while ensuring that your rights are protected at each step of the way. We offer personalized and compassionate legal counsel to people facing charges of assault or domestic violence in North Royalton. To schedule your free consultation, call us now at 216-520-5297 or contact us online.