Parma Assault

Located within easy reach of Cleveland, Parma features many attractions for people who want a suburban environment while being close to a large city. The area has been listed on several surveys of the safest places to live in Ohio. Even though the crime rate is relatively low, citizens may find themselves facing an assault charge and in need of legal counsel. At the Law Office of A. Dale Naticchia, we know how confusing and stressful it can be to become embroiled in a criminal investigation or prosecution. While you may be eager to speak to the authorities to clear your name, it is critical that you consult a seasoned Parma assault defense lawyer to ensure that you are protecting your rights and that you are being treated fairly throughout the process. Our legal team is ready to help you evaluate your situation.

Assaults are among the most common crimes that take place in Ohio, which takes a strict stance on punishments for this type of offense. Often, assaults take place when emotions are running high and when things happen in a rapid sequence of events, which can make it difficult to know exactly who is to blame for exactly which actions or injuries.

There are four basic categories of assault crimes in Ohio, and an assault defense attorney can advise Parma residents regarding which category is likely to apply to their situation. The first is simple assault, which involves situations in which you acted recklessly or in which you were aware that your actions could cause people around you to suffer physical harm. Negligent assault includes situations in which an individual suffered an injury, but you did not intend to harm that person. Felony assault takes place when you caused an injury of a serious nature to another person and hurt or attempted to hurt them with a deadly weapon. Common examples of deadly weapons include guns, knives, bats, and tire irons.

Finally, aggravated assault involves situations that are slightly less severe than felony assault, in which the individual was under the influence of a sudden passion or a fit of rage. An example of something that could give rise to a sudden passion or a fit of rage might include finding out that your romantic partner has been unfaithful. Gathering sufficient evidence can help you show that your situation involved a lesser type of assault or that it did not constitute assault in the first place. Retaining a diligent and experienced Parma assault defense attorney can make all of the difference when it comes to ensuring that your charge is dismissed or that you are charged appropriately based on the facts of the situation.

Ohio treats assault cases very harshly, and the penalties are often severe as a result. A simple assault may constitute a first-degree misdemeanor that carries up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. Negligent assault involves up to 60 days in jail and a fine of $500. Felony assault is taken far more seriously and carries two to eight years in prison with fines of up to $20,000. Aggravated assault carries slightly more lenient penalties, but you could still face up to 18 months in prison and a fine of $5,000. There are certain defenses that you may be able to assert to reduce your charge or to have it dismissed. For example, if you were acting in self-defense, the court must take this into consideration when determining whether you committed the crime of assault.

Dealing with a criminal charge can be stressful and daunting. Whether you are hoping to learn more about your legal rights or are seeking to fight a charge, our team is ready to assist you. We have substantial experience handling a wide variety of criminal defense matters in the Parma area, including domestic violence and assault. To schedule your free consultation, call us at 216-520-5297 or contact us online.