Cincinnati Assault Lawyer

Being accused of any crime is a serious matter, but that is especially true when the allegations involve violence. If you have been arrested for assault, it is crucial that you seek help from a dedicated defense attorney as soon as possible.

You are entitled to a vigorous defense, but any delay will only work against you. The state will not rest in building the strongest case possible, and your legal team needs as much time as possible to help you fight back. A Cincinnati assault lawyer from our firm could make all the difference in the outcome of your case by protecting your rights, challenging the prosecution’s evidence, and building a strong, strategic defense on your behalf.

Types of Assault Charges

Allegations of assault can cover a wide range of behavior, which is why Ohio law has different levels of this offense. Depending on the circumstances, you could be charged with a misdemeanor or a serious felony. Our Cincinnati attorneys could help you fight any of the following assault charges:

Simple Assault

Simple assault typically involves knowingly causing or attempting to cause physical harm to another person. More often than not, these cases are treated as first-degree misdemeanors. A conviction can lead to up to 180 days in jail and fines, with steeper consequences if the alleged victim is a peace officer or a member of some other protected class.

Felonious Assault

Felonious assault is a much more serious charge. It usually involves causing serious physical harm or using a deadly weapon. This offense is charged as a felony of  the second degree. Penalties can include up to eight years in prison, substantial fines, and long-term consequences such as a permanent criminal record.

Aggravated Assault

Aggravated assault involves causing serious harm while under sudden passion or in a fit of rage brought on by serious provocation. While still a 4th degree felony, it may be charged at a lower level than felonious assault. Even so, a conviction can result in prison time up to 18 months and lasting damage to your record.

What Is the Difference Between Assault and Battery?

In Ohio, the law does not separate “assault” and “battery” the way some other states do. Instead, both concepts are generally covered under assault statutes. This can cause confusion, especially if you have heard the terms used differently elsewhere.

In most states, assault refers to placing someone in fear of harm, while battery refers to actual physical contact. However, under Ohio law, assault includes both attempting to cause harm and actually causing harm. That means you can face an assault charge even if no physical contact occurred, as long as there was an attempt or threat that put someone at risk.

Possible Defense Options

You have different options when defending against allegations of assault. Some of the common strategies used by Cincinnati assault attorneys include the following:

• Self-defense
• Defense of others
• Lack of intent
• False allegations
• Insufficient evidence

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to beating an assault charge. Some defenses will focus on the actions of the police or the failures during their investigation. Other cases will center entirely on what happened during the alleged assault. What matters most is having the support of legal counsel who understands how to build a viable strategy based on the facts of your case.

Talk to an Assault Attorney in Cincinnati Today

The consequences of an assault conviction are significant, and no one should take these charges lightly. If you’ve been arrested for assault, now is the right time to explore your defense options. A Cincinnati assault lawyer at Ernst & Associates could investigate the charges against you and help you get the best possible outcome. Reach out as soon as possible to schedule a free consultation with our team.