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Online formAssault charges in Colorado are a major offense. There are levels of assault, but depending on the details, an assault could be a felony. So, no matter what led to your assault charge, the best thing you can do is invoke your right to remain silent and call an attorney as soon as possible.
Denver assault attorney Michael Fayard will listen to your story and help you decide the next steps for creating a defense. He knows people make mistakes and can even be falsely accused. Whatever your circumstances, he’ll fight for the best possible outcome in your case.
Call (303) 990-8585 or reach out through the online form to set up a free consultation.
The state defines assault as the use of unlawful force or violence to do bodily harm to another person, attempted or successful.
Assault charges in Colorado are categorized into three degrees, with first degree being the most serious and third-degree being the least and most commonly charged:
First-degree assault is when someone intentionally causes serious bodily injury with a deadly weapon or acted with “extreme indifference” to human life and causes serious bodily injury. Deadly weapons include firearms, knives, bludgeons, or any weapon or instrument capable of causing death or serious injury.
Second-degree assault can also include a deadly weapon but is charged when someone intentionally causes bodily injury that is less severe. The key difference between first and second-degree assault is the degree of harm caused, though both require intent.
Third-degree assault does not require intent to harm but can be charged if reckless behavior results in bodily injury. This could involve using a deadly weapon if an injury occurred due to negligent behavior or accidentally.
Both first- and second-degree assaults are aggravated offenses classified as felonies.
Assault is distinct from battery (menacing in Colorado), which occurs when someone threatens another person and puts them in fear of bodily injury but doesn’t actually commit harm.
Domestic violence is typically charged as third-degree assault unless aggravating factors are present, such as a deadly weapon or the victim being pregnant.
The penalties for a Colorado assault conviction can be tough, especially for first- and second-degree charges as they are felonies:
If you are charged with assault in Denver, your best option for avoiding the harshest punishment is to come up with a solid defense. The most common defense used for assault is self-defense, which you can claim if you reasonably believed you were about to suffer imminent harm had you not fought back. The use of deadly force for self-defense is narrow and only applies to some cases.
If the charges against you are false or malicious, you may be able to prove that the accusations are untrue and have the charges dismissed. If you can prove that the harm resulting from the incident was accidental, it could save you from the most serious charges or result in a dismissal.
Client was charged with Felony Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon and Domestic Battery. Michael prepared the case for trial and presented defenses resulting in all charges being dismissed.
Michael represented a client charged with Aggravated Felony Battery with Serious Injury and driving without a license. Client was facing an extended prison sentence. Through independent investigation, discovery, and aggressive negotiation, Michael was able to get the felony dismissed.
An assault conviction could have a long-lasting negative impact on your life. Even if you can avoid jail time or hefty fines, a first-degree assault conviction can’t be expunged. When pursuing employment, housing, or further education, it will appear on future background checks.
Even if you believe the situation was an accident or misunderstanding, avoiding a conviction should be top of mind. It’s wise to contact a Denver assault attorney immediately.
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You shouldn’t try to take on assault charges on your own. You should have a Denver assault lawyer focused on getting your charges reduced or dropped altogether by proving your innocence, providing justification for your actions, or highlighting flaws in the prosecution’s case.
As a former prosecutor, Attorney Fayard knows how to approach assault cases and what it takes to reach the best possible outcome.
To get started, call (303) 990-8585 or contact us online for a free and confidential consultation. Attorney Fayard will listen to your story, ask some questions, and then give you an initial assessment of your options. There’s no pressure or demands, just information that can help you deal with an assault charge.