Before you can face any punishment, the prosecution must successfully convict you. You can make their job as difficult as possible by hiring an experienced Louisville assault defense lawyer – like those here at Suhre & Associates, LLC. Contact us today at (502) 371-7000 for a free case valuation.
If you were recently charged with an assault offense in Jefferson County or the Louisville Metro area, you are probably feeling quite scared right now. After all, the penalties for assault charges in the state of Kentucky can be quite severe.
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How a Suhre & Associates, LLC Defense Lawyer Can Help You Fight Back Against Your Assault Charges
The attorneys here at the Louisville law office of Suhre & Associates, LLC are dedicated to fighting hard on behalf of our clients. When you hire us to represent you in your assault case, we will:
Protect Your Rights
When arresting and prosecuting you on assault charges, the state and its representatives are obliged to respect your constitutional rights. Unfortunately, in an effort to improve their chances of landing a conviction, they sometimes step over the line.
Our criminal defense lawyers in Louisville have years of experience working within the Kentucky legal system. As such, we understand how to spot rights violations as soon as they happen. If police officers or prosecutors cross the line in your case, we will take action to protect you immediately.
Search for Exculpatory Evidence on Your Behalf
Sometimes, the best way to escape conviction in a criminal case is to prove that you could not possibly have committed the offense to which you are accused. To accomplish this feat, however, you will need some exculpatory evidence.
The attorneys here at Suhre & Associates, LLC are experts at locating evidence. When you hire us, we will review surveillance tapes, interview witnesses, and scour through electronic records to try to find proof that you could not be guilty.
Negotiate with the Prosecuting Attorney
Shortly after you are taken into custody, the prosecutor will most likely present you with a plea bargain agreement. Unfortunately, the terms of this deal are likely to leave a lot to be desired. If you want to make it fairer, some negotiation will be required.
Having worked on countless criminal cases over the years, our lawyers are masters of the art of negotiation. With our experienced team on your side, you can be confident that your interests are being well-represented at the negotiating table.
When you need a Louisville criminal defense attorney to help you fight back against your assault charges, please do not hesitate to reach out to the team here at Suhre & Associates, LLC. We are always ready, willing, and able to provide you with the legal advice and guidance you require.
Types of Assault Offenses in the State of Kentucky
The state of Kentucky has several assault offenses on its books. A brief list of some of the most commonly charged assault crimes in the Bluegrass State would include:
Assault in the First Degree
Section 508.010 of the Kentucky Revised Statutes explains that a person may be charged with assault in the first degree if they cause serious physical injury to another individual through the use of a deadly weapon, dangerous instrument, or wanton conduct.
The state of Kentucky generally classifies the following items as “deadly weapons:”
- Firearms
- Weapons of mass destruction
- Artificial knuckles
- Nightsticks
- Clubs
- Karate sticks
Meanwhile, the state defines “dangerous instruments” as any “article or substance which, under the circumstances in which it is used, attempted to be used, or threatened to be used, is readily capable of causing death or serious physical injury”.
In Kentucky, assault in the first degree is generally punishable as a Class B felony.
Assault in the Second Degree
Section 508.020 of the Kentucky Revised Statutes explains that a person can be charged with second-degree assault if they:
- Intentionally cause serious physical injury to another individual.
- Intentionally cause physical injury to another individual using a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument.
- Wantonly cause serious physical injury to another individual using a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument.
Assault in the second degree is usually classified as a Class C felony in the state of Kentucky.
Assault in the Third Degree
Section 508.025 of the Kentucky Revised Statutes states that a person can be arrested on third-degree assault charges if they cause or attempt to cause physical injury to:
- An officer of the peace
- An employee of a detention facility
- An on-duty social worker
- An on-duty firefighter
- An on-duty paramedic
- A probation or parole officer
- An on-duty employee of a public or private school
This type of criminal offense is generally punishable as a Class D felony in the state of Kentucky.
Assault in the Fourth Degree
Section 508.030 of the Kentucky Revised Statutes explains that a person can be charged with fourth-degree assault if they wantonly cause physical injury to another individual or recklessly cause serious physical injury to another individual using a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument.
The state of Kentucky usually classifies fourth-degree assault as a Class A misdemeanor.
Assault of a Sports Official
Section 518.090 of the Kentucky Revised Statutes states that a person may be charged with the assault of a sports official if they intentionally cause physical injury to a sports official while they are performing their duties or are arriving at or departing from an athletic facility.
For the purposes of this offense, the state of Kentucky defines “sports officials” as any “individual who serves as a referee, umpire, linesman, or in a similar capacity that may be known by another title, and who is duly registered as or is a member of a national, state, regional, or local organization.”
For first-time offenders, the assault of a sports official is generally punishable as a Class A misdemeanor. However, it may be bumped up to a Class D felony for repeat offenders.
If you need an attorney at law who defends clients vigorously and has an encyclopedic knowledge of the Kentucky Revised Statutes, please reach out to the team here at Suhre & Associates, LLC. We have the skill and experience to help you defend yourself against your criminal charges.
Punishments for Assault Convictions in Kentucky
The state of Kentucky punishes individuals who have been convicted of assault offenses quite harshly. The exact penalties, however, will generally depend on the seriousness of the crime:
Punishments for Class B Felonies
Offenders who are convicted of committing Class B felonies, such as first-degree assault, in the state of Kentucky can be sentenced to 10 to 25 years in state prison. They may also face a fine of up to $10,000 and a lifelong criminal record.
Punishments for Class C Felonies
Individuals who are found guilty of committing assault in the second degree or other Class C felonies can face between 5 and 10 years in state prison. They can also receive a permanent criminal record and be forced to pay a fine of up to $10,000.
Punishments for Class D Felonies
In the state of Kentucky, offenders who are convicted of Class D felonies like assault in the third degree can be sentenced to between 1 and 5 years in state prison. They may also be fined between $1,000 and $10,000, and be forced to live their lives with a permanent criminal record.
Punishments for Class A Misdemeanors
Those who are found guilty of Class A misdemeanors like the assault of a sports official can receive jail sentences of up to 1 year. They will also receive a lifelong criminal record and may be forced to pay a fine of up to $500.
At Suhre & Associates, LLC, our lawyers are experts in all areas of the Kentucky Penal Code – from white-collar crime to violent crime and everything in between. If you would like to have us on your side during your assault case, please contact us today to set up an initial consultation.
Common Defenses Against Kentucky Assault Charges
Your assault charges do not have to result in assault convictions. By using an effective defense strategy, it may be possible to get your charges thrown out or reduced.
A short sampling of some of the most commonly used defenses in Kentucky assault cases would include:
Mistaken Identity
Assaults often happen in the middle of large crowds. If your attorney can show that the police arrested the wrong person, you may be able to get your criminal charges dropped.
Self-Defense
In the state of Kentucky, you are generally allowed to defend yourself if you are attacked. If your lawyer can prove that you injured the other person while defending yourself, you should be able to get your case dismissed.
Defense of Property
If another person tries to take your legally-owned property, you are allowed to use reasonable force to defend it. If your attorney can show that the altercation began because the other party attempted to steal your property, you will most likely be able to have your charges dropped.
For more information on the best possible defense strategy in your case, please contact the Suhre & Associates, LLC team today. We will be happy to review the details of your case and provide you with our opinion on your best route forward.
Connect with a Louisville Assault Defense Lawyer Today
The attorneys here at Suhre & Associates, LLC have been helping the people of Louisville fight back against their assault charges for years. During that time, we have achieved some incredible results. If you would like to have us represent you in your battle to clear your name, please set up a free consultation.
Suhre & Associates, LLC
214 S. Clay St, Suite A
Louisville KY, 40202
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