An assault is often the result of a fight where one person hits another and the cops are called. In Connecticut, there are various degrees of assault that come with varying forms of punishment. The degree of assault and the appropriate punishment depend on the harm caused, who the harm was cause to, the intent behind the assault, and if any weapons were used in the assault. If you have been charged with assault, or have been assaulted, you need an effective attorney on your side.
First Degree Assault
To begin, assault in the first degree is the most serious, as well as the most penalized degree. This degree of assault is a Class B felony, has a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a minimum sentence of 5 years in prison, and could carry up to $15,000 in fines alongside the jail time. So what is a first degree assault in Connecticut? Well, an assault is considered first degree if it involves:
- causing serious injury with a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument, or
- intending to seriously or permanently disfigure a person, or to destroy, amputate, or disfigure a persons body, or
- recklessly engaging in behavior that could cause a person’s death, that results in serious physical injury to another person, or
- intent to cause serious physical injury with 2 or more other people participating.
Second Degree Assault
Next, assault in the second degree is a Class D felony, can come with up to $5000 in fines, and carries a minimum prison sentence of 1 year with a maximum sentence of 5. Additionally, if the assault was in a motor vehicle, a 1 year license suspension could also be a penalty. A second degree assault is committed if it involves:
- causing serious injury,
- intent to cause serious injury with a deadly weapon (other than a firearm),
- recklessly causing serious injury with a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument, or
- intentionally administering a drug or controlled substance without that persons consent.
Third Degree Assault
Finally, assault in the third degree is a Class A misdemeanor, carries up to 1 year in prison and up to $2000 in fines. An assault is defined as third degree if it involves:
- intentionally causing physical injury,
- recklessly causing serious physical injury, or
- with criminal negligence, causing physical serious injury with a deadly weapon.
Additionally, if any of these degrees of assault are committed on a pregnant woman, a blind person, or a Department of Corrections Employee or prison official, the sentences may be enhanced and penalties increased.
–
If you or someone you know has been charged with assault and needs appropriate defense, or if you or someone you know has been assaulted and needs stellar representation, Maya Murphy is here to help. At Maya Murphy, PC in Westport, CT we have been aiding the citizens of Fairfield County for over a decade in criminal cases. With an impressive court record and an experienced team headed by Joseph C. Maya, our attorneys are sure to meet your needs. Call today at 203-221-3100 or email us at Ask@mayalaw.com
Maya Murphy is a law firm located in Westport, CT that also has offices in New York City. The Connecticut office has served the residents of Darien, Westport, Norwalk, Stamford, Trumbull, Weston, and other Fairfield County towns for over a decade. Put experience on your side, call today.