Assault Charges

Assault is a common violent crime charge, and it is often directed at the wrong person. When two people get into a fight, it is sometimes difficult to sort out who provoked the conflict or who was the primary aggressor, and the police often make wrong assumptions at the scene of the crime. If you have been arrested for assault, you can come to The Law Office of John M. Cromwell for a consultation to learn about your rights in the situation. I am a White Plains criminal defense lawyer with nearly a quarter century of experience representing people in your situation, and I know how to get results for my clients. Defending an assault charge requires extensive preparation, and I urge you to contact me as soon as possible to increase your chances of a favorable outcome.

Charging Assault for a Misdemeanor or Felony

Assault is a misdemeanor, carrying a maximum sentence of one year in jail. You can be charged with this crime if you are accused of intentionally causing physical injury to another person, recklessly causing injury or causing injury through negligent use of a deadly weapon. The charge will be increased to a felony with a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison for causing injury through intentional use of a deadly weapon, purposefully causing disfigurement or similar harm, or causing a serious injury in the course of committing another felony. Other factors can aggravate an assault charge, such as if the victim is a child, a police officer, or if it is an act of gang violence.

One of the most effective strategies is to prove that you were acting in self-defense, either because the other party started a fight with you, attacked you or was attempting to commit a crime such as robbery. Each case is unique, and I will listen to you explain your view of the situation and review the evidence and police report to develop your defense. I am fluent in Spanish and am ready to meet with you at your earliest convenience.