Washington DC Assault Lawyer
Aggressive DC Assault Attorney
When facing an assault charge in the District of Columbia, a skilled Washington DC assault lawyer can help you navigate through the complicated DC legal system. Here is some of the basic information you will need to know as you begin your defense.
In Washington DC, a person may be charged with simple assault (misdemeanor), assault with significant injury, or aggravated assault. DC simple assault is when a person makes an attempt or effort, with the force of violence, to injure another person, and at the time of the attempt has the ability to injure the person. A Washington DC simple assault charge also requires that the attempt is made voluntarily and on purpose. A DC simple assault offense can also be charged under an “intent to frighten” theory. If the assault produces minimal bodily injury in Washington DC, one may not be fined more than $1,000 and may not be imprisoned for longer than 180 days.
DC assault with significant injury charge is when someone intended for or knew that “significant bodily injury” would occur from his or her conduct. “Significant bodily injury” is defined as an injury that requires hospitalization or immediate medical attention. The Washington DC assault with significant injury offense carries a potential prison sentence of three years and/or a $3,000 fine.
A person commits the offense of DC aggravated assault by knowingly or purposely causing serious bodily injury to another person. “Serious bodily injury” is defined essentially as an injury that creates substantial risk of death, unconsciousness, extreme physical pain, or protracted and obvious disfigurement. Any person convicted of a Washington DC aggravated assault shall be fined not more than $10,000 or be imprisoned for not more than 10 years, or both. Any person convicted of DC attempted aggravated assault shall be fined not more than $5,000 or be imprisoned for not more than 5 years, or both.
If you are facing similar charges in either Virginia or Maryland, Price Benowitz LLP has skilled Maryland assault attorneys and Virginia assault attorneys that can help. For a greater explanation of assault laws in Washington DC you can read the District of Columbia Official Code.
