Skilled Assault Defense Lawyers in Maine
Aggressive Defense Against Assault Charges in Maine
When it comes to assault charges in Maine, having The Maine Criminal Defense Group and William Bly on your side is crucial. As experienced criminal assault lawyers, we understand the gravity of these cases.
Under Maine law Title 17-A, §207, assault is defined as intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causing bodily injury or offensive physical contact to another person. Our team knows that even accusations arising from minor incidents can result in severe penalties.
Trust The Maine Criminal Defense Group, led by William Bly, to fight for your rights. We’ll skillfully navigate the complexities of your case, ensuring a strong defense strategy tailored to your unique situation.
Call 207-571-8146 or contact us online to schedule a consult with one of our highly skilled criminal defense & OUI, DUI, DWI lawyers, serving Maine, today.
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Types of assault Charges in Maine
Understanding the classifications and penalties for assault charges is essential. In Maine, assaults are categorized into different levels based on severity, including simple assault, aggravated assault, and elevated aggravated assault. Each offense carries distinct legal definitions and potential consequences under Maine law. As experts in criminal defense, The Maine Criminal Defense Group can provide comprehensive insights and guidance to help you navigate the complexities of assault charges effectively. Let’s explore the characteristics and distinctions of each assault type to gain a deeper understanding of the legal landscape.
Assault
In Maine, assault is a Class D crime, as defined under state law Title 17-A, §207. It encompasses intentional, knowing, or reckless acts that cause bodily injury or offensive physical contact to another person. Regardless of the severity, this offense covers a wide range of actions resulting in harm or offensive contact.
Importantly, the classification of assault as a Class D crime means it is considered a less severe offense compared to higher classes of crimes. Penalties for assault convictions may include imprisonment for up to one year and/or fines.
It’s crucial to understand that assault does not necessarily require malicious intent or premeditation. Even actions without anger or malice, like a playful punch, can still be considered assault if there was an awareness of causing harm. The focus is on the intent to harm, rather than the motive behind the act.
Assault can occur in various scenarios, from physical altercations to instances of offensive physical contact without consent. It’s important to note that while threats or attempts to cause harm without actual physical contact may not be sufficient for an assault charge, they could still result in other criminal charges or legal consequences.
Due to the potential ramifications of assault charges, it is highly advisable to seek the guidance of an experienced criminal defense attorney. They can provide personalized guidance, help you understand the legal implications, and develop a robust defense strategy tailored to your specific situation.
Aggravated Assault
When it comes to aggravated assault in Maine, the charges are more severe than those for simple assault. Under Maine state law 17-A, §208, several circumstances can lead to aggravated assault charges. Firstly, if your actions result in a serious bodily injury to the alleged victim, it can escalate the charge to aggravated assault. Unlike simple assault, which applies to any injury or offensive contact, aggravated assault involves significant harm. Additionally, the use of weapons during an assault often leads to aggravated assault allegations.
Weapons such as guns, knives, brass knuckles, or other metal instruments are considered in this category. Furthermore, displaying little regard for human life can result in aggravated assault charges. For instance, intentionally strangling someone or attacking them in a way that could have easily caused death demonstrates a lack of regard for their life.
Aggravated assault is classified as a class B crime, which is more serious than simple assault. If convicted, it can carry penalties of up to 10 years in jail and fines of up to $20,000. The impact of an aggravated assault conviction can extend beyond the sentence itself, affecting various aspects of your life. Having a violent criminal offense on your record may hinder employment prospects, admission to educational institutions, and even loan applications.
It’s crucial to seek expert legal representation, such as The Maine Criminal Defense Group, to navigate the complexities of aggravated assault charges and protect your rights and future.
Elevated Aggravated Assault
In Maine, elevated aggravated assault is a serious criminal offense that carries severe penalties. Under Maine state law, Title 17-A, §208, elevated aggravated assault encompasses specific circumstances that aggravate the offense even further.
Elevated aggravated assault occurs when an individual intentionally or knowingly causes serious bodily injury to another person, displays extreme indifference to human life, or intentionally or knowingly causes serious bodily injury to a person under the age of 6. These criteria raise the level of the assault offense to the elevated aggravated category.
This offense is treated as a Class A crime in Maine, indicating its gravity and the significant consequences upon conviction. Class A crimes can result in substantial penalties, including lengthy imprisonment terms and substantial fines. A conviction for elevated aggravated assault can carry a maximum sentence of up to 30 years in prison and considerable financial penalties.
It’s important to recognize that elevated aggravated assault reflects a particularly severe level of harm, where the accused demonstrates a blatant disregard for human life or inflicts significant injuries. Given the complexity and severity of such charges, it is crucial to consult with William Bly who can provide guidance and advocate for your rights in the face of elevated aggravated assault allegations.
Call 207-571-8146 or contact us online to schedule a consult with one of our highly skilled criminal defense & OUI, DUI, DWI lawyers, serving Maine, today.
Penalties for Assault Charges in Maine
In Maine, assault charges carry serious legal consequences even at the lowest level. The potential penalties depend on the type of assault, the severity of the injuries, and whether any aggravating factors are involved.
Simple Assault (Class D Crime)
Simple assault is typically charged when a person intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causes bodily injury to another. This is a Class D misdemeanor, which carries the following potential penalties:
- Up to 1 year in jail
- Fines up to $2,000
- Probation and a permanent criminal record
While considered the least severe assault charge, a conviction can still have long-term consequences, including loss of employment opportunities, professional licensing issues, and restrictions on firearm ownership.
Aggravated Assault (Class B Crime)
Aggravated assault is a felony offense under Maine law. It applies when someone causes serious bodily injury, uses a dangerous weapon, or acts with extreme indifference to human life. This charge is classified as a Class B crime, punishable by:
- Up to 10 years in prison
- Fines up to $20,000
- Lengthy probation and felony record
This level of assault is considered a serious violent crime and is aggressively prosecuted across Maine.
Elevated Aggravated Assault (Class A Crime)
The most severe assault-related offense is elevated aggravated assault, a Class A felony, which is the highest classification under Maine law. This charge typically involves:
- Intentional or knowing infliction of serious bodily injury
- Acts showing extreme disregard for human life
- Assaults against vulnerable individuals, such as children under 6
A conviction for elevated aggravated assault may result in:
- Up to 30 years in prison
- Fines as high as $50,000
- Lifetime consequences of a Class A felony
Additional Factors That Can Affect Assault Sentencing
Every assault case is different, and sentencing in Maine takes into account:
- The defendant’s prior criminal history
- Presence of aggravating or mitigating circumstances
- Whether a weapon or victim vulnerability was involved
- Discretion of the judge or outcome of plea negotiations
Because these factors can drastically alter the outcome of your case, it’s essential to have a skilled Maine assault defense lawyer who can evaluate the charges, challenge the evidence, and work toward a dismissal or reduced penalty.
Contact our Maine Assault Defense Lawyers For Help
If you’re facing an assault charge in Maine, whether it’s simple assault, aggravated assault, or elevated aggravated assault, your future and rights are on the line. These are serious accusations that demand a strategic, well-prepared defense.
At The Maine Criminal Defense Group, our experienced attorneys understand how to navigate Maine’s criminal courts, challenge the evidence, and protect your rights at every stage of the process. We’ve helped clients across the state fight back against serious violent crime allegations and we’re ready to do the same for you.
Contact us today to schedule a confidential consultation. One of our skilled assault defense lawyers will review your case, explain your legal options, and help you take the next steps toward protecting your freedom and your future.
Call 207-571-8146 or contact us online to schedule a consult with one of our highly skilled criminal defense & OUI, DUI, DWI lawyers, serving Maine, today.
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