Aggravated Assault

Aggravated assault is prosecuted very aggressively in Orange County and the penalties for this crime can be particularly severe. In California, aggravated assault is defined by Penal Code 245 and covers a variety of infractions including assault with a deadly weapon (PC 245(a)(1)) and assault with a firearm (PC 245(a)(2)). Misdemeanor aggravated assault is punishable by imprisonment up to one year. Felony charges for aggravated assault are punishable by up to four years imprisonment and/or a maximum fine of $10,000. Therefore, since the punishment can be so severe for this crime, it is extremely important that you hire an experienced attorney to review your case. Orange County aggravated assault lawyer, William Weinberg is an experienced attorney who has successfully defended hundreds of clients, including those charged with aggravated assault. Mr. Weinberg is a zealous advocate for the clients that he represents and has a track record of proven results. Mr. Weinberg takes the time to individually review each potential client’s case to provide a plan that works best for their circumstances.

Under Penal Code 240, simple assault is defined as “an unlawful attempt, coupled with a present ability, to commit a violent injury on the person of another.” Assault is usually charged as a misdemeanor, but it is important to note that no physical injury or even contact with another person is required for a person to be charged with this crime. Aggravated assault is a more serious crime that is usually charged as a felony and has more severe consequences than simple assault. Aggravated assault is a broad term that covers a variety of situations such as assault with a deadly weapon, firearm, or by means likely to cause great bodily injury. However, just like simple assault, aggravated assault also does not require any injuries or physical contact with the victim. Some examples of aggravated assault include: (1) assault with a deadly weapon (PC 245(a)(1)); (2) assault with a firearm (PC 245(a)(2)); (3) assault by means to produce great bodily injury (PC 245(a)(4)); (4) assault with caustic chemicals (PC 244); (5) assault with a deadly weapon on a school employee (PC 245.5).

These crimes are very serious, therefore if you or someone you know has been arrested for assault, it is extremely important that you hire an experienced aggravated assault attorney in Orange County to help defend your case.

Many cases of aggravated assault have to do with a deadly weapon. A deadly weapon is any object or weapon inherently deadly or used in a manner that is capable of causing or is likely of causing great bodily injury or death. Some examples of deadly weapons include: a baseball bat, knife, brass knuckles, unloaded firearm, vehicle, broken bottle, or some type of blunt object. The severity of the charges may depend on what type of weapon is used.

If convicted for aggravated assault, the penalties you face will likely depend on the circumstances of your case. If you have a criminal record and are charged with a felony rather than a misdemeanor, you will likely be facing more serious punishment. However, an experienced aggravated assault attorney in Orange County can help protect you and hopefully help reduce your sentence if you have been charged with this type of crime.

Orange County aggravated assault lawyer William Weinberg is an extremely experienced lawyer in Orange County who has many years of experience defending clients charged with various crimes. He will consider your case free of charge and advise you of your options. To reach him please contact his Irvine office at (949) 474-8008 or by emailing him at bill@williamweinberg.com.