New York courts are hostile when penalizing violent crimes such as assault. Consequences can be as drastic as decades of incarceration and a permanent criminal record that can negatively impact your future opportunities for employment, property-owning, immigration status, etc. If you are charged with assault, you should know what criminal class your offense falls under and how a talented Garden City, NY violent crime lawyer at Grunwald & Seman, P.C. can help to reduce or eliminate your charges altogether.
What are the charges for second-degree assault in New York?
A second-degree assault charge is sentenced to a person who acted intentionally or recklessly while using a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument to inflict physical injury, or an impairment of physical condition or substantial pain, to a victim. It is a Class D felony, which can come with a prison sentence of three to seven years as well as potential fines of up to $5,000. You must serve a minimum of 3 years in jail before being eligible for parole, and the period of probation is five years. However, if you are not a second-time offender or a persistent violent felon, the judge has the power to impose an alternative term of a definite period of incarceration of one year or less.
What are the charges for first-degree assault in New York?
A first-degree assault charge is given to a person who acted intentionally or recklessly while using a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument to inflict “serious” physical injury to a victim. A “serious” physical injury is defined as a substantial risk of death, long-term disfigurement, ill health, or loss or impairment of an organ. First-degree assault is a Class B felony, which carries a prison sentence of three to 25 years in addition to potential fines of up to $5,000. You must serve a minimum of 3 years in jail before being eligible for parole, and the period of probation is five years.
If you are facing assault charges, it is important that you retain the services of one of the experienced Nassau County criminal defense attorneys who will explore all avenues of defense and build the best possible case to lessen the penalties you may face and potentially keep you out of jail.
Contact Our Long Island Firm
Criminal matters can change the course of your life forever. This is why you need an experienced attorney who will aggressively combat your charges to help mitigate their long-term effects. If you are in need of experienced legal counsel for a criminal defense matter on Long Island or throughout New York State, please contact Grunwald & Seman, P.C. to schedule a consultation. We would be happy to assist you.
