What are the Penalties for Aggravated Assault in GA?
Often, people face misdemeanor charges for assault. Though misdemeanors are serious matters, they are less severe than felony charges. However, in certain situations, the circumstances of an alleged assault can escalate the charges to aggravated assault, which is a felony offense with harsh penalties possible.
If you face charges of assault or aggravated assault in Forsyth County, immediately reach out to our Georgia criminal defense attorneys for a consultation. You need the strongest defense possible to protect your rights and future.
When Does Assault Become Aggravated Assault?
Under Georgia criminal law, assault becomes aggravated assault when certain factors escalate the severity of the offense. Here are the factors that can elevate an assault to aggravated assault in Georgia:
- Serious bodily injury - If the assault results in serious bodily injury to the victim, it may be classified as aggravated assault. Serious bodily injury refers to injuries that pose a substantial risk of death, cause severe disfigurement, or lead to protracted loss or impairment of a bodily function or organ.
- Using a deadly weapon - When a deadly weapon, such as a firearm, knife, or any object capable of causing death or serious injury, is used in the assault, it qualifies as aggravated assault.
- Intent to rape, murder, or rob - Assault with the intent to commit certain felonies, such as rape, murder, or robbery, can be charged as aggravated assault.
- Assault on a police officer or public servant - Assaulting a police officer, firefighter, emergency medical personnel, or other public servants while they are performing their duties can lead to aggravated assault charges.
- Assault during a felony - If an assault occurs while the perpetrator is committing another felony, it can be considered aggravated assault.
Aggravated assault is a felony in Georgia, meaning the possible consequences are severe and can have a huge impact on your future. It's essential to hire a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney if you or someone you know is facing aggravated assault charges.
Potential Penalties
An aggravated assault conviction can lead to a wide range of consequences, including substantial fines, mandatory minimum prison sentences, and an assault conviction on your permanent criminal record.
The severity of penalties you might face depends on factors such as the specific circumstances of the offense, the presence of weapons, and the extent of injuries inflicted.
Penalties for aggravated assault can include:
- Imprisonment ranging from one to twenty years, with potential life sentences for the most severe cases
- Fines of thousands of dollars
A conviction for this offense can also have a lasting impact on your personal and professional life, affecting your employment and other opportunities. A conviction can disqualify you from many jobs involving caretaking or contact with vulnerable individuals, such as teaching, nursing, and more.
Seek Immediate Help from an Assault Defense Lawyer in Forsyth County
Given the gravity of the possible penalties, seeking defense representation from our experienced criminal defense attorneys at Banks, Stubbs & McFarland is essential. We can assess your case, build a robust defense strategy, and work to minimize or eliminate the consequences you face for aggravated assault charges in Georgia. Contact us today.