Queens Assault Lawyer

Facing assault charges? If so, you need a lawyer who can advocate for your rights, every step of the way. Contact a dedicated Queens assault lawyer from Vasiliou Law today to schedule your free case evaluation with our seasoned criminal defense law firm.

Astoria Assault Lawyer | Coming to Your Defense

Your future is important. Few things can impact your future as negatively as a criminal record. That’s why if you’re accused of assault, you need a competent Astoria criminal defense lawyer in your corner who can fight, tooth and nail, for the best outcome possible on your behalf.

Assault Charges in New York State

Third-degree assault, a misdemeanor, occurs when the offender intends to cause physical injury and does so, or recklessly causes physical injury, or negligently causes physical injury with a weapon. The penalties for misdemeanor assault include up to one year in jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000.

Second-degree assault, a felony, is when the offender intends to cause serious physical injury and does so, or causes such injury with a weapon, or causes such injury to a police officer, firefighter, or other public servants. The penalties for second-degree assault include up to seven years in prison and/or a fine of up to $5,000.

First-degree assault, also a felony, is when the offender intends to cause serious physical injury and does so with a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument, causes permanent or serious disfigurement, or causes such injury by depraved indifference. The penalties for first-degree felony assault include up to 25 years of incarceration and/or a fine of up to $5,000.

Aggravated assault, also a felony, occurs when the offender causes serious physical injury to a police officer or peace officer with a weapon, or repeatedly assaults a child under 11 years old. The penalties for aggravated assault include up to 30 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $5,000 for aggravated assault on a peace officer, and up to four years in prison and/or a fine of up to $5,000 for aggravated assault on a child.

Potential Defenses Against Assault Charges

Of course, the defense we use will largely depend on the circumstances surrounding your case, however, some of the most common assault defenses are as follows:

• Self-defense: We can assert that you acted in self-defense if you reasonably believed that you or someone else was in imminent danger of being harmed by the alleged victim, and that you used only the requisite amount of force to prevent or stop the harm (i.e. you did not use excessive force to stop the perpetrator).
• Defense of property: You can claim that you acted in defense of property if you reasonably believed that your property or someone else’s property was in imminent danger of being damaged or stolen and you used only as much force as necessary to thwart the theft/vandalization of property.
• False accusation: You can claim that the alleged assault victim falsely accused you of assault, either out of malice, vindictiveness, jealousy, or another ulterior motive, and that you have evidence or witnesses to prove your innocence.

Contact an Assault Lawyer Today

The bottom line is that if you’re accused of assault in any form, you need a legal advocate in your corner who can work to preserve your reputation and future. Contact Vasiliou Law to schedule your free initial consultation with our firm today.