There are several statutes under New York state law concerning the crime of assault, ranging from Assault in the Third Degree, a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail, to Assault in the First Degree, a Class B violent felony punishable by up to 25 years in prison.  The crime charged will often depend on whether or not a weapon was used, whether deadly force was used, the nature or seriousness of the injury and the type of victim (for example, if the victim is a child or police officer you could face more serious charges)

Assault cases may involve strangers, but frequently involve incidents between family, spouses or people in relationships or who have children together.  When the accused has a close relationship with the accuser, the case will often be labeled a Domestic Violence case and this may cause a prosecutor to seek additional penalties and punishment.

Common defenses to assault cases include alibi, self defense and justification.  Contact Natasha Turner, an experienced Orange County defense attorney based in the Hudson Valley, to learn how she can successfully defend your Assault case.