New York City Assault on an Officer Lawyer
If you have been charged with assaulting a police officer, hire a New York City assault on an officer lawyer. Assaulting a police officer is an extremely serious offense, and if you are convicted, you will face a minimum of two years behind bars.
Police officers work diligently to protect the community, and if you are charged with assaulting one of them, the prosecutor and court will have no mercy. Contrary to popular belief, it is possible for officers to misinterpret an act as assault, especially during a stressful moment. Get in touch with a determined and experienced assault attorney who can work tirelessly to defend you.
Assault in the Second Degree
Some individuals who are accused of assaulting a police officer will face a charge of assault in the second degree. This is the least serious of the assault charges, but it is still a felony charge.
Individuals who are accused of assaulting an officer while they are working and causing bodily harm will be charged with second-degree assault. Since this charge is a class D felony, if convicted, the accused individual must serve at least two years in prison, even if they have no prior convictions. Two years is the minimum sentence, but depending on the nature of the case, an individual can receive a sentence of up to seven years. A New York City attorney is familiar with the intricacies of such a charge and can answer any questions about which charges may pertain to a particular case of assault on an officer.
Assault on a Police Officer
Assault on a police officer is the second most serious type of assault charge an individual can receive. If an accused person is believed to have committed an assault against an officer with the intention of preventing them from performing their lawful duty, they can be charged with assault on a police officer.
The difference between this charge and assault in the second degree is that there is no criminal intent present in a second-degree assault. To convict a person of assault on a police officer, the prosecution must prove the accused individual planned to harm the officer. Assault on a police officer is a class B felony, and anyone convicted must serve at least five years in prison (25 years maximum). If someone faces charges of assaulting a police officer, they should contact a New York City attorney to discuss their legal options.
Aggravated Assault Upon a Police Officer
Individuals accused of aggravated assault upon a police officer will definitely need help from a New York City lawyer. This is the most serious assault charge, and individuals must serve at least five years in prison if they are convicted, even if they have no prior charges.
Persistent felons will be required to spend up to 25 years in prison. An individual will receive this charge if they are believed to have assaulted an officer with a “deadly” weapon.
Other Potential Penalties
Jail time is not the only penalty convicted individuals will face. Other penalties for assaulting a police officer include:
- Post-release supervision
- Fines
- Restitution
- Community service
If convicted, a person’s criminal record can also prevent them from finding a job, obtaining housing, and applying for government benefits. It is important to enlist the help of a New York City attorney as soon as possible if they are charged with assault on an officer.
Discuss Your Case With a New York City Assault on an Officer Attorney
If you are currently facing assault charges, a New York City assault on an officer lawyer can help. Get in touch with a skilled attorney who can look at the facts of your case, build you a solid defense, and, advocate for you.