Assault Lawyer in Highlands Ranch | Causing Bodily Injury

Assault charges throughout Douglas County, Colorado often stem from arguments that escalate or disagreements that become physical. Closely related to menacing, assault is the crime of causing another’s bodily injury. However, you have to have done so knowingly or recklessly to face charges. Situations do arise where a defendant was provoked or acts in self-defense to an aggressor. If you or someone you know has been accused of assault in Douglas County, finding the top assault lawyer in Highlands Ranch is an important step in your defense.

Douglas County Assault Laws

Douglas County’s assault laws define the three different degrees of assault charges, depending on the level of injury and presence of a weapon. From least to most serious they include:

CRS 18-3-204 / 3rd Degree Assault – knowingly, recklessly, or with criminal negligence, causing someone’s non-serious bodily injury.
CRS 18-3-203 / 2nd Degree Assault – intentionally or recklessly causing another’s bodily injury using a deadly weapon,
CRS 18-3-202 / 1st Degree Assault – intentionally and seriously injuring another person with the use of physical force / deadly weapon.

Other scenarios that can end in assault charges include throwing bodily fluids at staff while in custody and using force against police officers or other first responders. As a crime of violence, assault comes with heightened penalties throughout Colorado.

How Bad are Consequences for Assault in Highlands Ranch?

Each assault case in Douglas County is different. At minimum, assault is a class 1 misdemeanor, potentially resulting in:

a county jail sentence of up to 2 years,
a max fine of $2K

However, as the level of injury increases or a deadly weapon is used in specific ways, assault becomes a felony. A conviction in these cases can lead to:

a prison sentence of 5 – 32 years,
fines of $2K – $750K

Criminal records impact defendants far beyond the above penalties as well. Issues finding employment and securing adequate housing aren’t uncommon for those convicted in Douglas, Jefferson, and Arapahoe County.

Top Assault Lawyer in Highlands Ranch

Allegations of assault in Highlands Ranch, Parker, Castle Rock, and Lone Tree are serious. Prosecutors examine police reports and charge people with the most serious crime they believe will hold in court. This is where a strategic assault lawyer in Highlands Ranch becomes essential.

We can investigate the facts and circumstances of your unique case and highlight the favorable evidence to those that matter. Perhaps you were acting in self-defense, you were provoked, or the injuries are being exaggerated. Nevertheless, contact our office for a free, confidential consultation. Sawyer Legal Group’s reviews stand alone when it comes to criminal defense in Colorado.