Assault charges in Douglas County can result from situations where someone wrongfully injures another person. While these are non-serious injuries, ramifications for the accused can still be quite impactful. Additionally, if the victim is an at-risk adult, consequences escalate. Earlier this month, a Colorado woman was arrested on suspicion of third-degree assault of an at-risk adult after an altercation on a school bus with an employee who was an at-risk adult. Charges of this magnitude demand especially skilled representation from a third-degree assault lawyer.
Assault Against At-Risk Adults in Colorado | Third-Degree Assault Lawyer
Crimes against at-risk adults are more serious due to the reality that the elderly and those with a disability are less able to defend themselves in situations of physical or mental harm. In Colorado, an at-risk adult is defined as:
- any person who is 70+,
- or anyone who is 18+ and has a disability
Additionally, the same statute defines at-risk juveniles as anyone under 18 with a disability. There are other essential intricacies in C.R.S. 18-6.5-102 and C.R.S. 18-6.5-103 that should be discussed with an experienced criminal defense attorney if you or someone you know is facing charges.
Is Assaulting an At-Risk Adult a Felony in Colorado?
Assault in the third degree is typically a class 1 misdemeanor in Castle Rock, Parker, and Highlands Ranch. Conviction can result in up to 24 months in county jail, as well as fines of up to $5,000. However, if the alleged victim is over the age of 70 or a person with a disability, a class 6 felony can apply. Possible consequences include:
- up to 18 months in the Colorado Department of Corrections,
- fines of $1,000 – $100,000
These heightened punishments can have long-lasting consequences. A misdemeanor that quickly becomes a felony can lead to difficulty finding stable employment after incarceration, trouble passing certain background checks, and loss of a support system.
Douglas County Third-Degree Assault Lawyer
With the escalated situation of assault against an at-risk person, an aggressive criminal defense attorney by your side is particularly vital. Your best possible outcome is not the prosecutor’s priority, but it is ours. We have decades of experience defending clients in Douglas County facing complex felony charges. We highly recommend taking the following steps when facing any assault charges:
- Exercise your right to remain silent,
- Don’t provide police with statements of any kind,
- Refrain from talking about your situation with friends or neighbors, or on social media
- Contact Douglas County’s best criminal defense lawyers right away
If you or someone you know is facing an assault charge in Colorado, be smart. Contact the strategic defense attorneys at Sawyer Legal Group, LLC at 303-265-1950. Together, we can protect your future.
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