Mentor Assault Lawyer

Mentor Assault Attorney

Assault charges in Ohio are a serious matter, and even one allegation can turn your world upside down. If you are facing allegations of assault in Mentor, you need a Mentor assault lawyer who is familiar with the law, the court system, and the possible defenses that may be used to protect your rights. At Fortress Law Group, LLC, we understand how quickly a misunderstanding, verbal altercation, or false accusation can turn into criminal charges.

For over 15 years, Fortress Law Group, LLC has served as the last line of defense for the accused in Lake County. We strongly believe that it is our duty to stand up for regular people against government overreach and to ensure every client receives the strong, principled defense they deserve when facing any assault or violent crime allegation.

Our Mentor criminal defense attorneys handle cases in the Lake County Court of Common Pleas as well as the Mentor Municipal Court with integrity, compassion, and courage at every step. We understand that many people who are charged with assault are going through one of the most difficult times in their lives. We can fight to protect your rights and fight for your future.

Understanding Assault Laws in Ohio

In Ohio in 2022, the violent crime rate was 293.6 per 100,000 people. This resulted in 28,566 incidents, with 16,657 of them being aggravated assaults. In Ohio, assault and related offenses are located in Ohio Revised Code §2903.13. However, “assault” can encompass a wide range of behaviors, from minor shoving matches to severe physical injury. Some of the most common assault charges include:

• Simple assault. Simple assault is the deliberate infliction of bodily harm on another person or the attempt to do so. Usually classified as a first-degree misdemeanor, the severity of the punishment can vary based on the victim or the circumstances.
• Aggravated assault. When someone uses a lethal weapon or causes significant bodily harm under duress, it is considered an aggravated assault. This typically carries far harsher penalties and is classified as a fourth-degree felony.
• Domestic violence. Assaultive behavior may be covered by Ohio’s domestic violence laws if the alleged victim is a family member or household member. Additional limitations, such as mandatory arrests, no-contact orders, and harsher penalties, are frequently attached to these charges.
• Violence against protected classes. Regardless of the harm inflicted, assault involving specific victims, such as teachers, police officers, inmates, medical professionals, and senior citizens, may result in a felony charge.

The charge in each case is determined by the alleged victim’s identity, the degree of injury, the use of weapons, and the alleged intent.

Penalties in Assault Cases

In Ohio, an assault conviction can have significant and long-lasting consequences that go far beyond fines and jail time. In addition to possible incarceration, you could face large monetary fines, anger-management counseling, and strict probation terms. A judge may also issue a no-contact order that restricts your movements and associations, which can impact your personal life and relationships.

An assault conviction also results in a permanent criminal record, which can be damaging for your career, housing, and even immigration status. This is because assault is considered a violent offense that courts, employers, landlords, and licensing boards don’t take lightly. That is why it is so important to have an effective defense that fights for your rights.

Hire an Assault Lawyer

If you have been accused of assault, you need to hire an assault lawyer. Assault cases are usually won and lost based on who’s telling the truth, how witnesses react emotionally, and the interpretation of evidence that can easily be misconstrued.

Your strongest protection starts with having a lawyer present during investigations who prevents you from making any statements or actions that could damage your legal defense. Your Mentor assault attorney can examine the evidence against you while discrediting unreliable witness statements and exposing weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.

FAQs

Can You File a Claim for Assault in Ohio?

You can file a claim for assault in Mentor, Ohio. Assault in Ohio can be a criminal and civil matter. A civil claim for assault can be brought to recover monetary damages for medical expenses, emotional trauma, loss of wages, and other injuries. A civil claim is separate from any criminal charges that the state may or may not file. You may file a civil claim independently of criminal proceedings.

What Proof Is Needed for Assault?

To prove assault, you typically must show evidence that the defendant tried to cause harm or knowingly placed you in reasonable fear of immediate injury. Helpful evidence could be medical records, witness statements, video surveillance, pictures, text messages, 911 calls, or records of your injuries. The evidence needs to show the defendant’s actions and the effects those actions had on you.

What Qualifies as Assault in Ohio?

In Ohio, an individual is guilty of assault if they knowingly or recklessly cause or attempt to cause physical harm to another. The physical harm does not have to be significant. A minor harm is enough, as is a knowing attempt to harm another. So, if a person hits, punches, kicks, or tries to hit, punch, or kick another person, he or she could be charged with assault in Ohio.

Can an Assault Charge Be Dropped in Ohio?

An assault charge can be dropped in Ohio, but not just at the request of the victim. After the prosecutor has filed charges, he or she is the only one who can drop them. The case may be dismissed if there is not enough evidence, if there are witness credibility issues, or if there are problems with the way the evidence was gathered. Sometimes the defense can negotiate a plea agreement.

Mentor Assault Lawyer

Being charged with assault is a serious matter. If you or someone you know has been charged, legal assistance can be the difference between jail time and other consequences and a free future. At Fortress Law Group, LLC, we can look at the facts of your case and build an appropriate defense in your favor. Contact us today for a consultation.

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