When it comes to assault charges in Maine, having The Maine Criminal Defense Group and William Bly on your side is crucial. As experienced criminal assault lawyers, we understand the gravity of these cases.
Under Maine law Title 17-A, §207, assault is defined as intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causing bodily injury or offensive physical contact to another person. Our team knows that even accusations arising from minor incidents can result in severe penalties.
Trust The Maine Criminal Defense Group, led by William Bly, to fight for your rights. We’ll skillfully navigate the complexities of your case, ensuring a strong defense strategy tailored to your unique situation.
Call 207-571-8146 or contact us online to schedule a consult with one of our highly skilled OUI & criminal defense attorneys today.
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Types of assault in Maine
Understanding the classifications and penalties for assault charges is essential. In Maine, assaults are categorized into different levels based on severity, including simple assault, aggravated assault, and elevated aggravated assault. Each offense carries distinct legal definitions and potential consequences under Maine law. As experts in criminal defense, The Maine Criminal Defense Group can provide comprehensive insights and guidance to help you navigate the complexities of assault charges effectively. Let’s explore the characteristics and distinctions of each assault type to gain a deeper understanding of the legal landscape.
Assault
In Maine, assault is a Class D crime, as defined under state law Title 17-A, §207. It encompasses intentional, knowing, or reckless acts that cause bodily injury or offensive physical contact to another person. Regardless of the severity, this offense covers a wide range of actions resulting in harm or offensive contact.
Importantly, the classification of assault as a Class D crime means it is considered a less severe offense compared to higher classes of crimes. Penalties for assault convictions may include imprisonment for up to one year and/or fines.
It’s crucial to understand that assault does not necessarily require malicious intent or premeditation. Even actions without anger or malice, like a playful punch, can still be considered assault if there was an awareness of causing harm. The focus is on the intent to harm, rather than the motive behind the act.
Assault can occur in various scenarios, from physical altercations to instances of offensive physical contact without consent. It’s important to note that while threats or attempts to cause harm without actual physical contact may not be sufficient for an assault charge, they could still result in other criminal charges or legal consequences.
Due to the potential ramifications of assault charges, it is highly advisable to seek the guidance of an experienced criminal defense attorney. They can provide personalized guidance, help you understand the legal implications, and develop a robust defense strategy tailored to your specific situation.
Call 207-571-8146 or contact us online to schedule a consult with one of our highly skilled OUI & criminal defense attorneys today.
Aggravated Assault
When it comes to aggravated assault in Maine, the charges are more severe than those for simple assault. Under Maine state law 17-A, §208, several circumstances can lead to aggravated assault charges. Firstly, if your actions result in a serious bodily injury to the alleged victim, it can escalate the charge to aggravated assault. Unlike simple assault, which applies to any injury or offensive contact, aggravated assault involves significant harm. Additionally, the use of weapons during an assault often leads to aggravated assault allegations. Weapons such as guns, knives, brass knuckles, or other metal instruments are considered in this category. Furthermore, displaying little regard for human life can result in aggravated assault charges. For instance, intentionally strangling someone or attacking them in a way that could have easily caused death demonstrates a lack of regard for their life.
Aggravated assault is classified as a class B crime, which is more serious than simple assault. If convicted, it can carry penalties of up to 10 years in jail and fines of up to $20,000. The impact of an aggravated assault conviction can extend beyond the sentence itself, affecting various aspects of your life. Having a violent criminal offense on your record may hinder employment prospects, admission to educational institutions, and even loan applications. It’s crucial to seek expert legal representation, such as The Maine Criminal Defense Group, to navigate the complexities of aggravated assault charges and protect your rights and future.
Elevated Aggravated Assault
In Maine, elevated aggravated assault is a serious criminal offense that carries severe penalties. Under Maine state law, Title 17-A, §208, elevated aggravated assault encompasses specific circumstances that aggravate the offense even further.
Elevated aggravated assault occurs when an individual intentionally or knowingly causes serious bodily injury to another person, displays extreme indifference to human life, or intentionally or knowingly causes serious bodily injury to a person under the age of 6. These criteria raise the level of the assault offense to the elevated aggravated category.
This offense is treated as a Class A crime in Maine, indicating its gravity and the significant consequences upon conviction. Class A crimes can result in substantial penalties, including lengthy imprisonment terms and substantial fines. A conviction for elevated aggravated assault can carry a maximum sentence of up to 30 years in prison and considerable financial penalties.
It’s important to recognize that elevated aggravated assault reflects a particularly severe level of harm, where the accused demonstrates a blatant disregard for human life or inflicts significant injuries. Given the complexity and severity of such charges, it is crucial to consult with William Bly who can provide guidance and advocate for your rights in the face of elevated aggravated assault allegations.
Call 207-571-8146 or contact us online to schedule a consult with one of our highly skilled OUI & criminal defense attorneys today.
What are the Penalties for Assault in Maine?
In Maine, the penalties for assault vary depending on the specific circumstances of the offense and the severity of the harm caused.
Assault is classified as a Class D crime in Maine, which is considered a less severe offense compared to higher classes of crimes. However, it’s important to note that the penalties can still have significant ramifications. For a Class D assault conviction in Maine, the maximum penalty is imprisonment for up to one year and/or fines of up to $2,000. It’s crucial to understand that these are the maximum limits, and actual penalties may vary based on factors such as the defendant’s criminal history, aggravating factors, or the presence of any mitigating circumstances.
It’s important to mention that certain aggravating factors can elevate the offense to a higher class and lead to more severe penalties. Aggravated assault, for example, is a more serious offense than simple assault. Aggravating factors can include causing serious bodily injury, using a deadly weapon during the assault, or displaying extreme indifference to human life. Aggravated assault is classified as a Class B crime, which carries a maximum penalty of up to 10 years in prison and fines of up to $20,000.
Moreover, elevated aggravated assault is an even more severe offense. It occurs when an individual intentionally or knowingly causes serious bodily injury to another person, displays extreme indifference to human life, or intentionally or knowingly causes serious bodily injury to a person under the age of 6. Elevated aggravated assault is classified as a Class A crime, which is the most serious classification in Maine. If convicted, it can result in a maximum prison sentence of up to 30 years and significant fines.
It’s essential to remember that the specific penalties for assault in Maine can be influenced by various factors, including the defendant’s criminal history, the presence of any aggravating or mitigating circumstances, and the discretion of the judge.
Contact our Assault Defense Lawyers in Maine
If you are facing any type of assault charge in Maine, the attorneys at The Maine Criminal Defense Group can help you. You will speak to one of our experienced lawyers who can explain more about the criminal process.
There are always defense options available regardless of the aspects of your case. Contact our office today to discuss your case and how we can help you.
Call 207-571-8146 or contact us online to schedule a consult with one of our highly skilled OUI & criminal defense attorneys today.
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