Causing physical harm to another person or even just threatening that person in a menacing way could result in criminal charges for assault. If you are facing assault charges, a Bellevue assault lawyer can help you fight back.
An experienced criminal lawyer could ensure your constitutional rights are upheld. Additionally, a lawyer from Berry Law could work to secure the best outcome possible in your case based on the specific circumstances.
Assault Laws in Bellevue, Nebraska
Laws pertaining to assault offenses in Bellevue can be found in Chapter 28 of the Nebraska Revised Statutes. The laws identify four categories of assault offenses:
- Assault in the First Degree — Assault offenses in which a person knowingly or intentionally inflicts severe bodily injury on another individual
- Assault in the Second Degree — Offenses in which a person knowingly or intentionally inflicts bodily injury on another individual or recklessly causes serious bodily injury using a dangerous weapon or instrument
- Assault in the Third Degree — Incidents in which a person either threatens another individual in a menacing manner or knowingly, intentionally, or recklessly causes bodily injury to another individual
- Assault by Strangulation or Suffocation — Offenses in which a person intentionally or knowingly impedes another individual’s normal breathing
A lawyer who handles cases involving assault in Bellevue could answer questions about the different classifications and whether a specific action legally constitutes assault.
Penalties for Various Offenses
The penalties for assault offenses in Bellevue vary based on the specific charge and its level of classification. For example, assault offenses in the third degree are Class I misdemeanors punishable by a maximum penalty of one-year confinement and/or a $1,000 fine. However, if the alleged incident occurred as part of a fight, then the offense is a Class II misdemeanor punishable by a maximum penalty of six months confinement and a $1,000 fine.
Assaulting a person by strangulation or suffocation is a Class IIIA felony which has a maximum penalty of three years imprisonment with eighteen months of post-release supervision and a $25,000 fine. However, aggravating circumstances, such as the use of a dangerous instrument, could result in an assault by suffocation or strangulation offense being charged as a Class IIA felony, the same as assault in the second degree. Class IIA felony offenses are punishable by a maximum of 20 years in prison.
Alleged first-degree offenses are classified as Class II felonies. The maximum penalty for Class II felonies is a 50-year prison sentence, while the minimum penalty is one-year imprisonment. A lawyer in Bellevue who handles assault cases could provide further explanation about the penalties associated with specific assault offenses.
Contact a Bellevue Assault Attorney Today
Defending yourself against criminal charges is not easy and can be even more challenging if you have prior convictions, which could possibly result in the maximum sentence being imposed upon conviction. Working with a Bellevue assault lawyer is crucial if you are facing criminal charges.
Working with an attorney means you could have someone on your side who is dedicated to protecting your rights and looking out for your best interests. Contact Berry Law today to see how we can help you fight your assault charge.
