First Steps When Charged With Assault

Being charged with assault can be a scary and confusing time. The ultimate goal is to fight the charges and restore your freedom with the caring representation of the lawyers for assault charges at Verity Criminal Defense. Still, when first charged, a few basic steps benefit your defense greatly.

In Washington state, assault charges can range from gross misdemeanor assault to felony offenses of first or second-degree assault. Felony charges can result in months or years in prison and a loss of your voting and Second Amendment rights.

What to do when arrested

An arrest can be an emotionally straining period, but remembering a few basic actions will tremendously help your case.

You might have just been through a period when things were moving fast, and there wasn’t a chance to assess everything. Make a mental note of the surroundings and what happened during that period. Who instigated the incident? What were the circumstances behind it? Were you defending yourself or another?

When quizzed by the police, it is best to refuse to answer any questions except the most basic. Observe their actions, paying particular attention to anything that could violate your rights. Were your Miranda rights read to you? Was evidence collected, and how?

What to do at the jail

First and foremost, maintain your right to silence and request your attorney. The lawyers for assault charges at Verity Criminal Defense want to talk to you as soon as possible, examine the case, and start working for reduced bail or full release on your own recognizance. The prosecutor may argue for a high bail amount, but your attorney is there to fight for you.

The next steps

The next step is for your attorney to develop a clear view of the case. Everything you observed and noted when arrested will come into play. The charges are weighed, and all evidence is considered to establish the best legal strategy.

Any violation of your rights by police, lack of evidence, and the reliability of witnesses are analyzed. Every hole in the case is examined.

Follow your attorney’s instructions during this period while your assault charge lawyer from Verity Criminal Defense examines the prosecutor’s case and looks for flaws in the charges. Next, your attorney negotiates with the prosecutor for reduced charges or total dismissal. Remember, your lawyer is there fighting for you.

The assault charge lawyers at Verity Criminal Defense are the attorneys of choice for those needing caring and expert criminal defense in King, Pierce, Snohomish, and Skagit counties. When charged with assault, they will be there to fight for you immediately.