New York City Assault Defense Attorney

Criminal Lawyer in Manhattan for Clients Charged With Violent Crimes

When you have been charged with any type of criminal offense, it is understandable that you might be feeling overwhelmed and frightened about the road ahead. The law in New York gives district attorneys the ability to aggressively prosecute misdemeanor and felony offenses alike, which means that a charge that might not seem all that serious could lead to severe penalties if you are convicted. This is especially true for violent offenses such as assault.

At The Law Firm of Gregory J. Watford, Esq., PLLC, we understand what is at stake when you are facing assault-related criminal charges. Our team also recognizes that a conviction on such charges could follow you for the rest of your life. With this in mind, we will do everything we can to help you avoid a conviction and to minimize the impact on your future.

Understanding Assault Charges in New York State

Under New York law, you can be charged with assault if you acted with intent, recklessness, or criminal negligence and caused another person to suffer a physical injury. The law recognizes three degrees of assault offenses:

• Assault in the third degree: Third-degree assault is a Class A misdemeanor that is committed when a person intentionally causes another physical injury, recklessly causes physical injury, or causes injury by criminal negligence with a dangerous instrument or deadly weapon. This offense is punishable by up to one year in jail, probation, and fines of up to $1,000.00.
• Assault in the second degree: Second-degree assault is a Class D felony that is committed when a person intentionally causes another serious injury or intentionally causes physical injury to a person with a dangerous instrument/deadly weapon or recklessly causes physical injury with a dangerous instrument/deadly weapon. Intentionally causing physical injury to a healthcare or public service worker in the course of performing their duties can also be charged as second-degree assault. You could face up to seven years in prison for a conviction of assault in the second degree.
• Assault in the first degree: First-degree assault is a Class B felony that is committed when a person intentionally uses a dangerous or deadly weapon to inflict serious physical injury on another. Such charges are also possible if a person causes serious physical injury with intent to disfigure, or if a person in the course of committing a felony causes another person to suffer serious injury. Assault in the first degree is punishable by up to 25 years in prison.

Assault charges can also be elevated based on certain characteristics of the alleged victim. For example, an assault on a child, a police officer, or a judge could lead to increased charges and penalties.

Experience Matters in Brooklyn and The Bronx

Gregory J. Watford, Esq. is a seasoned criminal defense attorney with over 25 years of legal experience. He also has more than ten years of experience in law enforcement. With his background and experience, Mr. Watford is familiar with the entire New York justice system, from crime scene to courtroom. As a former investigator and a former prosecutor, Mr. Watford knows that there are always at least two sides to a given scenario—especially one that involves an alleged assault. We believe everyone should have their chance to tell their side of the story.

When you choose our firm, we will go right to work on your behalf. We will be at your side during questioning so that you do not inadvertently give the police or prosecutors information that could be used against you later. Our team will also conduct a thorough review of your case, looking for any details that could be helpful in building your defense. Depending on the circumstances, we may be able to show that the actions you took were in self-defense or that the alleged victim did not suffer physical harm. We know how to get results, and we are ready to put our proven approach to work for you.

Call Our Office for Guidance

To learn more about defending against assault charges in New York City, contact our office. Call 646-580-6675 to schedule a confidential consultation at The Law Firm of Gregory J. Watford, Esq., PLLC today. Our firm serves clients in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, New City, Mt. Vernon, White Plains, Mineola, New York County, Kings County, Queens County, Bronx County, Rockland County, Westchester County, and the surrounding areas.