Brooklyn Felony Assault Defense Attorney

Lawyer for Clients Facing Felony Charges for Assault in Manhattan and The Bronx

A criminal charge is always a serious matter, regardless of whether the charge is being prosecuted as a misdemeanor or a felony. Under New York law, a misdemeanor charge can carry penalties for a conviction that include up to 364 days in jail and thousands of dollars in fines. Depending on the circumstances, it is not uncommon for the court to order probation instead of incarceration for misdemeanor offenses, including misdemeanor assault charges.

A felony conviction, however, is much more likely to result in a lengthy prison sentence. For example, if you are facing felony charges for assault, you could be looking at up to 25 years in prison for a conviction. With this in mind, it critical to work closely with an experienced criminal defense lawyer from The Law Firm of Gregory J. Watford, Esq., PLLC when you have been charged with felony assault in New York City.

Trusted Nassau County Counsel for Felony Assault Charges

According to Article 120 of the New York Penal Law, assault can be prosecuted as either a misdemeanor or a felony based on the details of the situation. Assault in the third degree is a Class A misdemeanor, while assault in the second degree and assault in the first degree are felonies.

Second-degree assault is likely to be charged if you are suspected of acting with intent to cause serious bodily harm and causing another person to suffer serious injury. You could also face second-degree assault charges for recklessly causing any injury with a deadly or dangerous weapon. An assault committed against certain public service workers or healthcare professionals to prevent them from doing their jobs can also be prosecuted as assault in the second degree.

Assault in the first degree can be charged if you are believed to have caused another serious injury with a deadly or dangerous weapon or that you acted with intent to disfigure another person. Acting with "depraved indifference to human life" and thereby causing serious injury to another is also first-degree assault, as is causing serious injury to another while in the course of committing another felony.

Felony charges related to assault are also possible for:

• Vehicular assault and aggravated vehicular assault;
• Assault on a peace officer, police officer, and emergency medical services personnel;
• Assault on a judge; and
• Assault on a child.

The severity of the charges and the specific penalties will depend on the circumstances of each case.

Experience Gets Results in Westchester County

Attorney Gregory J. Watford is an accomplished defense lawyer with more than 25 years of experience in the practice of criminal law. Prior to becoming an attorney, he also spent over a decade working in law enforcement. From the crime scene to the courtroom, Mr. Watford knows the New York justice system inside and out, and he understands how to use his knowledge to get results. He and the rest of the team at The Law Firm of Gregory J. Watford, Esq., PLLC recognize what is at stake when you are facing felony charges related to any violent crime, including assault.

We will conduct a thorough review of your arrest, as well as the circumstances that led to it. Our team will examine police reports, witness statements, and any other evidence that the state might have against you, looking for those critical details that could be helpful in building your defense. From there, we will help you understand your options for moving forward. We recognize the importance of negotiating with prosecutors to reduce or eliminate some of the charges that you may be facing. However, we are also fully prepared to fight the charges at trial if necessary.

Call 646-580-6675 Today

If you or someone you love is facing felony assault charges in NYC, contact our office. Call 646-580-6675 to schedule a confidential consultation at The Law Firm of Gregory J. Watford, Esq., PLLC today. We serve clients in New York County, Kings County, Queens County, Bronx County, Westchester County, Nassau County, Rockland County, and the surrounding areas.