If you have been charged with assault, otherwise termed as “simple assault”, this is a less severe charge than aggravated assault, but it is still serious (to understand the difference between simple and aggravated assault, you can check out our post on the issue). Simple assault can range from a class 3 misdemeanor to a class 1 misdemeanor offense:
- Class 1 misdemeanor assault: If someone is charged with inflicting physical injury (a bruise, or even just a push), and on purpose (even if you didn’t mean to hurt the person), this is class 1 misdemeanor.
- Class 2 misdemeanor assault: This is when someone is charged with recklessly inflicting physical injury on purpose. This could mean being unreasonable, like tossing a heavy object in a busy park without paying attention to who could be hurt.
- Class 3 misdemeanor assault: This is simply touching someone else with the purpose to offend, provoke, or harm that person. This could mean jabbing someone’s chest, or even pouring something into a person’s drink with the intent to instigate a fight, for instance.
Penalties for Simple Assault in Phoenix
While the specific penalties would vary according to the details of a case, they would also vary according to the severity of the charge:
- Class 1 misdemeanor: a conviction could mean six months in jail and $2,500 in fines
- Class 2 misdemeanor: could carry a four-month jail sentence and $750 fine
- Class 3 misdemeanor: can lead to 30 days in jail and $500 in fines
A sentence could also include probation and community service. While this can give you an idea of the potential penalties you could face for an assault, you need to know what your potential defenses are. Work with a highly trusted and awarded attorney when you call the Davidson Criminal Defense & DUI Law Firm, PLC today! Find out how our experienced Phoenix criminal defense attorney can fight for your every right.
