It is unlawful in Douglas County, Colorado to recklessly or intentionally cause bodily injury to another person. Assault can be charged as 1st degree, 2nd degree, or 3rd degree depending on the severity of circumstances. The latter is one of the more overcharged crimes in Colorado, due to its inexact terminology. Charges for this offense typically occur after fights that result in non-serious injuries like bruising, cuts, and scratches. Facing any assault charge requires the expert council of a Douglas County assault attorney.
What is 3rd Degree Assault in Douglas County, CO?
3rd Degree Assault, C.R.S. 18-3-204, occurs in Colorado when:
- someone knowingly or recklessly causes bodily injury to another person; or
- causes bodily injury to another person with criminal negligence; or
- with the intent to injure, annoy, threaten, alarm, harm, or infect a peace officer, firefighter, or EMT, someone causes the official to come into contact with bodily fluid via throwing, tossing, or any other means.
A key element in 3rd Degree Assault in Castle Rock, centers around the presence of pain in those involved. Bodily injury must be present for this offense to escalate from Harassment to 3rd Degree Assault. If an alleged victim claims they felt pain in any way during the altercation, 3rd degree assault can apply. Additionally, the sentence enhancer Domestic Violence is often coupled with assault in the third degree.
What are the Consequences for 3rd Degree Assault in Douglas County?
Assault in the third degree is a class 1 misdemeanor in Parker. Conviction can result in up to 24 months in county jail. With the addition of a Domestic Violence add-on, other restrictions such as a criminal history, mandatory protection order, and prohibited gun rights can apply. In situations where the victim is an on-duty peace officer, emergency medical service / care provider, or firefighter, the maximum incarceration period can be up to 48 months. Finally, if the victim in a 3rd degree assault conviction is a pregnant woman and the defendant was aware, a mandatory 6 month minimum county jail sentence exists.
Douglas County Assault Attorney | Skilled Defense Lawyer
Assault charges in Highlands Ranch shouldn’t be taken lightly. The time to act is now. Don’t speak with police or investigators. They may claim to want your side of the story, but in reality they’re trying to accumulate evidence against you. Instead, exercise your right to remain silent and contact an expert Douglas County assault attorney from Sawyer Legal Group to fight on your behalf. It is especially critical that we get the opportunity to preserve essential evidence in forming your defense and prioritizing your best possible outcome. Help us help you by contacting our office ASAP for a free consultation.
If you or someone you know is facing an assault charge, be smart. Contact the expert criminal defense attorneys at Sawyer Legal Group at 303-265-1950. Together, we can protect your future.
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