Michigan Assault Defense Lawyer Protecting Your Rights Against Assault Charges

Facing assault charges in Michigan is an incredibly challenging experience. Whether a misdemeanor or a serious felony, a conviction carries severe penalties that impact your freedom, finances and future. If you or a loved one has been accused of assault, securing knowledgeable and aggressive legal representation is absolutely critical. At Law Offices of Barry A. Resnick, PLLC, we provide robust criminal defense across Michigan. We meticulously protect your rights every step of the way.

Contact our experienced team today for a confidential consultation. Call 248-419-1035. We return calls immediately.

Please note: our firm focuses solely on criminal defense for individuals accused of assault. If you are a victim seeking legal representation, contact the police for criminal matters. Otherwise, a civil attorney for compensation claims.

Understanding Michigan Assault Charges

Michigan law categorizes assault offenses based on the level of harm intended or inflicted, the presence of a weapon and the victim’s status. Understanding these distinctions helps us build an effective defense strategy for you.

Simple assault and battery (misdemeanor): This is the least severe form, typically involving unlawful touching or an attempt to cause injury or fear, without a weapon.
Aggravated assault (misdemeanor): This charge elevates simple assault when the victim suffers a “serious or aggravated injury” (e.g., broken bones, loss of consciousness).
Felonious assault (felony): Also known as assault with a dangerous weapon, this felony charge involves an assault with a gun, knife or other dangerous weapon, without intending to murder or inflict great bodily harm.
Assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder (felony): This serious felony involves an assault committed with the specific intent to cause severe bodily injury, falling short of intending to kill.
Assault with intent to murder (felony): The most severe assault charge, this felony alleges an assault committed with the specific intent to kill the victim.

Each type of assault carries its own set of legal complexities and potential consequences for you. Thus, it is essential to have skilled legal defense.

Penalties And Consequences Of An Assault Conviction In Michigan

A conviction for any assault charge in Michigan can bring you devastating and long-lasting consequences. These penalties extend far beyond immediate jail time or fines.

Potential jail/prison time: Even misdemeanor assault can result in jail sentences for you, while felony assault convictions often mean years or even life in state prison.
Fines and court costs: Convicted individuals face substantial fines, court costs and restitution payments.
Probation terms: If a court grants probation, it comes with strict conditions, including regular reporting, drug testing, anger management classes, community service and no-contact orders.
Impact on employment and housing: A criminal record, especially one involving violent offenses, severely hinders your future employment opportunities, limits your housing options and affects your professional licenses.
Long-term record implications: An assault conviction becomes a permanent part of your criminal record, affecting background checks for jobs, housing, loans and even travel for the rest of your life.

These are not merely abstract legal terms. They represent significant threats to your personal freedom and future stability.

Common Defense Strategies For Your Assault Charges

An effective defense strategy is always tailored to the specific facts of your unique case. At Law Offices of Barry A. Resnick, PLLC, we explore every possible avenue to challenge the prosecution’s evidence and protect your freedom. Common strategies we employ include:

Self-defense/Defense of others: We argue that your actions were necessary to protect yourself or another person from imminent harm, using proportional force.
Lack of intent: For many assault charges, the prosecution must prove a specific intent. If we can show intent cannot be proven, the court may dismiss or reduce your charge.
Mistaken identity: We present evidence that you were not the perpetrator of the assault, often through alibis or challenges to unreliable eyewitness testimony.
Insufficient evidence: We demonstrate that the prosecution lacks enough credible evidence to prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, such as unreliable witness accounts or a lack of physical evidence.
False accusations: We vigorously challenge allegations that are unfounded or maliciously fabricated against you.

We meticulously investigate every detail to build the strongest possible defense tailored to your unique circumstances.

Why Choose The Assault Defense Lawyer At Law Offices of Barry A. Resnick, PLLC?

When your freedom and future hang in the balance, you need an assault defense lawyer who truly understands the complexities of Michigan’s criminal justice system from every angle. Our firm, led by a former prosecutor, brings a unique and invaluable perspective to assault defense cases.

This background provides us with unparalleled insight into how the state investigates, builds and prosecutes assault cases. Moreover, this knowledge empowers us to anticipate the prosecution’s strategies, identify weaknesses in their case and build a stronger and more proactive defense tailored for you. Our experience fighting for justice on both sides of the courtroom uniquely equips us to protect your rights fiercely and effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions About Your Michigan Assault Charges

We understand that you likely have many questions. If you have questions other than the ones below, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Will I go to jail for an assault charge?

It depends on the specific charge, your criminal history, and the facts of your case. While misdemeanor assault can lead to jail, felony assault convictions often do result in prison time.

Can assault charges be reduced or dismissed?

Yes, it is certainly possible. Through skillful negotiation with the prosecutor, by demonstrating weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, or by successfully arguing a defense, we can sometimes reduce your charges to a lesser offense or even achieve a full dismissal.

How long does an assault case typically take?

The timeline varies significantly based on the complexity of your case, court dockets and whether it proceeds to trial or we resolve it through a plea. Simple misdemeanor cases might conclude in a few months, while complex felony cases can take a year or more.

What should I do immediately after being charged?

The most important step is to remain silent and immediately contact an experienced criminal defense attorney. Do not speak to the police or investigators without your lawyer present.

Contact Us Today For A Strategic Defense

If you are facing assault charges in Michigan, do not go through them alone. The stakes are simply too high for your future. Our firm stands prepared to offer the aggressive, informed defense you desperately need.

Contact our office today at 248-419-1035 for a confidential consultation. You can also fill out our online form to discuss your specific case. Take action now. Your future depends on it.