Assault

Spokane Assault and Battery Defense Lawyer

Assault charges are taken very seriously in Washington state. In addition to significant jail time, an assault conviction can adversely affect your ability to find work, your cost for insurance and home mortgages, or even your civil rights.

My name is Christian Phelps, and I am an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Spokane, Washington. I have defended an entire range of assault charges, including misdemeanor and felony assaults.

There are four degrees of assault in Washington state, and all are primarily based on differing levels of injury to the victim. If no significant injury is caused to the other person, it will be charged as 4th degree assault, a gross misdemeanor. If the assault results in physical injury and requires medical care, it is known as aggravated or felony assault. Felony assault charges include 3rd, 2nd, and 1st degree. The penalty for a 2nd degree assault is three to eight months in prison for a first offense. The penalty for 1st degree assault is 91 to 110 months in prison for a first offense. Both 1st degree and 2nd degree assault are strike offenses under Washington state's three-strike law. Three strikes results in life in prison.

There are many defenses a lawyer can use to defend you against assault charges. For example, in Washington state you can legally use force in self-defense or in defense of another person. I can discuss your case with you to help determine the best course of action.

Contact us for your free consultation: if you have been charged with assault in Washington or Oregon, DON'T talk to police or anyone else until you have talked with me, Spokane criminal defense attorney Christian Phelps.