Spokane Lawyer For Defense Against Assault Charges

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 against an entire range of assault charges, including misdemeanor and felony assaults.

If you have been charged with assault, contact my office today for a free consultation.

About Assault Charges in Washington

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 fourth-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 third-, second-, and first-degree assault. The penalty for a second-degree assault is three to nine months in prison for a first offense. The penalty for first-degree assault is 93 to 123 months in prison for a first offense. Both first-degree and second-degree assault are strike offenses under Washington state's three-strike law. Three strikes will result 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 Today

If you have been charged with assault in Washington or Oregon, DO NOT talk to police or anyone else until you have talked with me, Spokane criminal defense attorney Christian Phelps. For a free initial consultation, contact me via email or call locally at 509-323-2420.