Serving Jefferson, Blount, Bibb, Pickens, Fayette, Greene, Hale, Tuscaloosa Counties & the University of Alabama

Have you or someone you love been charged with any type of assault?  Generally, assault in Alabama involves causing physical injury to another or threatening the alleged victim with imminent harm. That is the broad definition, and Alabama law breaks down this offense into more specific categories. Any type of assault is considered a violent crime and carries with it serious penalties.

When facing a serious crime that can have long-lasting adverse effects on your life, you need a serious defender. At The Glasscox Law Firm LLC, you can turn to a seasoned legal team of Tuscaloosa assault defense attorneys who have considerable trial experience and an excellent track record of results. When you retain our services, you get the benefit of the team approach of two attorneys who have been named to the Super Lawyers list. Our firm is known for the quality of its legal service and the ability to stand up to prosecutors in court.

Arrested for assault? Contact us at (205) 345-9537 for a free, initial consultation to discuss your case.

Alabama's Assault Laws

Alabama breaks down assault into three classes as follows:

• First-degree assault: charged as a Class B felony, the most serious of all assault charges
• Second-degree assault: charged as a Class C felony
• Third-degree assault: charged as a Class A misdemeanor

First-Degree Assault

First-degree assault can be committed in a number of ways. These offenses include:

• Assault with a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument
• Causing injury with the intent to disfigure or permanently destroy, amputate, or disable some part of a person's body
• Engaging in conduct against another that poses a grave risk of death with extreme indifference to the person's life
• Serious injury caused while committing another felony such as burglary or rape
• Serious injury caused while driving impaired by alcohol and/or drugs

Penalties for first-degree assault can include up to 20 years in prison with a mandatory minimum of 10 years if a deadly weapon was used, fines of up to $30,000, probation, and community service. If you are a repeat offender, you may face up to 99 years in prison and fines may increase to up to $60,000.

Second-Degree Assault

Second-degree assault is defined in various ways under Alabama law. Conduct that is considered this degree of offense includes:

• Causing serious injury
• Causing serious injury with a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument
• Recklessly causing serious injury with a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument
• Assault while attempting to prevent a public servant from doing his or her duty (such as a policeman, firefighter, emergency medical technician, etc.)
• Assault while intending to cause injury to a teacher or healthcare worker
• Drugging someone without his or her consent to cause harm

Penalties for second-degree felony assault can include incarceration for up to 10 years, a fine of up to $15,000, probation, and community service. For repeat offenders, increased penalties can be imposed, which are similar to those for first-degree felony assault.

Third-Degree Misdemeanor Assault

Third-degree misdemeanor assault can also be committed in various ways under Alabama law. Behaviors covered under the statute can include:

• Intending to cause physical harm and doing so
• Recklessly causing physical harm
• Negligently causing physical harm by using a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument
• Intending to stop a police officer from doing his or her duty and causing harm

Penalties for third-degree misdemeanor assault can include up to 180 days in jail and a fine of up to $500, plus court costs if your case is heard in a municipal court. If heard in a state court, it can involve up to 1 year in jail and a fine of up to $6,000. Probation and community service penalties may also apply.

Turn to a Team of Skilled Attorneys

In any assault charge, not only are you facing severe penalties but, if convicted, you will have a permanent criminal record. Your record can cause problems in obtaining jobs, housing, professional licenses, and more. With so much at stake, doing everything possible to preserve your reputation and future is important. The Glasscox Law Firm LLC offers 50 years of combined legal experience. We urge you to take advantage of our knowledge, integrity, and commitment to excellence in crafting the most effective defense available based on the facts and circumstances of your case.

Talk to a Tuscaloosa assault defense attorney to learn more about your legal options by calling (205) 345-9537 or filling out an online contact form today.