Phoenix DUI Lawyer Blog

Arizona misdemeanor assault, sometimes referred to as "simple assault" in Arizona are those that involve the putting someone in fear of bodily harm, touching someone with the intent of physical injury, or causing any physical injury to someone. If charged and convicted of a misdemeanor assault you can be sentenced to up to one year in prison and fines up to $2,500. If you have been charged with any type of assault, including misdemeanor assault you should consult an Arizona criminal Defense Attorney as soon as possible to regarding your assault charges and a defense.

There are three types of misdemeanor Assault under Arizona law, with increasing levels of severity:

• If you have been charged under A.R.S. § 13-1203(A)(3), in order to obtain a conviction, the State must prove that you knowingly touched another person with the intent to injure, insult, or provoke that person. A conviction under this subsection is a class 3 misdemeanor, and can result in a sentence of up to 30 days in jail.

• If you have been charged under A.R.S. § 13-1203(A)(2), in order to obtain a conviction, the State must prove that you intentionally placed another person in reasonable apprehension of imminent physical injury. A conviction under this subsection is a class 2 misdemeanor, and can result in a sentence of up to 4 months in jail.

• If you have been charged under A.R.S. § 13-1203(A)(1), in order to obtain a conviction, the State must prove that you intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly caused physical injury to another person. A conviction under this subsection is a class 2 misdemeanor if you recklessly caused the injury, resulting in a potential sentence of up to 4 months in jail. If the State proves that you intentionally or knowingly caused the injury, the conviction is a class 1 misdemeanor, resulting in a potential sentence of up to 6 months in jail.

If the defense is not carefully and strategically prepared, all the evidence the court will have to consider is the victim's side of the story. In that event, you could find yourself on the receiving end of the maximum penalty allowed under law for the type of misdemeanor assault, with which you were charged. To provide an immediate assault defense to avoid a harsh sentence that go along with an assault crime conviction, Contact Phoenix Assault Charge Defense Attorney as soon as possible.