We represent good people who find themselves, on occasion, on the wrong side of the law. We have extensive trial experience and are proven litigators. We have handled every type of criminal case from A to Z.
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Step 1: The ArrestDon’t let the police take advantage of you while you’re in custody. Call Walsh Law right away, and we’ll get to work protecting your rights so you don’t inadvertently self-incriminate. -
Step 2: The ArraignmentWalsh Law is an aggressive Folsom criminal defense firm that can argue for reasonable bail and help you await the end of your case from the comfort of your home.
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Step 3: Pre-Trial HearingsWe’ll evaluate the prosecution’s case, challenge weak evidence and inconsistencies, and do our due diligence to get the charges against you reduced or dropped.
Folsom Aggravated Assault Lawyer
Experienced Aggravated Assault Defense Attorney Serving Sacramento County, CA
Being accused of aggravated assault carries serious baggage in California. You might be facing a misdemeanor or a felony, even if your arrest resulted from a misunderstanding. Either carries penalties that can disrupt your life, so you need a strong defense to get your charges dropped or reduced.
If you’ve been charged with aggravated assault in Folsom, CA, call Walsh Law today to speak with an experienced aggravated assault defense attorney. Reach us at (916) 610-3558 or use our contact form.
Values You Can Relate To
Our Client Testimonials
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“I am always able to get ahold of him directly either by cell or text including after hours and if for some reason he isn’t immediately available, he responds as soon as he can.”- Melissa C.
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“He was compassionate and explained to me what to expect in an easy way for me to understand. He was straightforward and delivered on what he said he could do for me!”- Claudia H.
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“I was in a bit of a situation and public defenders weren’t doing anything to help my case as if they didn’t have time. Which they don’t, but Chris Walsh did and came up with a few methods to fight my case.”- Dewan P.
What is Aggravated Assault in California?
Assault charges can be confusing in California. There are two broad categories of assault: simple and aggravated. Under California law, aggravated assault is more severe than simple assault. If someone intends to inflict major damage on someone else without regard to their life, they can be charged with aggravated assault.
Prosecutors commonly charge aggravated assault under CPC § 245(a)(4), the statute outlining assault by means likely to produce great bodily injury. Examples of aggravated assault include threatening someone with a weapon, driving recklessly through a crowded crosswalk, or pushing someone off of a cliff.
An aggravated assault charge is a “wobbler” offense, meaning you could be charged with a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on your situation. It’s important to note the victim doesn’t have to be hurt — the threat of significant injury is enough to warrant a charge.
Elements of an Aggravated Assault Charge
After you’ve been charged with an aggravated assault, Sacramento County prosecutors must prove essential elements of assault.
1. An intention to cause harm
The defendant must show willful intent to cause offensive contact or create the fear of physical violence toward the victim.
2. An ability to cause harm
The defendant must have the capacity or means to act on their violent intent.
3. A reasonable belief in imminent danger
The victim must have a reasonable belief that the defendant’s actions would result in an immediate use of force or violence.
4. A willful violent act
The accused must have acted willfully to be found guilty of aggravated assault.
Charges Related to Aggravated Assault
Other criminal charges in California are similar to aggravated assault, including:
- Assault with a deadly weapon (CPC § 245(a)(1): assaulting anyone with a deadly weapon that isn’t a firearm.
- Assault with a firearm (CPC § 245(a)(2): assaulting anyone with a firearm that isn’t a machine gun, like a handgun, a shotgun, or other semiautomatic weapon.
- Assault with a machine gun (CPC § 245(a)(3): assaulting anyone with a machine gun, assault weapon, or a .50 BMG rifle.
- Assault with caustic chemicals (CPC § 244): assaulting anyone with dangerous chemicals, like acid, flammable substance, or corrosives.
It should be noted that any crime that involves the attempt to murder, rob, or sexually assault anyone can be considered aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Your Folsom aggravated assault attorney can explain the details of your charges, and then help you fight to get them reduced or dropped.
Meet Our Team
We know it’s easy to get swept up with emotions and confusion in the aftermath of being charged with a crime. That’s why our Folsom criminal defense attorneys aim to shoulder as much of the burden as we can, providing reassurance plus honest insight and advice where you need it.
Why Walsh Law?
Walsh Law’s mission is to be the gold standard of criminal defense by providing superior legal advocacy in the face of potentially life-changing consequences.
Chris Walsh is a former prosecutor, so we know what you’re up against when you face
criminal charges. Now, clients like you get to benefit from what we’ve learned in
our careers and how we apply what we know to get the results you’re after.
