Assault in Ohio

Assault Cases in Columbus and Central Ohio
The facts of every assault case are different. Some cases involve a momentary loss of self-control, others are a result of self-defense, acting out of necessity, or reacting under duress. Some involve false accusations, and others involve true accusations with mitigating factors. Clients often cannot fully explain the reason for what happened, but they are always hoping to favorably resolve the case. Most people do not expect to ever be charged with assault. If you are in that situation, you will probably want to hire a Columbus assault lawyer to help you.

Attorneys for Ohio Assault Charges
The Dominy Law Firm practices exclusively criminal defense and regularly represents clients charged with Assault. Founding attorney Shawn Dominy has been handling Assault cases since 1997. Associate attorney Bryan Hawkins has fewer years of experience but actually has more Assault cases under his belt. Both attorneys have favorably resolved Assault cases for clients, often with the charge being reduced or dismissed.

Types of Assault Charges in Ohio
In Ohio, there are at least three types of Assault:

• Assault: The prosecution must prove you knowingly caused or attempted to cause physical harm to another person or you recklessly caused serious physical harm to another person.
• Negligent Assault: The prosecution must prove you negligently caused physical harm to another person by means of a deadly weapon or dangerous ordnance.
• Felonious Assault: The prosecution must prove you knowingly caused serious physical harm to another person or you knowingly caused or attempted to cause physical harm to another person by means of a deadly weapon or dangerous ordnance. There are a few other ways to commit the offense of Felonious Assault.

Sentences and Penalties for Ohio Assault Charges

• Assault: Assault is typically categorized as a first degree misdemeanor. The penalties for this offense include a jail sentence up to 180 days, a fine up to $1,000 and community control (probation) for up to five years. There are many circumstances which elevate the level of this offense and the possible penalties. Those circumstances are described in Ohio Revised Code section 2903.13.
• Negligent Assault: Negligent Assault is categorized as a third degree misdemeanor. The possible penalties include a jail term up to 60 days, a fine up to $500 and community control (probation) for up to five years.
• Felonious Assault: Felonious Assault is typically categorized as a second degree felony. The potential penalties include a prison term for up to eight years, a fine up to $15,000 and community control (probation) for up to five years. There are many circumstances which elevate the level of this offense and the possible penalties. Those circumstances are described in Ohio Revised Code section 2903.11.

Assault convictions also have secondary consequences like the potential impact on employment, military service, professional licensing, and firearm ownership. In addition, the Assault conviction becomes a public record carrying a stigma of violence.

Strategies for Defending Against Assault Charges
The Dominy Law Firm’s approach to Assault defense is thorough. We first conduct an investigation to determine the facts of the case. Next, we research legal issues which may lead to the exclusion of evidence. We then negotiate with the prosecution in an effort to resolve the case by agreement. If an agreement can’t be reached, we take the case to trial. Simultaneous with this process, we also present mitigating evidence to lighten the possible sentence.

Representation for Assault in Columbus and Central Ohio
Since 1997, the Dominy Law Firm has helped many clients charged with Assault charges in Franklin County, Delaware County, and other courts in central Ohio. For more information on our firm, please see the About Us page. Our firm charges flat fees for representation in these cases, so you will know the total fee before you make a hiring decision. If you would like to discuss your Assault case and how we can help, please EMAIL US or call us at 614-717-1177 to arrange a free initial consultation.