Under New Hampshire law, many kinds of crimes can lead to an assault charge. Although each category of assault is different, they all have a single commonality, which is touching someone else’s body without their permission. Assault may appear in various forms. Categories include felony assault (with the use of weapons), vehicular assault (causing injury to another with a vehicle), and sexual assault (involving the touching of intimate parts without another’s permission).
In addition to these cases, simple assault, which involves unprivileged contact with another person, is a misdemeanor charge for anyone convicted. At Hayes Law Firm, you can speak with an experienced criminal defense lawyer who understands New Hampshire’s assault laws and is eager to help defend your rights. With an expert assault defense lawyer in Nashua, NH on your case, you may avoid the totality of penalties and consequences that these charges may bring if you are convicted.
Defining Simple Assault in New Hampshire
Although a simple assault is considered the lowest level assault of an assault charge in New Hampshire, those who face a conviction are not free of penalties and life changes that a conviction may bring. Prosecutors have the discretion to charge a Simple Assault as a class “A” or a class “B” misdemeanor.
Statute 631:2 outlines a simple assault conviction:
“I. A person is guilty of simple assault if he:
(a) Purposely or knowingly causes bodily injury or unprivileged physical contact to another; or
(b) Recklessly causes bodily injury to another; or
(c) Negligently causes bodily injury to another by means of a deadly weapon.
- Simple assault is a misdemeanor unless committed in a fight entered into by mutual consent, in which case it is a violation.”
A ‘simple’ assault should not be mistaken for being simple or void of any severe consequences. Any assault charge can damage an individual’s personal and professional life. In addition, depending on the circumstances of the case, additional measures may be imposed against you by the person claiming to be assaulted. Restraining orders may be permitted on their behalf in some cases, and this measure may affect your daily life.
Penalties of a Simple Assault Charge
In New Hampshire, a simple assault charge may be punishable with fines and jail time. However, the full extent of being accused of assault exceeds criminal charges. Your employment, personal life, and how people view you may be affected for years to come. An assault defense attorney in Nashua, NH who knows the right legal resources to utilize in these situations may be able to help you get charges dismissed or lessened. Any little misunderstanding or form of physical contact may be interpreted as assault, especially in a heated argument. With an experienced assault defense attorney, you may be able to gather all the evidence necessary to clear the accusations off your record.
Penalties by type of misdemeanor assault conviction include:
- Class A Misdemeanor: You may be fined up to $2,000 and face 12 months in jail.
- Class B Misdemeanor: You may be fined up to $1,200.
A simple assault conviction can put you in jail, cost you your job, get you kicked out of school, bar you from campus or place of business, ruin your reputation, or otherwise cause many issues in your day-to-day life. Even though a simple assault is a lesser offense in terms of assault, it is not void of severe and life-changing consequences if you are convicted. With a dedicated and knowledgeable assault attorney on your case, you may avoid the full extent of penalties and charges you are facing.
Benefits of Hiring an Expert Assault Defense Lawyer for Your Case
If you face simple assault charges, you may wonder if you can conjure a strategic defense and how a legal team may benefit your case. Facing assault charges can be challenging and affect your daily life. An assault defense lawyer in Nashua may help you evaluate all the details of the events leading up to an arrest and simple assault charge. We listen to your story and may be able to help you gather the necessary evidence for the best-case outcome.
Regardless of the circumstances surrounding the assault, it is essential to seek a Nashua, NH assault defense lawyer as soon as possible to avoid making any unnecessary statements and helping the prosecution build evidence against you. By hiring a professional legal team, you prepare for the best possible way to appear in court. Our attorney may represent you and defend your rights after accepting your case.
Contact an Experienced Assault Defense Attorney in Nashua, NH
Attorney Hayes has prosecuted and defended many simple assault cases throughout his career. Thus, he has the experience and knowledge of how to best protect you from any simple assault charges you may be facing. Sometimes these cases require full-blown trials in front of judges or juries. Other times a assault defense lawyer can resolve these cases by speaking to the prosecutor and working out an agreement that is beneficial to both you and the person who claims to have been assaulted.
Without a professional and experienced assault defense attorney, it may become challenging to build a secure defense and avoid any errors within the case. At Hayes Law Firm, our skilled legal team understands the circumstances that may affect assault allegations and convictions. You don’t have to face the courtroom and prosecution alone. You may fill out a contact form or call us at 978-314-4950 to schedule a free consultation.