Georgia Assault
When you were a child, a school teacher, relative or other adult may have warned you and the other children to “keep your hands to yourself.” Whether you got in a scuffle with a sibling, neighborhood pal or a classmate, the most trouble you probably ever got into for fighting was a time out or being grounded for a couple weekends. But my how things change when you’re older.
As an adult, the State of Georgia expects all citizens to abide by the rules. One of them is not hitting or causing bodily harm to another person. However, it is not as cut and dry as that. Let’s say you were at a bar enjoying time with coworkers after a long week. Suddenly you notice a female coworker being abused by another man. When you step in to assist her, the man turns his attention to you. After he pushes you, a fight ensues but why should you be punished for assault when you’re the hero? This is just one of many circumstances that may surround an assault case.
If you have been charged with assault in Georgia, there are qualified defense attorneys who can help you win your case. Perhaps you were defending yourself and that meant warding off your attacker by taking a few swings of your own. Or maybe you were trying to protect your property. Whatever your case, a Georgia assault lawyer can help.
How assault is defined
In Georgia, the State views an assault as threatening a person with bodily harm or attempting to attack them. An assault does not have to involve weapons. However, if a weapon was involved such as a bat or other heavy-duty object, and there was enough injury to cause medial treatment, this is considered assault and battery. Obviously if a weapon was used during the attack, the charge and penalties will be harsher because more force was inflicted. If convicted of assault and battery with a weapon or if the person was so badly beaten, you can be charged with a felony.
Penalties for an assault conviction
Due to the many harsh penalties that can result from an assault conviction, it is not wise to enter the courtroom without an attorney to defend you. You especially need a Georgia assault lawyer if you have had prior convictions of assault. An attorney can help by having a jail or parole sentence reduced to anger management courses.
