Grand Haven Assault Lawyers

Grand Haven Assault Lawyers

Violent crimes are treated very seriously under Michigan law, so police are aggressive in making arrests. According to the Michigan State Police, there are more than 112,000 people charged for different types of assault every year. Some of these offenses are misdemeanors, which can still mean jail time if you are convicted. If you are arrested for a felony, a conviction could lead to several years behind bars. Fortunately, there are defenses and other strategies in assault cases.

Michigan criminal laws are complex, so it is wise to get legal help if you are facing charges. At the Van Den Heuvel Law Office, our team has extensive knowledge and experience representing those accused of assault. We are ready to explore all potential defenses and opportunities to ensure a favorable outcome. Please contact us to set up a consultation with one of our Grand Haven assault lawyers. We can provide specifics after reviewing your case, but some background is informative.

Description of Assault

The definition of a basic assault crime is an attempt to cause physical injury to a victim and any unlawful act that puts someone in fear of harm if the offender has the ability to carry out the threat. Assault may be part of an assault and battery crime when the offender completes an attempt and actually causes physical injury.

Some specific types of assault crimes are:

• Assault without a weapon and without intent to commit murder, which causes serious injury to the victim;
• Assault of a victim who is performing official duties;
• Assault with intent to commit murder; and,
• Armed and unarmed assault with intent to rob.

Penalties for an Assault Conviction

The punishment varies considerably if you are convicted of an assault crime because the statute provides a specific punishment depending on the underlying circumstances. A conviction for basic assault could mean up to 93 days in jail, while more serious versions of the crime may lead to 20 or more years in prison. If convicted of committing assault on a pregnant woman and causing death to the fetus, the punishment could be life imprisonment.

Defense Strategies

There are multiple ways to fight assault charges, including claims of self-defense and lack of intent. You may also make arrangements for a plea bargain with the prosecution. Our Michigan assault defense attorneys at the Van Den Heuvel Law Office will pursue all options as we represent you during different stages of the criminal process:

• Arraignment, where you enter a plea and handle bail;
• Motion, court hearings, discovery, and other pretrial activities; and,
• A trial in which we will present evidence and arguments to support your position.

Discuss Defense Options With Our Grand Haven Assault Lawyers

Your situation may seem grim if you were arrested for an assault crime, so it is reassuring to know that you may have defenses. To learn more about them, please contact the Van Den Heuvel Law Office to set up a case review. After learning more about your circumstances, a skilled Michigan assault attorney will advise you on what to expect.