Assault with serious bodily injury is a felony offense that can lead to a lengthy prison sentence. The charge typically arises when the state alleges that you attacked another person with the intent to cause serious harm, inflict severe injuries, or use a deadly weapon during the assault.
If you are under investigation or face a conviction for a violent criminal offense in Georgia, you must take the charges seriously. Schedule a consultation with our seasoned assault attorney to learn more about assault with serious bodily injury in Atlanta charges.
An attack causing serious bodily injury to another is aggravated assault, a felony offense under state law. A conviction could carry significant penalties, including a prison sentence ranging from one to twenty years. When determining the appropriate sentence, the criminal court considers several factors, including:
The court also evaluates the specific circumstances of the incident, including the events leading up to the assault and the details surrounding the arrest. During a consultation, a skilled attorney could answer specific questions about a felony assault arrest in Atlanta and help determine the most effective defense strategy.
In certain circumstances, those with a clean criminal background facing assault charges may qualify for reduced sentencing under the First Offender Act. The legislation allows first-time offenders to face lighter penalties and avoid having a conviction on their permanent record.
Under the guidelines of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 42-8-60, the statute’s primary objective is to provide an opportunity for rehabilitation, aiming to prevent a single mistake or arrest from permanently damaging the defendant’s future. Only first-time arrestees with no prior felony convictions on their criminal record are eligible.
The criminal court will review the alleged defendant’s criminal history to determine if they meet the statute’s requirements. If the court deems the First Offender Act applies, completing probation and other sentencing terms will exonerate the individual of guilt. A qualified lawyer seasoned in handling Atlanta assault cases that involve serious bodily harm could help determine eligibility under the legislation.
If you or someone close to you is under investigation or faces a conviction for assault with serious bodily injury in Atlanta, it is imperative to take prompt action. Speaking to a qualified legal professional immediately could mean the difference between years of imprisonment and overcoming potentially life-altering charges.
Our hard-working and experienced lawyer could answer questions and help guide you through each step of the criminal court process. Call now to schedule an appointment and learn more.
