Lynnwood Assault Defense Attorney

Arrested? Put a former prosecutor in your corner!

Assault crimes are serious in Washington and should not be taken lightly. If you were recently arrested for allegedly committing assault against another individual, your future is on the line. Whether a misdemeanor or a felony, the time to take action against your charges is right now.

Lance Fryrear is the lead assault lawyer at our Lynnwood criminal defense firm. Having handled more than 20,000 cases, it is safe to say that we are no stranger to the criminal justice system in Washington. He has also served as a prosecutor and am well-acquainted with both sides of the courtroom. Our goal is to protect your best interests and fight for a reduced or dismissed sentence.

WHAT IS ASSAULT?

Assault in Washington State is defined as any unwanted touching of another person. You can be charged with assault if you have threatened someone and caused them to fear that serious physical injury is about to happen to them, even if no actual physical harm occurs. These types of charges can lead to serious penalties, including misdemeanor and felony charges, depending on the severity of the crime.

Through a careful examination of the circumstances surrounding the charges, a good Lynnwood criminal defense attorney can attempt to get the charges reduced or even dismissed. We have been representing clients for assault offenses for over seventeen years. As a firm with a former prosecutor, we know exactly what the prosecution is looking for when they try to convict you and we can use our inside knowledge to better prepare a defense for your case.

WHAT IS BATTERY?

Battery is often charged in conjunction with assault, and is a violent crime involving actual physical contact with the victim.

How are assault crimes punished in Washington?

An assault crime can be classified as either a misdemeanor or a felony, based on the circumstances surrounding the offense. A misdemeanor, also known as simple assault, occurs when a person intentionally and harmfully touches someone else, attempts to inflict injury on them, or does anything to place them in harm's way.

First degree assault, however, is considered a felony according to state law. This means that the accused individual acted out against another person with the intent to cause great bodily harm, such as death or permanent disfigurement.

The last thing you want is a state prosecutor deciding your fate, but many who are charged with assault show up in court defenseless and unprepared. By retaining our firm, we can make sure that this does not happen to you. A swift response to your charges is key and we are prepared to deliver exactly what you need.

Can I Assert Self-Defense?

The most common defense we are asked about in our Assault defense practice is that of self-defense. Self-defense is an affirmative defense in Washington State:

"No person in the state shall be placed in legal jeopardy of any kind whatsoever for protecting by any reasonable means necessary, himself or herself, his or her family, or his or her real or personal property, or for coming to the aid of another who is in imminent danger of or the victim of assault, robbery, kidnapping, arson, burglary, rape murder or any other violent crime." RCW 9A.16.110

The key to asserting self-defense is protecting yourself, or a loved one, from an imminent threat. Retaliation is not self-defense so it is very important that your defense be framed properly. If you matter goes to trial and the jury finds you not-guilty by self-defense you are entitled to have your legal defense costs paid by the State.

Contact a Lynnwood Assault Defense Lawyer

Being charged with a crime doesn't mean you will be convicted. We know this is a frightening and stressful time for you, but with our experience and dedication to getting you the best possible defense, we will do our best to resolve your assault charges. Call our office today for a free initial consultation and to discuss your legal options.