Westchester County Assault Lawyer

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Westchester County Assault Lawyer

Westchester County Assault Attorney

An assault charge can drastically change your life. These charges can lead to severe repercussions because they may result in jail time, criminal records, and lasting harm to your reputation, whether from physical altercations or misunderstandings. A Westchester County assault lawyer can explain your rights and fight for your future.

Koch Law, PLLC is
located in the heart of Midtown
in New York City

Choosing Koch Law

Our approach at Koch Law makes sure every case we take receives immediate attention and dedicated focus. Founded by a former U.S. Air Force intelligence analyst, our firm provides precise and meticulous criminal defense services. Our caseload restrictions allow us to deliver personalized attention and strategic advocacy for all our clients. Our regional offices stay open around the clock, which enables us to stand by your side at any time.

Lee A. Koch, Managing Attorney

Meet Your Attorney

Lee A. Koch

Managing Attorney, Koch Law PLLC

Lee draws on his background as a former USAF intelligence specialist to bring precision and strategy to defending clients in New York City facing white collar crime charges. From fraud and embezzlement to insider trading and complex financial investigations, he builds defense strategies designed to challenge evidence, protect your reputation, and position you for the strongest possible outcome in court.

Assault Charges in Westchester County, New York

The assault crime rate in Westchester County is 2.379 per 1,000 residents. The region with the highest total number of crime incidents in the county is the southwest area, which suffers about 810 incidents each year. The northern area of the county experiences around 89 crimes per year, which is the lowest number reported.

The classification of assault charges in New York can vary from minor misdemeanors to major felonies, based on the defendant’s intent and whether there was an injury or weapon involved.

  • Third-degree assault (Class A misdemeanor). This involves either intentionally or recklessly inflicting physical injury or harm through criminal negligence while using a weapon.
  • Second-degree assault (Class D felony). Assault becomes a Class D felony when a person intentionally causes serious injury, uses a weapon to harm someone while committing another felony, or targets protected individuals, such as police officers.
  • First-degree assault (Class B felony). This crime includes acts that produce disfigurement, inflict severe physical harm through weapon use, or demonstrate depraved indifference to human life.
  • Reckless assault of a child (Class D felony). A Class D felony occurs when an adult inflicts brain damage on a child below the age of five by shaking them or inflicting blunt force trauma.
  • Vehicular assault (Class E or D felony). Vehicular assault involves driving while intoxicated or operating a vehicle recklessly, which then results in serious harm to others.

Penalties for Assault Convictions in Westchester County

Life-altering consequences result from being convicted of assault in Westchester County. Beyond jail time, individuals convicted of assault in Westchester County may also endure probation periods, hefty fines, and compulsory anger management therapy sessions. They will also receive a permanent criminal record that negatively impacts future job prospects, housing opportunities, and personal interactions.

Specific assault convictions can result in individuals losing their professional licenses or being prohibited from owning firearms. We aim to lessen these consequences by pursuing reduced charges, alternative sentencing options, and complete dismissal when possible.

In Westchester County, assault cases are typically heard at the Westchester County Courthouse on 111 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., White Plains, NY 10601. The courthouse manages diverse criminal cases with experienced judges and prosecutors. A successful defense depends on understanding how this court operates and what it expects.

Impact of an Assault Conviction

Being convicted of assault in Westchester County can lead to grave consequences, which will impact nearly every area of your existence. A misdemeanor conviction results in a criminal record. This may restrict job prospects, especially in professions requiring background checks, like education, healthcare, and government positions.

Your criminal record gives landlords and loan providers the ability to refuse housing or financial services. A felony assault conviction results in harsher consequences, including loss of voting rights and firearm ownership.

Non-citizens with certain assault convictions can face immigration consequences, including loss of naturalization eligibility and visa cancellation, which might lead to deportation. Family court judges may take a person’s violent criminal past into account when making decisions about custody and visitation rights.

The personal and social stigma from being labeled a violent offender extends beyond the legal penalties, as it creates relationship difficulties and limits future opportunities. An experienced legal defense team can mitigate these consequences and fight for your rights and future.

FAQs

Can I File a Claim Against Someone Who Falsely Accused Me of Assault?

Yes, you may file a claim against someone who falsely accused you of assault if they knowingly did so. When someone intentionally makes a false assault accusation that damages your reputation, impacts your career, or results in criminal charges, you might pursue a civil claim for defamation, malicious prosecution, or false arrest. For a successful outcome, you must demonstrate both that the accusation was deliberately false and that it resulted in quantifiable harm to you.

How Do I Get an Assault Charge Dismissed?

Several legal strategies can lead to the dismissal of assault charges, such as:

  • Insufficient evidence
  • Witness withdrawal
  • Violations of constitutional rights during investigation procedures
  • Effective pretrial motions filed by your lawyer

Getting professional legal representation early in the process enables a defense lawyer to negotiate with prosecutors. They can also make persuasive arguments to the court to reduce or dismiss charges.

What Happens When Someone Presses Charges Against You for Assault?

If someone files assault charges against you, the police have the power to make an arrest while the district attorney determines whether to initiate formal prosecution. During the court arraignment, you will hear the charges, and the judge will assess your bail situation. The legal process advances to discovery, followed by hearings and possibly a trial. The prosecutor retains the authority to dismiss charges, even if the alleged victim wishes to stop the legal proceedings.

How Long Is an Assault Charge in NY?

How long an assault charge remains on your record and the potential sentence you face depend on how severe the charge is. Misdemeanor charges typically settle faster, with less severe penalties, compared to felony charges, which require longer prosecution times and lead to harsher consequences. A conviction leads to a permanent criminal record, especially when it involves a felony, since it causes long-term consequences.

CALL NOW FOR A CONSULTATION

Contact Koch Law Today

Facing an assault charge is a serious challenge. However, a charge does not automatically equal a conviction. Koch Law can fight for your future to achieve the most favorable outcome. Schedule a consultation with us today to learn more.

Westchester County Assault Lawyer Reviews

★★★★★
“Lee and Paola are like a Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen Duo. They are the best in the game. Quick replies, always there for you, honest and care about their clients. It’s more than just business for them, they really want to see you do well and give the best service possible. I would recommend them to anyone needing legal help as they are not just great at their job but also very good people. Was a pleasure working with them.” – Billy Pavlou

★★★★★
“Lee was a lifesaver! He helped me through a very difficult legal situation and explained things in a way that made it easy to understand. His impressive knowledge as an attorney is matched only by his compassion for people as human beings. If you are going through a tough time and looking for a lawyer who’s the best, Lee Koch is your ONLY choice!” – John Alexander

★★★★★
“Lee has an incredible ability to put you at ease, even in the toughest situations. He’s patient, thorough, and does an excellent job of explaining his thought process. I can’t recommend him highly enough!” – Matthew Firing

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