Facing assault charges in Lakewood can be one of the most frightening experiences of your life. Suddenly, your freedom, your reputation, and your future are all in jeopardy. Whether the allegations stem from a misunderstanding, self-defense, or a situation that escalated beyond your control, Washington’s assault laws are strict, and the consequences can be severe.
Our Lakewood, WA criminal defense attorney at The Law Offices of Mark S. Treyz knows what’s at stake when you are charged with assault, and are committed to providing the aggressive, strategic criminal defense you need. With proven results and a dedication to protecting our clients’ constitutional rights, we offer free consultations to help you understand your options and begin building a strong defense. Contact us today and take the first step toward protecting your future.
What Constitutes Assault in Lakewood, WA?
According to RCW Chapter 9A.36, assault occurs when someone causes unwanted physical harm to another person. This means even minor physical contact can lead to charges if the alleged victim found it offensive or unwelcome.
Assault charges can also arise from attempts to cause bodily harm or actions that put someone in fear of imminent harm. You do not actually have to make physical contact with another person to face assault charges; threatening behavior or creating a reasonable fear of injury can be enough.
For example, if you raise your fist in a threatening manner during an argument, or if you attempt to strike someone but miss, these actions could still constitute assault under Washington law. The key factor is whether the alleged victim perceived the threat as real and whether your actions were deemed offensive or unwanted.
The Four Degrees of Assault Charges in Washington
Washington categorizes assault into four degrees, each with varying levels of severity and corresponding penalties:
- Assault in the First Degree: This is the most serious assault charge and is classified as a Class A felony. First-degree assault involves intentionally inflicting great bodily harm on another person, using a firearm or deadly weapon, or administering poison or other destructive substances. The prosecution must prove you acted with the intent to cause great bodily harm.
- Assault in the Second Degree: This Class B felony charge applies when you intentionally assault someone and recklessly inflict substantial bodily harm, assault someone with a deadly weapon, or assault by strangulation. Second-degree assault also includes intentionally causing harm to an unborn child by injuring the mother or assaulting someone with the intent to commit a felony.
- Assault in the Third Degree: Classified as a Class C felony, third-degree assault encompasses a wide range of scenarios. This includes assaulting someone to resist lawful arrest, assaulting protected classes of workers (such as transit operators, school bus drivers, firefighters, law enforcement officers, or healthcare providers while they’re performing their duties), or causing bodily harm with criminal negligence using a weapon. You can also face third-degree assault charges for causing substantial pain and suffering through criminal negligence.
- Assault in the Fourth Degree: This is the least serious assault charge and is classified as a gross misdemeanor rather than a felony. Fourth-degree assault applies to situations that do not meet the criteria for first, second, or third-degree assault but still involve unwanted physical contact or harm.
What Happens If You Are Convicted of Assault?
The penalties for assault convictions in Lakewood vary depending on the degree of the charge. Even the least serious assault conviction can disrupt your life, while felony convictions can permanently alter your future.
If you are convicted of fourth-degree assault, you face up to 364 days in jail and fines up to $5,000. Felony assault convictions carry substantially harsher penalties:
- Third-degree assault, a Class C felony, can result in up to five years in prison and fines up to $10,000.
- Second-degree assault, a Class B felony, increases the stakes with potential sentences of up to ten years in prison and fines reaching $20,000.
- First-degree assault, a Class A felony, carries the most severe consequences: at least twenty years in prison, fines up to $50,000, and in some cases, a lifetime prison sentence.
Beyond incarceration and fines, an assault conviction creates collateral consequences that extend into every aspect of your life. You may struggle to find employment, face difficulties securing housing, and experience damage to your personal relationships and community standing. Professional licenses can be suspended or revoked, and you may face challenges with child custody arrangements. These long-term impacts make it essential to mount a strong defense from the moment charges are filed.
Why You Need a Lakewood, WA Assault Defense Attorney
Assault cases are complex, and the prosecution will work aggressively to secure a conviction. Without experienced legal representation, you are at a significant disadvantage in navigating the criminal justice system. A Lakewood assault defense attorney brings critical support to your case that can make the difference between conviction and dismissal, or between maximum penalties and reduced charges.
Mark S. Treyz will thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding your arrest, gather evidence, interview witnesses, and identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. Many assault charges arise from situations where self-defense was justified, where the alleged victim’s account is inconsistent or exaggerated, or where mutual combat occurred. We know how to present these facts effectively and challenge the prosecution’s narrative.
Furthermore, your attorney will protect your constitutional rights throughout the legal process. Law enforcement sometimes violates proper procedures during arrests and investigations, leading to evidence that should be suppressed. Your assault defense lawyer in Lakewood, WA will scrutinize every aspect of your case to ensure your rights were not violated and fight to exclude any evidence obtained illegally.
Trust The Law Offices of Mark S. Treyz to Fight for Your Future
An assault charge in Lakewood can feel like your world is collapsing—but this moment does not have to define the rest of your life. Whether you are facing misdemeanor assault charges or more serious felony allegations, you need a defense attorney who understands what’s truly at stake and who will fight to protect you.
At The Law Offices of Mark S. Treyz, we have helped countless clients in Lakewood navigate assault charges with skilled, aggressive strategies tailored to their situations. Let’s start building your defense and working toward the best possible outcome for your case. Contact us at (253) 272-8666 today for a free, confidential consultation.