An assault conviction in Puyallup can leave you with serious criminal penalties that could follow you for years to come. Washington takes assault allegations seriously, and without skilled legal representation, you could be facing jail time, substantial fines, protective orders, and a criminal record that affects your career prospects, custody arrangements, and standing in the community.
Our Puyallup, WA criminal defense lawyer at The Law Offices of Mark S. Treyz is dedicated to defending clients in Puyallup against assault charges of all levels, bringing proven experience, strategic defense planning, and relentless advocacy to every case we handle. We believe everyone deserves a vigorous defense and a fair chance to tell their side of the story. Contact us today to start building your defense and fighting for the best possible outcome in your case.
The Degrees of Assault Charges in Pierce County
In Washington, assault refers to intentionally causing physical harm to another person or placing someone in reasonable fear of imminent harm. The law recognizes four degrees of assault:
- First-Degree Assault: This is the most serious assault charge in Washington and is classified as a Class A felony. You can be charged with first-degree assault if prosecutors believe you intended to inflict great bodily harm and either used a firearm or deadly weapon, administered poison or another harmful substance, or actually caused great bodily harm to another person.
- Second-Degree Assault: Classified as a Class B felony, second-degree assault covers situations that don’t meet the threshold for first-degree but still involve serious harm or dangerous conduct. This includes intentionally causing substantial bodily harm, assaulting someone with a deadly weapon, administering poison with intent to harm, assaulting someone while committing a felony, causing torture-level pain, or assaulting another person by strangulation.
- Third-Degree Assault: This Class C felony encompasses assaults on protected classes of individuals or conduct involving criminal negligence. You can face third-degree assault charges for assaulting law enforcement officers, firefighters, nurses, transit operators, or school bus drivers while they are performing their duties. It also applies if you caused bodily harm through criminal negligence using a weapon or caused substantial pain extending over a considerable period.
- Fourth-Degree Assault: The least serious assault charge, fourth-degree assault is a gross misdemeanor that covers any assault not meeting the criteria for the higher degrees. Many fourth-degree assault cases arise from altercations, domestic disputes, or situations where emotions ran high but no serious injury occurred.
Potential Penalties for an Assault Conviction in Puyallup
The consequences of an assault conviction in Puyallup depend on the degree of the charge, but all levels carry penalties that can drastically alter your life. For fourth-degree assault, you could face up to 364 days in jail and fines reaching $5,000. These cases are handled in Pierce County District Court in Tacoma.
In Washington, felony assault charges carry significantly harsher penalties:
- Third-degree assault, a Class C felony, can result in up to five years in prison and fines of up to $10,000.
- Second-degree assault, a Class B felony, increases the stakes to a maximum of ten years in prison and $20,000 in fines.
- First-degree assault, a Class A felony, is the most severe—you could face at least 20 years in prison, up to $50,000 in fines, and in certain circumstances, even a lifetime prison sentence.
All felony assault charges from Puyallup are prosecuted in Pierce County Superior Court in Tacoma.
Why You Need Our Assault Defense Lawyer in Puyallup, WA Fighting for You
You should never face assault charges without an experienced defense attorney. The prosecution has resources, experience, and a single goal: securing a conviction. You need someone in your corner who understands the law, knows how to challenge the evidence, and will fight to protect your rights at every turn.
The assault defense lawyer in Puyallup, WA from The Law Offices of Mark S. Treyz brings critical skills, knowledge, and resources to your case. Your attorney will thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the alleged assault, identifying weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. He will also scrutinize whether law enforcement followed proper procedures during your arrest and investigation. If your case goes to trial, you will have a skilled advocate who knows how to fight for your freedom in front of a judge and jury.
What to Do and What Not to Do After an Assault Arrest in Puyallup
The actions you take immediately after an assault arrest can significantly impact your case. Knowing what to do—and what to avoid—is crucial to protecting your legal position.
Here’s what to do:
- Remain silent and request an attorney immediately. You have the constitutional right to remain silent, and anything you say can be used against you. Politely decline to answer questions until your lawyer is present.
- Document everything you remember about the incident. Write down details about what happened, including dates, times, locations, and the names of any witnesses while the information is fresh in your mind.
- Follow all court orders and bail conditions. Violating conditions of release can result in additional charges and weaken your defense position.
- Contact an experienced assault defense attorney as soon as possible. Early legal intervention provides the best opportunity to build a strong defense.
Here’s what not to do:
- Don’t speak to law enforcement without your attorney present. Even if you believe explaining your side will help, statements made without legal counsel often cause more harm than good.
- Don’t contact the alleged victim. Any contact could be perceived as intimidation or harassment and may result in additional charges.
- Don’t discuss your case on social media or with anyone other than your attorney. Even seemingly innocent posts can be used against you in court.
- Don’t assume the charges will be dropped or minimized without legal intervention. Assault charges are serious, and hoping for the best without taking action is a risky strategy that rarely works in your favor.
Don’t Wait—Contact The Law Offices of Mark S. Treyz for Legal Assistance
Being charged with assault in Puyallup is a threat to everything you’ve worked to build. Your job, your family relationships, your standing in the community, and your personal freedom are all on the line. Without experienced legal representation, you could be facing consequences that follow you for years to come.
The Law Offices of Mark S. Treyz provides dedicated, personalized defense for assault charges throughout Puyallup and Pierce County. We take the time to understand your side of the story, examine every detail of the evidence, and craft a strategy designed to protect your future. Contact us at (253) 272-8666 for a free, confidential case evaluation and start building your defense.