Assault with a Deadly Weapon
Criminal Defense Lawyers in Fresno, CA
In California, assault with a deadly weapon (ADW) can occur when an individual
utilizes an item capable of inflicting great bodily harm during the course
of an assault. ADW can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony and if convicted,
you may be facing multiple years in jail and thousands of dollars in fines.
Due to the nature of AWD, you may incur charges even if no physical contact
or injuries occurred. Threatening an individual with a weapon may be enough
to warrant charges. It is also important to note that when physical harm
does occur, it can be considered battery.
If you are under investigation for assault with a deadly weapon, it is
vital to contact Wapner Jones, P.C. as soon as possible. Our
Fresno criminal defense attorneys are highly knowledgeable of the laws and charges associated with assault
and can draw from their knowledge as former prosecutors to construct a
hard-hitting defense. If you want to know where you stand in your case
or have questions about how we can help, do not hesitate to
contact our firm.
Schedule a free consultation and learn how to protect yourself against assault charges.
What is a Deadly Weapon?
Many people are unaware of the breadth of items that can be considered
to be “deadly”, assuming only weapons such as guns and knives
qualify. Legally, the classification of a deadly weapon can depend on
how an item is able to be used in addition to that item’s intended
purpose. The key factor that a judge will consider is the situational
use of an object to cause great bodily harm. For example, a court may
rule that a broken bottle, if used with the intent to stab another person,
can legally constitute a deadly weapon.
The following items may constitute deadly weapons when used to cause great
bodily harm:
- Shovels
- Large rocks
- Firearms
- Knives
- Motor vehicles
- Steel toe boots
California gives individual attention to assault crimes involving firearms,
and the severity of charges and penalties can depend on the type of firearm
in question. Assault with weapons such as a handgun can be charged as
either a misdemeanor or felony depending on the circumstance of the incident.
Weapons such as semi-automatic firearms are charged as felonies and can
be punishable by nearly a decade in prison. Only a qualified attorney
can advise you regarding the nature of your charges and what you may expect
in your case.
Facing Assault Charges? Contact Wapner Jones Today!
Being arrested and charged with a violent crime such as assault with a
deadly weapon can be tremendously stressful and the actions you take next
can greatly influence the outcome of your case. Make no mistake, you have
the right to an attorney and you do not have to speak to the police without
your lawyer present. At Wapner Jones, P.C., our Fresno criminal defense
attorneys possess more than 58 years of combined experience and know how
to defend your rights and minimize the risk to your future.
Do not waste any time in calling (559) 257-4707 and secure a top-tier defense.
