What are the penalties for a first offense aggravated assault?
There may be a wide array of penalties for first offense aggravated assault. These penalties can depend on the definition of assault charges within your state, whether you are charged with a misdemeanor or a felony, and whether you plead guilty or plead not guilty and are sentenced. The first thing to consider is exactly what your assault charges mean. In some states, assault and battery have been essentially rolled into one, and the charges are one and the same. In other states, assault simply refers to making someone fear for his safety or fear for his life, and to not actually laying a hand on that person. The definition of assault, and the exact charges you face, may determine what your penalties are. For example: • For misdemeanor assault charges, you will usually face less than 1 year in prison. You may also face additional penalties such as probation, parole time, required community service, fines and court costs. • For assault charges, you may face one or more years in prison.
