Overview Of Defenses To Assault Charges In Delaware
The basic meaning of assault is an intentional touching or causing injury to another person, but there are multiple types of assault defined under the Delaware criminal code. On the low end, these crimes range from Offensive Touching to Reckless Endangering in the Second Degree, a Class A Misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail. More serious offenses include First Degree Assault – a Class B Felony that could lead to 25 years in prison. Additional crimes in this category include attacks on specific individuals and even assault by vehicle.
However, beyond knowing the definition and different levels of offense, there is a substantial amount of detail when it comes to Delaware assault crimes. The specifics may offer a defense to the charges, while other issues could make it harder for the prosecution to prove its case – both of which serve to benefit your interests. Your Wilmington assault defense lawyer will take advantage of every opportunity to obtain a favorable outcome, but some basic information may be helpful.
Defenses to Assault Charges
The most common strategy for fighting assault charges is to claim and prove self-defense, which requires evidence that your attack was in response to a perceived threat of harm. Similar principles may apply to situations where you were defending other individuals or property. Still, you should keep in mind that the acts of self-defense must be reasonable as a reaction to the threat. For instance, it may not serve your case well if you shot someone who punched you.
Another popular defense to assault is consent, which may seem unusual since no one agrees to be attacked. It typically arises in the context of a bar fight, where the concept is termed mutual combatants.
Other Strategies for Fighting Delaware Assault Charges
Defenses are a way to counter the allegations of the prosecution, so your defense lawyer will typically present them when it is your “turn” – i.e., after the prosecuting attorney rests. However, there may be opportunities that advance your interests even before this point.
- Always remember that the prosecutor must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, and it is necessary to establish each element of an assault case. Many of Delaware’s assault crimes require intent or knowledge, so there is a state of mind element.
- In misdemeanor assault cases, you may be able to work out a plea agreement in which you plead guilty in exchange for a reduced sentence. This strategy offers advantages for first-time offenders. For felony charges, it may be possible to get a reduced charge down to a misdemeanor. Your sentence might include some jail time, but you would avoid having a felony conviction on your criminal record.
Get Legal Help from an Assault Defense Attorney in New Castle County
This summary of Delaware assault laws and defenses is useful as a starting off point, but you should trust an experienced lawyer to tackle the details. For more information, please contact the Wilmington, DE offices of Attorney Michael W. Modica. You can set up a consultation by calling 302.600.1262 or via our website.
Resource:
delcode.delaware.gov/title11/c005/sc02/index.html
