Assault Cases

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If You've Been Charged With Assault, We Can Help.

Know Your Options After Being Arrested for Assault in Connecticut

If you have been arrested for assault, do not make the mistake of thinking that it is not a serious offense. The laws and penalties in Connecticut can be harsh, even when the injury involved is very minor. State’s attorneys and judges classify even minor cases as violent offenses.


If you have been arrested for assault, you do have options. Although the penalties for a guilty verdict can be severe, there are ways you can fight your case with the help of BBB Attorneys. Whether you were acting in self-defense, have an alibi, or the accuser fabricated the entire story, there are legitimate defenses to assault charges. There are also initiatives you can take to minimize the consequences of the case. Contact one of our experienced attorneys to stand up for you and protect your rights.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the first thing I should do after being charged with assault?

    The first thing you should do after being charged with assault in Connecticut is to remain silent and avoid discussing your case with anyone, especially law enforcement, until you've had the opportunity to consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney. Remember, anything you say can be used against you in court. It's crucial to ensure your rights are protected from the very beginning of the legal process, and a knowledgeable attorney can guide you through this.

  • How long do assault cases typically take to resolve?

    The duration of assault cases in Connecticut can vary widely based on the specifics of the case, including the severity of the assault, complexity of the evidence, court schedule, and other factors. Generally, cases could take anywhere from several months to over a year to resolve.

  • What can I expect throughout the legal process?

    Throughout the legal process, you can expect several stages. After your arrest and charging, there will be an arraignment where you will be formally presented with the charges and asked to enter a plea. Following this, there may be a period of discovery, during which both sides gather evidence. If your case does not result in a plea agreement, it will go to trial, where the prosecution and your defense attorney will present their arguments, call witnesses, and present evidence. If found guilty, sentencing will follow the trial. It's crucial to have a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney guiding you through this process, to ensure your rights are protected and to navigate the complexities of the legal system on your behalf.

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What Happens Next?

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Once you complete the form with your name and contact information, it will be sent to the professionals at BBB Attorneys via secure connection.

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Within 24 business hours, one of our staff members will review the information submitted and call you regarding your case.

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When a representative from BBB Attorneys calls, you can expect them to follow up with additional questions that will help determine whether or not your case is viable. If it is, we will explain next steps in filing a claim!

The Types of Assault Charges

An assault can cover anything from a minor altercation, where someone is simply pushed, to a fight where someone is punched and breaks a nose, to an altercation where someone is stabbed or shot. Obviously, it covers a broad range of allegations, injuries, and vastly different penalties. Assault is classified as either first, second, or third degree. The degree and the penalties you are facing will depend upon your intent, whether or not a weapon was involved, and the extent to which the victim was injured.

Hiring an assault lawyer is important, here are the types of assault charges:

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Assault in the First Degree: First Degree Assault is covered largely by Conn. Gen. Stat. § 53a-59 and is a Class B Felony. There are five different subsections to this statute, each of which provides a different method in which a person can commit Assault in the First Degree. Typically, Assault in the First Degree involves the use of a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument, a serious physical injury or the discharge of a firearm. This typically occurs when there is a life-threatening injury and the use of a weapon, like a deadly firearm or a knife.


In addition, Assault in the First Degree can stem from an assault on certain types of individuals, for example a blind or disabled person. See, for example, Conn. Gen. Stat. §§ 53a-59a – 53a-59c. Many of the specific subsections carry mandatory minimum prison sentences making it important that a Connecticut assault lawyer is consulted.

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Assault in the Second Degree: Assault in the Second Degree is primarily covered by Conn. Gen. Stat. § 53a-60 and is a Class D Felony. Again, the statute is divided into subsections that specify several ways in which a person can commit Assault in the Second Degree. The specific subsection under which a person will be charged will depend on a number of factors such as the extent of the injuries, whether a weapon was used, and the person's intent.

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Assault in the Third Degree: Assault in the Third Degree is covered by Conn. Gen. Stat. § 53a-61 and is a Class A Misdemeanor. The statute specifies three ways in which a person can commit an Assault in the Third Degree. Basically, a person commits an assault in the Third Degree when he intentionally, recklessly, or with a deadly weapon causes physical injury. It can range from a domestic incident where someone is slapped or a situation where someone is punched or hit. A standard assault is a minor altercation. It can be a bar fight or something between people at school.

Miscellaneous Assault Charges

In addition to assault in the first, second and third degrees, there are specific crimes for specific protected people (for example, blind, disabled, or pregnant people). In Connecticut, if you assault someone in a specific protected group, it could lead to more serious charges and stricter penalties. For example, if a person commits an assault which results in the termination of a pregnancy, they could be charged with Assault in the First Degree, a Class B felony. Likewise, Assault of a Pregnant Woman Resulting in Termination of Pregnancy is a specific offense under Connecticut law that carries severe penalties, including potential imprisonment.


Assaulting an elderly, blind, disabled, or pregnant person or a person with intellectual disability in the third degree, is a Class A misdemeanor in Connecticut and is punishable by jail time and fines. Given the gravity of these charges and the potential for mandatory minimum jail sentences, it's critical to consult with an experienced assault lawyer if you're facing such charges. An attorney can help you understand the charges against you, explore potential defenses, and represent your best interests in court. This is crucial in navigating the complexities of the legal system and seeking the best possible outcome for your case.

How BBB Attorneys Can Help You

Being arrested and charged with assault can be a frightening experience that carries grave consequences if not taken seriously. The experienced lawyers at BBB Attorneys can discuss all aspects of your case with you, guide you through the courtroom process, and present the most robust defense possible. Contact us today!

Contact us today by calling (203) 562-0900 to discuss your case with an attorney. We offer free consultations and have offices statewide in Startford, West Hartford, North Haven, New Haven, Cheshire, Southington, New Milford, Simsbury, Waterbury, and most of the state of Connecticut.

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