Redwood City Assault With a Deadly Weapon Attorney
Assault with a deadly weapon is a serious criminal charge in Redwood City, CA. You face severe criminal penalties for a conviction. Before you plead guilty or decide to represent yourself, contact our Redwood City assault defense lawyers for a free consultation.
Our Redwood City assault with a deadly weapon lawyers at Ahmed & Sukaram, Attorneys at Law, have over 30 years of experience in criminal defense. We have represented thousands of individuals throughout The Bay Area since 2005. Our law practice is dedicated to defending individuals in all types of criminal matters.
Do not try to defend yourself against assault charges without legal representation. Contact us now at (650) 299-0500 for a free case evaluation to learn how our criminal defense law firm can help you.
How Ahmed & Sukaram, Attorneys at Law, Can Help With Assault With a Deadly Weapon Charges
We have a California State Bar Certified Specialist in criminal law on our defense team. They are also a nationally published criminal defense author. In addition, several organizations recognized our lawyers for their experience and success.
Being charged with assault can be overwhelming. Our legal team at Ahmed & Sukaram, Attorneys at Law, can help. When you hire our award-winning Redwood City violent crimes lawyers, we will:
- Review your case and conduct an independent investigation into the criminal charges against you
- Obtain and analyze the evidence the state prepares to use against you
- Interview witnesses and gather evidence to build a strong defense strategy
- Hire expert witnesses and investigators to assist with your case, as necessary
- Explain all legal options to you, including the risks and potential benefits of each option
- Aggressively negotiate for reduced charges and lighter sentences as part of a plea agreement
- Advocate for you in court and take the matter to trial if that is in your best interest
You do not have to handle this matter alone. Put our considerable experience and resources to work for you. Call us for a free consultation with an experienced assault defense attorney in Redwood City, California.
What Is the Crime of Assault With a Deadly Weapon in California?
California Penal Code §241 defines assault with a deadly weapon as attacking or attempting to attack someone with a firearm or other deadly weapon. The offense can also be referred to as aggravated assault or ADW.
Examples of assault with a deadly weapon include, but are not limited to:
- Trying to stab someone with a knife or other sharp object
- Shooting or attempting to shoot someone with a firearm
- Hitting someone with brass knuckles
- Throwing a heavy object at someone during a fight
- Using a baseball bat to beat someone
- Trying to run someone over with a car
- Telling a vicious dog to attack someone
- Using a blunt object to hit or beat someone
Almost any object could be a deadly weapon if it can be used to inflict great bodily injury on another person. Assault with a deadly weapon is a wobbler offense. The prosecutor can charge the crime as a misdemeanor or felony offense.
What Are the Penalties for Assault with a Deadly Weapon in Redwood City, CA?
The penalties for a conviction of aggravated assault depend on the nature of the charges. For a misdemeanor assault with a deadly weapon conviction, you could face the following:
- A maximum fine of $1,000
- Up to 12 months in county jail
- Summary (informal) probation
However, the penalties increase if the charge is felony assault with a deadly weapon. A felony AWD conviction could result in the following:
- A maximum fine of $10,000
- 2, 3, or 4 years in a California State Prison
- Formal probation
The penalties for assaulting a law enforcement officer or firefighter with a deadly weapon are more severe and carry up to five years in state prison. Also, if you used a firearm to commit assault, you could serve up to 12 years in prison for a conviction.
In addition to the above penalties, you could also be ordered to pay restitution to the victim.
Additionally, if convicted of assault with a deadly weapon as a felony offense, the conviction could be a strike under California’s Three Strikes Law. Therefore, you could face up to 25 years to life in prison if this is your third strike.
Are There Defenses to Charges of Assault With a Deadly Weapon?
There are several defenses that a Redwood City assault with a deadly weapon lawyer might use in your case. For example, your attorney might argue that you did not use a lethal weapon when committing the assault. If you did not use a deadly weapon, the prosecutor might drop the charges to misdemeanor simple assault.
You did not act willfully to commit assault with a deadly weapon. The penal code section requires that the person acted “willfully” or with intent to commit the crime. Acting in self-defense might be another way to defend yourself against these charges.
If the police arrest you for assault with a deadly weapon, try to remain calm. Ask for a criminal defense lawyer, and then stop talking. Exercising your right to remain silent and your right to legal counsel are the best ways to defend yourself against assault allegations in Redwood City.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Redwood City Assault With a Deadly Weapon Lawyers
Being accused of assaulting someone with a deadly weapon is not the same as being convicted of the crime. Call now for a free consultation with our Redwood City assault with a deadly weapon lawyers so we can begin planning your defense.