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Seattle Assault Lawyer

Defending Against Assault Charges in Washington

If you have been accused of assault, you need to secure serious legal representation from me, a Seattle assault lawyer, who can match the seriousness of your charge. Individuals convicted of assault may be penalized with fines, a criminal record, and jail time.

Assault doesn't necessarily have to involve a weapon or actual physical harm to lead to charges. The mere act of threatening or making someone believe that physical harm is imminent is also considered to be a form of assault. Most of these incidents occur when individuals are in a provoked state. Unfortunately, even the smallest lapse in judgment can cost you everything. 

Contact our Seattle assault defense lawyer online or call (206) 895-6800 for your free consultation today.

How to Defend Against Assault Charges

Whether you are charged with assault in the first degree or the fourth degree, I am here to help you get through this difficult and overwhelming experience. After carefully reviewing all the details of your arrest, I may be able to prove that your actions were out of self-defense or in defense of someone else. The chances of walking away with a favorable result greatly increase when you hire an experienced law firm such as mine. If convicted, your criminal record could inhibit your ability to find work. Don't let this happen to you.

Can I Go to Jail For 4th Degree Assault?

In Washington state, fourth-degree assault is the lowest level of assault also known as gross misdemeanor assault. Assault in the fourth degree is a gross misdemeanor described by law as “the mere unwanted, intentional touching of one person by another”. For example, it can be a pinch, a push a slap, or anything that may be considered a simple touch, even if there are no visible signs of bruising or marks. It is enough for someone to allege that they were assaulted or “touched” in a way they didn’t wish to be touched. A conviction for fourth-degree assault can be punished by a $5,000 fine and up to 364 days in jail.

What are the Penalties for Assault in Washington?

The amount of jail time that you can be sentenced to depends on the degree of assault you are charged with. If found guilty at trial or a plea of guilty of fourth-degree assault, a gross misdemeanor, you may be sentenced up to a maximum of 364 days in jail and a maximum $5,000.00 fine.

More serious assaults, such as felonies in the 1st degree, 2nd degree, and 3rd degree, even without aggravating factors, could include lead to significantly more time in custody. A number of determining factors are used to assess the possible time of incarceration if found guilty at trial or pleading guilty to a resolution in a felony case.

Understanding Assault Charges in Washington

Assault charges in Washington can range from simple assaults to more serious charges like aggravated assault. It's important to understand the different types of assault charges and the potential penalties associated with each. Our Seattle assault lawyer has extensive experience defending clients against a wide range of assault charges and can provide you with the legal guidance and representation you need.

Common types of assault charges in Washington include:

  • Simple assault
  • Assault in the fourth degree
  • Assault in the third degree
  • Assault in the second degree
  • Assault in the first degree

Penalties for assault charges can vary depending on the severity of the offense and other factors. It's important to seek legal counsel as soon as possible if you are facing assault charges in Washington.

Our Seattle assault attorney is dedicated to protecting your rights and providing a strong defense against assault charges. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discuss your case.

Defending Against Assault Charges 

If you have been accused of assault DV, this can be considered a gross misdemeanor or a felony. Assault 4 is a gross misdemeanor, while Assault 1, 2, and 3 are felonies. If the assault is in connection with domestic violence or occurs against a child, you may face additional penalties such as loss of gun rights, DNA sample collection, and longer probationary periods of 5 years versus 2 years for an unrelated or stranger assault.

Your lawyer can employ the following defense strategies on your behalf in pretrial negotiations or at trial:

  • Self-defense or defense of others
  • Demonstrate that the allegations are not credible or lack a factual basis
  • Poor evidence or lack of evidence
  • Witnesses are not credible

You need to know that your Seattle assault attorney is on your side. When you are facing possible incarceration, fines, and penalties to your future, you cannot trust anything less than the aggressive defense of Guadagno Law, PLLC.

Contact Our Seattle Assault Attorney Today

At Guadagno Law, PLLC, I have represented thousands of individuals, including those charged with assault. I draw from experience as a former prosecutor to help build results-driven case strategies that meet the specific needs of my clients. Should you choose to retain my legal services, you can rest assured knowing that I can work tirelessly to help you obtain a positive case outcome, such as a reduction of charges or case dismissal.

Guadagno Law, PLLC proudly offers the following benefits to individuals in the Seattle area:

  • Professional and personalized attention from a defense attorney—not a paralegal or junior associate
  • 24/7 availability
  • 17+ years of legal experience
  • Free initial consultations
  • Former prosecutor who is well-versed in criminal justice

Call our assault defense attorney at (206) 895-6800 or contact us online to learn about your options today.

Commonly Asked Questions

What constitutes aggravated assault in Washington?

In Washington, aggravated assault typically involves an assault that results in serious bodily injury or is committed with the use of a deadly weapon. It is considered a more serious offense than simple assault and can lead to severe penalties, including extended prison time. If you're facing such charges, it's crucial to have a defense attorney who understands the complexities of these cases and can navigate the legal system to protect your rights.

How can a Seattle assault lawyer help me if I'm charged with assault?

A Seattle assault lawyer can provide crucial legal representation, ensuring that your side of the story is heard and your rights are protected. They can challenge the evidence against you, negotiate with prosecutors, and represent you in court. With their understanding of local laws and experience in similar cases, they can work towards achieving the best possible outcome, such as reduced charges or even a case dismissal.

Our Satisfied Clients

  • “I was able to win my case due to him.”
    After having experienced one of the most difficult times in my life after being charged for a crime, I contacted Albert at Guadagno Law. Albert was able to help me in this difficult time and was able to take a very stressful situation and put me at ease. Albert promised that he would work hard and diligently for me, and he did. I was able to win my case due to him. Albert was gracious, direct, and honest about my case and what he was going to do to help me win. I will highly recommend Guadagno Law if one needs to seek legal advice.
    - Ben
  • “Impressive defense attorney”
    I have never had to hire an attorney before and Albert was just amazing. He took on my case quickly and was incredibly efficient and professional. He spent hours with me on the phone over several months, helping to ease my fears and worries and offering words of encouragement and advice. Albert is kind, thoughtful and generous with his time and I consider him a friend. He was very supportive to me during such A difficult time in my life. He fought tirelessly for me and my family with great success. He truly went above and beyond to fight for a full dismissal. I highly recommend his services.
    - Coral
  • “Puts his heart & soul into protecting his clients”
    I have been a client of Alberts for going on 3 years, he has been there for me during a very difficult time in my life. Never was there a time when I was not able to be in contact him, weekday or weekends. He has given his all to go to bat for me and defend me in every possible way. He is very educated in his profession! I have again and again recommended him to anyone I know who is in need of representation.
    - Jay M.
  • “Albert was incredible!!”
    Albert was absolutely amazing! He quickly took my case on short notice and helped me immensely. I highly recommend him. If you are hesitant or feeling apprehensive, DONT!! He is worth every penny
    - Tracy
  • “The best and professional lawyer”
    Mr.Guadagno is very professional, friendly , attentive and very supportive when you face a difficult situation. Gave you support and comfort makes you feel you have someone who really cares and is there to help you. Always available to reach regardless if it is week days or weekend. Response to you immediately and works with you. We really really appreciate his support in a time we were stressed out he gave us so much comfort. Really recommend him to others. Grateful to know him .
    - Adiba
  • “Excelente”
    Sinceramente estoi satisfecha porque Alberto Guandageno Alludo muy bien enel casi de mi hijo lo recomiendo hiso un excelente trabajo en la defensa de mi hijo si yo le mandaba textos me respondía en minutos si le abla a por teléfono inmediatamente me respondía igual si le escribí correos electrónicos respondía rápido y me desia esactamente lo que estaba pasando enel caso de mi hijo porque mi hijo dio autorización que me dijera lo que pasaba y gracias a él abogado Alberto todo salió bien es un ángel que Dios pone en el camino de los que nesesitan su alluda muchas gracias abogado Alberto Guandageno
    - Mamá feliz
  • “Albert Guadagno truly cares”
    Albert really goes above and beyond to not only treat you as a client - but as a human. He listens to your situation, tries to understand from different sides, and lets you know what to expect honestly without sugar-coating. His year’s of experience in law really helps you navigate a, sometimes, convoluted legal system with confidence affordably and with careful attention to detail. Highly recommend.
    - Kienan
  • “110% in your corner”
    Albert is 110% in your corner. His prior experience as a prosecutor is what drew me to hiring him. He knows the process from all sides and will fight for you as well as explain outcome possibilities in great detail. He is also a tremendous listener who empathizes and puts your mind at ease (without giving you false expectations) He is a consummate professional of whom I would hire again if needed. Go with someone that not only has the knowledge and skills to help you through your case, but will also be a human being by listening to your concerns. Go with Albert.
    - CS

Why Choose Guadagno Law, PLLC?

  • I offer affordable payment plans to focus on what matters.
  • I have over 17 years of criminal defense experience.
  • I have a sole focus on criminal defense law.
  • I am on call for 24-hour emergency counsel.
  • I have handled thousands of cases over the years.
  • I have worked on both sides of the criminal courtroom.