Assault in Seattle

Penalties for Assault in the Second Degree in Washington:

Assault in the second degree is usually a class B felony, which RCW §9A.20.021 defines as punishable by a maximum sentence of ten years in prison, a maximum fine of $20,000, or both.

However, if a person commits assault in the second degree with sexual motivation, he has committed a class A felony.

Assault in the Third Degree:

According to RCW §9A.36.031, a person commits assault in the third degree if he, under circumstances not amounting to assault in the first or second degree:

• Assaults another with the intent to prevent or resist execution of any lawful process; or
• With criminal negligence, causes bodily harm to another person by means of a weapon or other harmful instrument; or
• With criminal negligence, causes bodily harm accompanied by substantial pain that extends for a period sufficient to cause considerable suffering

A person also commits assault in the third degree if he assaults a law enforcement officer, peace officer, nurse, physician, judicial officer, court-related employee, firefighter, transit operator, school bus driver, among other persons acting in a professional capacity or in a professional environment.

Penalties for Assault in the Third Degree in Washington:

Assault in the third degree is a class C felony, which RCW §9A.20.021 defines as punishable by a maximum sentence of five years in prison, a maximum fine of $10,000, or both.

Assault in the Fourth Degree:

According to RCW §9A.36.041, a person commits assault in the fourth degree if he assaults another under circumstances not amounting to assault in the first, second, or third degree.

Penalties for Assault in the Fourth Degree in Washington:

Assault in the fourth degree is a gross misdemeanor, which RCW §9A.20.021 defines as punishable by a maximum sentence of one year in prison, a maximum fine of $5,000, or both.

Defending an Assault Charge:

A charge of assault requires the offender to act with intent. One defense might be that the person charged did not act with the intent to cause apprehension of physical harm in the victim. Another defense might be that the act did not, in fact, cause such apprehension in the victim. Other common defenses to a charge of assault are self-defense, defense of others, or defense of property. The best course of action depends on the individual case. It is crucial that you enlist in the help of a skilled criminal defense attorney to develop the strongest defense strategy possible for your case.

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