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Online formDo I need a lawyer for an assault charge? Yes, you should hire an experienced criminal defense attorney to represent you.
There are levels of assault, and you could face a serious felony charge. Make no mistake, Assault charges of any kind are a big deal. The best thing you can do for yourself is to invoke your right to remain silent with the police and call an attorney as soon as possible. Reach out to Michael Fayard and tell him your story. He’s here to listen, not judge. He knows people make mistakes sometimes. He also knows people can be falsely accused or mistaken for someone else. Whatever your circumstances, he’ll fight for the best possible outcome in your case.
Call 808-445-6708 or reach out through the online form to set up a free consultation.
Overcoming assault charges in Hawaii starts with hiring the right legal representation. The right lawyer for you is someone with years of experience. Michael Fayard has worked on both sides of the courtroom. He used to be a prosecutor, which helps him create strategic and effective defenses for his clients. He also is a proud veteran. He was commissioned as an Armor Officer in the Army, where he was assigned to JAG. His wealth of experience in civil, criminal, administrative, and military hearings means he’s prepared for anything.
But getting the right lawyer is about more than their resume. You want someone who listens to you, not only about what happened but also about what you need moving forward. Michael Fayard cares about your future. He wants you to move on from this case and lead a fulfilling life with friends, family, and a career. He’s motivated to win a dismissal or acquittal, so you don’t have a criminal record holding you back.
You also want someone available. When you go with a busy lawyer at a Big Law firm, your case is just one of many. That’s not how it works with Michael Fayard. He’ll keep you updated on your case and answer all your questions. You can be confident your call or email will be returned, if not within the same day, within 24 hours.
Whatever degree of assault charge you’re facing, call an assault defense attorney immediately. It’s never too soon to start preparing your defense.
First-degree assault in Hawaii is the most serious assault offense. You can be charged with a Class B felony if you intentionally or knowingly cause someone serious bodily injury.
If convicted, you can be sentenced to up to 10 years in prison and fines up to $25,000.
Second-degree assault in Hawaii covers numerous scenarios:
Assault in the second degree is a Class C felony. Whether or not you face a third- or second-degree assault charge can depend on the other person’s position at the time of the incident. If the person had a certain job and was working at the time, you’re more likely to face a felony. But it’s important to have a lawyer review the circumstances. The prosecutor might go for a felony assault charge when the other party isn’t a protected worker outline in the statute.
If you’re convicted of a Class C felony, you could spend up to five years in prison and pay fines up to $10,000.
A third-degree assault charge is a misdemeanor if you:
It’s also possible to face a petty misdemeanor charge unless the bodily injury was caused during a scuffle or fight entered into by mutual consent.
A misdemeanor is punishable by up to one year in jail and fines up to $2,000. A petty misdemeanor is less serious, but it is still punishable by up to 30 days in jail and up to a $1,000 fine.
Michael was co-counsel representing a maritime worker that was injured when a negligent employee struck him in the head with a bell hammer attached to a crane. Pre-trial offer was $0.00.
SR v. TS, et al. – I represented an elderly client that was the injured and was the victim of fraud and theft by thieves using a forged power of attorney and forged deed. Pre-trial offer was $2,500.00.
The degrees of assault talk about different severities of bodily harm: Serious bodily injury, substantial bodily injury, or bodily injury. These all mean something different, which is why you need an assault lawyer to review your case. The prosecutor might try to say the other person’s injuries are worse than they really are. You shouldn’t be blamed for serious bodily injury when the other person’s injuries aren’t that serious.
Serious bodily injury means the harm creates or causes:
Substantial bodily injury is less severe than serious bodily injury, but it’s more than pain or temporary impairment. It’s the middle ground between being hurt a little and facing disfigurement, permanent impairment, or a risk of death.
Examples of substantial bodily injury include:
Bodily injury means physical pain, illness, or any impairment of a person’s physical condition. Even minor injuries, like a black eye, could lead to a misdemeanor assault charge.
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Talk with assault lawyer Michael Fayard about the best way to defend yourself against misdemeanor or felony assault charges. There are numerous potential defenses, including a mistake of identity, false accusations, self-defense, or defense of others. Being charges doesn’t mean you’ll be convicted. Attorney Fayard will work to prove you’re innocent of the crime, or your actions were justified.
Calling a lawyer can be intimidating. But what’s the worst that could happen? There’s no charge for a consultation with Michael Fayard. He’ll listen to your story, ask a few questions, and then tell you about Hawaii law. He’ll give you an initial assessment of your options, which will help you decide what to do next. There’s no pressure or demands, just information that can help you during a tough time.
To learn more about fighting assault charges in Hawaii, call 808-445-6708 or use the online form.