Bend Assault Crimes Attorney

Defending Clients Accused of Assault throughout Deschutes County

If you’re facing assault charges, you may be feeling overwhelmed and scared. You’re not alone. Our Bend assault attorneys are committed to helping people through this process. We know that when clients come to us with criminal defense cases, it’s often because they’re experiencing some of the most challenging days of their lives. We’re here to support our clients with aggressive legal representation that provides compassion and understanding for those we represent. When you need a Bend, OR lawyer fighting to protect your rights, Ward Grover is here.

Our assault lawyers offer defense services across Deschutes County. Contact us online or call Ward Grover for help today at (541) 312-5150.

Your Alleged Degree of Assault Matters

If someone knowingly or intentionally causes physical harm to another person, they may face assault charges. Additionally, assault charges may be brought by the prosecution in situations in which negligence or recklessness led to the injury of another or if you are accused of hurting someone in self-defense or while committing another non-violent crime.

In any situation, you must act quickly to increase your odds of obtaining the best possible result from your case. As conviction can cost you thousands of dollars in fines and weeks, months, or years in jail or prison.

What Sets Criminal Negligence Apart from Recklessness?

In Oregon, the distinction between criminal negligence and recklessness can be significant in the context of assault charges.

Criminal negligence related to assault would involve a situation where the defendant did not intend to cause harm, but acted in a way that was so careless or inattentive that it resulted in harm to the victim. For example, if someone is handling a firearm and accidentally discharges it, causing injury to another person, they may be charged with assault based on criminal negligence.

Recklessness, on the other hand, would involve a situation where the defendant acted with a conscious disregard for the risk of harm to the victim. For example, if someone intentionally throws a rock at another person's head, fully aware of the risk of causing injury, they may be charged with assault based on recklessness.

Therefore, the key difference between criminal negligence and recklessness when it comes to assault charges in Oregon is the defendant's level of awareness or intent. Criminal negligence involves a failure to perceive the risk of harm, while recklessness involves a conscious disregard of that risk.

What is the Difference Between Misdemeanor and Felony Assault?

In Oregon, assault charges are classified into four degrees of varying severity. The charges you can face when arrested for assault will reach the misdemeanor level at least, but can be classified as a felony depending on the circumstances of your case. No matter what kind of assault charge you are facing, it’s important that you secure legal representation from a lawyer you trust.

What Is Assault In The Third Degree?

Assault in the third degree is a criminal charge that typically involves causing physical injury to another person or creating a substantial risk of injury through reckless behavior. The specific definition and penalties for assault in the third degree can vary by jurisdiction, but it is generally considered a less serious offense than higher degrees of assault.

Here are some common elements of assault in the third degree:

• Physical injury: The defendant causes physical injury to another person. The extent of the injury may vary, but it typically involves some level of harm that requires medical attention or treatment.
• Reckless behavior: The defendant engages in reckless behavior that creates a substantial risk of physical injury to another person. This can include actions that show a disregard for the safety of others, such as driving recklessly or handling a dangerous weapon carelessly.
• Intent: In some jurisdictions, assault in the third degree may require the intent to cause physical injury, while in others, reckless behavior alone may be sufficient to establish the offense.

Penalties for assault in the third degree can include fines, probation, community service, and in some cases, jail time. The severity of the penalties can depend on the specific circumstances of the case, the extent of the injury, the defendant's criminal history, and the laws of the jurisdiction where the offense occurred.