Assault in Olympia

Washington state takes assault charges seriously because these crimes often involve grave harm to another person. The penalties can be severe, especially when the circumstances are aggravated, like weapons were used or serious injuries resulted from the incident. However, what makes assault cases tricky is how much the details matter. Your intent, the severity of injuries, and even hearsay can dramatically change how Thurston County Courts handle your case. For example, if you can prove it was an accident or if you were acting in self-defense, the court will reduce an assault charge and the penalties. Our attorneys use these nuances to your advantage.

For over 20 years, we've been defending people just like you against assault charges in Thurston County. If you're facing assault charges in Olympia, you need our legal team on your side. We know how the Olympia courts operate and what defense works with the judges and prosecutors here. We know what defenses will sway them. Call our law offices for a free case review with our skilled assault defense attorneys.

Assault Cases We Have Defended In Thurston County Courts

No matter the type of assault charges you face in Thurston County, we've got your back. Our attorneys have challenged charges for:

• Assault (First Degree)
• Assault (Second Degree)
• Assault (Third Degree)
• Assault Of A Child (First Degree)
• Assault Of A Child (Second Degree)
• Domestic Violence Assault (First Degree)
• Domestic Violence Assault (Second Degree)
• Domestic Violence Assault (Third Degree)
• Assault (Fourth Degree)
• Felony Assault (Assault with a Deadly Weapon)
• Hate Crime Assault
• Sexual Assault
• Rape
• Assault On A Law Enforcement Officer
• Vehicular Assault

If you or someone you know is up against these charges, our assault defense attorneys are here to help. Call our Olympia law offices now.

What Does The Thurston County Prosecutor Have To Prove In Assault Cases?

To secure a conviction in an assault case in Thurston County, the prosecution has to prove several key elements beyond a reasonable doubt, including:

1. Intentional Or Reckless Action: The prosecution must show that you intentionally or recklessly caused bodily harm to the victim or, in some cases, created a fear of imminent harm.
2. Use Of Force: The defendant must have used force, such as hitting, kicking, or threatening harm. For lesser charges like Assault in the Fourth Degree, force can be as minimal as unwanted touching or pushing.
3. Harm Or Fear Of Harm: For most assault charges, the prosecutor must prove that the victim experienced bodily harm or was in fear of harm.
4. Lack Of Consent: If the alleged assault involved physical contact, the prosecutor must show that the victim did not consent to the contact or the actions.
5. Aggravating Factors (if applicable): In more serious assault charges like Assault in the Second Degree or Vehicular Assault, the prosecution must prove aggravating factors, such as the use of a weapon, intent to commit more serious harm, or the assault of a vulnerable victim.

The Thurston County Prosecutor must provide sufficient evidence through witness testimony, police reports, physical evidence, and expert testimony to prove these elements. Our skilled defense attorneys in Olympia will challenge their evidence to create reasonable doubt and fight the charges effectively.

How Can I Defend Against Assault Charges In Thurston County Courts?

Count on our Olympia attorneys to craft strong defenses. Here are some of the strategies we'll explore for your case:

1. Lack Of Intent: Argue that the assault was not intentional or that you did not have the intent to harm the victim. For example, you may have acted out of self-defense or in the heat of the moment without malicious intent.
2. Self-Defense Or Defense Of Others: Show that you acted in self-defense. We can also show how you acted to protect someone else from harm. This defense relies on proving that your actions were reasonable and necessary to prevent an imminent threat.
3. False Accusations: Challenge the victim's account of events, suggesting that they may have fabricated the story, misidentified you, or had a motive to falsely accuse you.
4. No Harm Or Minor Injury: Argue that no harm was caused or that any injuries were minor and did not meet the legal requirements for the assault charge you are facing.
5. Mistaken Identity: If you were not the person involved in the assault, we will argue mistaken identity, especially if there is unclear or unreliable evidence linking you to the crime.
6. Lack Of Evidence: Challenge the sufficiency of the prosecution's evidence, such as inconsistencies in witness testimony, absence of physical evidence, or unclear motives for the alleged assault.
7. Coercion Or Duress: Show that someone forced you to act the way you did due to threats or pressure from another person, which may reduce or eliminate your criminal liability.
8. Consent: In certain cases, particularly with assault-related offenses in intimate relationships, you may argue that the victim consented to the actions, challenging the claim of assault.

Our skilled defense attorneys in Thurston County will use these and other strategies to work toward reducing or dismissing the charges against you.

Olympia Assault Defense Attorneys Fight For Your Rights

Our Olympia attorneys are deeply connected to our community. You can find us enjoying local spots like Percival Landing Park, attending events like the Olympia Farmers Market, or supporting local businesses on Broadway Street. We also love spending time at Capitol Lake, walking through Heritage Park, and participating in community gatherings. We know the city, its local judges, prosecutors, and other legal professionals, and what defenses work here. This local knowledge gives us an edge in its courts.

Our assault defense attorneys believe that every assault charge should be challenged. With over 20 years of experience defending clients in Western Washington, we know how. Call us now to get your free consultation with our skilled assault defense lawyers, and let us put our knowledge to work for you.

Being a crime of violence, it is important to take an assault charge very seriously. In addition to penalties like jail and fines, a conviction can prohibit you from getting jobs and even renting a place to stay. The type of assault you actually face will depend on the circumstances of your case.

The most serious type of assault is 1°. Assault 1° is a class A felony which means the maximum penalty is life in prison and a $50,000 fine. Assault 2° is slightly less serious by being a class B felony, which means the maximum penalty is 10 years in prison and a $20,000 fine. Below that is an assault 3° charge which is a class C felony. Class C felonies have a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. The least serious of them all is assault 4° which is a gross misdemeanor and has a maximum penalty of 364 days in jail and a $5,000 fine. The prosecutor will determine what degree to charge you with based on certain key factors, including the level of harm inflicted or potentially could have been inflicted, whether there were any weapons involved, who the victim was, and what was the intend of the assault.

No matter what type of assault you are facing, it is imperative that you speak with an attorney as soon as possible. The potential ramifications of a conviction are extremely serious. One of our experienced attorneys will be happy to speak with you and answer your questions about what you could be facing.