St. Charles, IL Assault Attorneys

Dedicated Assault Lawyers Defending Clients in St. Charles, Illinois

There are many situations where you could face accusations of assault, and you do not even need to make physical contact with someone else to be charged with this offense. Even though assault is often considered a less severe offense than other violent crimes, a conviction may result in penalties such as a jail sentence and fines, as well as a permanent criminal record. If you have been accused of assault in St. Charles or Kane County, you should consult with a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney as early as possible.

At Ramsell & Kunowski, L.L.C., our lawyers have multiple decades of experience defending clients against criminal charges. We have handled many complex and high-profile matters, and we bring the same level of preparation and determination to every case, whether it involves a misdemeanor assault charge or a more serious violent crime allegation. Our firm is committed to defending the rights of our clients and helping them avoid criminal convictions whenever possible.

Understanding Assault Under Illinois Law

In Illinois, assault and battery are distinct offenses. While they are often charged together, the law treats them as separate crimes. Assault generally involves threatening someone with physical harm in a way that makes them genuinely fear they are about to be attacked. There does not need to be any actual physical contact. Battery, on the other hand, involves actual physical contact.

Common situations that may lead to assault charges include verbal threats combined with aggressive body language or swinging a fist at someone and missing. The alleged victim's perception plays a central role in these cases. Our lawyers can evaluate the credibility of a person's claims and other aspects of the situation to determine the best defense strategy.

Penalties for Assault in Illinois

Basic or simple assault is typically charged as a Class C misdemeanor, the lowest level of misdemeanor in Illinois. A conviction could result in a sentence of up to 30 days in jail, a maximum fine of $1,500, and other court-imposed conditions like probation or community service.

Certain factors can elevate a charge of assault to aggravated assault, which is a more serious offense. Aggravated assault may be charged as a Class A misdemeanor if the alleged offense took place in a public place such as a park, sports venue, church, or bar or if the alleged victim was a teacher, school employee, sports official, transit employee, or person with a disability. A Class A misdemeanor conviction can lead to a sentence of as much as one year in jail and a maximum fine of $2,500.

Aggravated assault may be considered a Class 4 felony if the alleged victim was a police officer or another first responder or if it allegedly involved the use of a firearm. Class 4 felony charges may lead to a minimum prison sentence of one year and a maximum sentence of three years, as well as fines as high as $25,000.

How Ramsell & Kunowski, L.L.C. Defends Clients Accused of Assault

Assault cases often hinge on the interpretation of events and the reliability of the testimonies provided by the parties involved or other witnesses. At Ramsell & Kunowski, L.L.C., we will work to uncover the full story behind the incident, and we will identify flaws or weaknesses in the prosecution's evidence. Our defense strategy may involve:

• Challenging the credibility of the accuser: If the alleged victim has a motive to lie about their accusations, or if they have changed their story, we will expose inconsistencies in their statements.
• Arguing lack of intent: Assault charges must be based on a person's intentional actions. We may be able to show that our client's actions were accidental or that their intent was misunderstood.
• Demonstrating no reasonable apprehension: If the alleged victim was not placed in actual fear, or if the alleged threat was not credible, we may argue that the accusations do not meet the criteria for assault.
• Self-defense or defense of others: In some situations, a person may be legally justified in acting in a way that appears threatening if they were attempting to protect themselves or someone else from harm.
• False accusations or mistaken identity: Especially in heated disputes, it is not uncommon for a person to falsely accuse someone else of threatening behavior. Our attorneys will analyze all available video evidence, witness testimony, and other details of a case to dispute unfounded claims.

Contact Our St. Charles Assault Defense Lawyers

When facing charges of assault in St. Charles, Kane County, or other nearby areas, it is important to secure legal representation from an experienced lawyer. The St. Charles assault attorneys at Ramsell & Kunowski, L.L.C. have the knowledge and courtroom experience to successfully defend you. To arrange a free consultation, contact us today at 630-786-6062.