Potential Defense Strategies When Charged with Assault

 Posted on February 12, 2024 in Violent Crimes

Being charged with a violent crime like assault in Illinois can be a frightening thing, especially for those without experience dealing with the criminal justice system. However, even when charged with a violent crime, it is important to understand and take advantage of the various defense strategies that may be used to help fight and possibly defeat the charges you are facing. Contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer to ensure you have the legal guidance of a professional with experience defending clients against charges related to violent crime.

Here Are Defense Strategies to Be Aware Of

1. Self-defense – Of course, when dealing with an assault charge, one of the most common defenses is self-defense. If you can establish that you acted in self-defense, meaning you reasonably believed that you were in imminent danger of harm, you may be able to have the charges against you reduced or dismissed. To pursue this line of defense, it will be essential you provide evidence, such as witness testimonies or video footage, to support your claim. Additionally, demonstrating that your use of force was proportionate to the threat you were facing is something that can help strengthen your defense.

2. Lack of intent – Another defense strategy is to argue that you did not have the intent to cause harm. Assault charges typically require proof that you acted intentionally to cause bodily harm or fear in the victim. If you can present evidence suggesting that your actions were accidental or that you lacked the necessary intent, it may weaken the prosecution’s case against you. Evidence supporting this, such as witness statements, surveillance footage, or professional testimonies, can be helpful in establishing your lack of intent

3. Alibi – An alibi defense involves proving that you were not present at the scene of the alleged assault when it occurred. Providing credible evidence, such as witness testimonies or digital records, can help establish your whereabouts during the incident

Contact Our Naperville, IL Assault Defense Attorney

When charged with assault, exploring all potential defense strategies to protect your rights and build a strong case is crucial. To do this, you will need to contact an attorney who will aggressively defend your rights against the prosecution, ensuring you have the legal assistance you need to defend yourself effectively. Contact our experienced DuPage County, IL assault defense lawyer with Appelman Law LLC. Call 630-717-7801 for a free consultation today.