An assault charge can put your freedom and employment at risk, even before you fully un derstand the potential consequences. Michigan assault offenses range from misdemeanors to felonies that can carry years in prison, and the most serious charge can carry life imprisonment.
Attorney Matthew L. Norwood has defended people facing criminal charges in Michigan since 2002. As an experienced assault defense attorney, he handles misdemeanor and felony cases with direct attention from the first court appearance through trial when necessary.
Assault charges in Michigan can range from lower-level misdemeanors to serious felonies carrying years of imprisonment. The charge can depend on the alleged conduct and the intent the prosecution claims it can prove. Other factors may include the relationship between the people involved, the use of a weapon, or the extent of an alleged injury.
Simple assault is one of the most common assault charges. A conviction can carry up to 93 days in jail and a fine of up to $500. It can also leave a criminal conviction that may appear on background checks unless the record later qualifies for relief under Michigan law.
Domestic assault generally involves alleged assaultive conduct against a spouse, former spouse, dating partner, co-parent, or someone who lives or previously lived in the same household. A first offense may carry up to 93 days in jail and a $500 fine. Qualifying prior convictions can increase the penalties for a later offense. Depending on the person’s prior record, the charge can eventually become a felony carrying up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000. Confirm penalty figures with Attorney Norwood before publication.
An aggravated assault charge may apply when the alleged incident causes a serious or aggravated injury, including an injury requiring immediate medical attention or resulting in impairment or disfigurement. A conviction can carry up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.
Felonious assault, also known as assault with a dangerous weapon, is a felony charge involving the alleged use of a gun, knife, or another dangerous weapon. A standard felonious assault conviction can carry up to four years in prison and a fine of up to $2,000. Different penalties can apply in circumstances such as an offense committed in a weapon-free school zone.
Assault with intent to cause great bodily harm is a felony involving an allegation that someone intended to cause serious physical injury. A conviction can carry up to 10 years in prison or a fine of up to $5,000, or both. The charge focuses on the alleged intent to cause great bodily harm, so an actual completed injury is not necessarily required.
Assault with intent to commit murder is among the most serious assault offenses prosecuted in Michigan. A conviction can result in life imprisonment or a term of years. Early review of the evidence becomes especially important when the charge carries that level of exposure.
When a person allegedly carries or possesses a firearm while committing or attempting to commit a qualifying felony assault, prosecutors may also pursue a separate felony-firearm charge. That additional charge can carry a mandatory two-year prison sentence served consecutively to the sentence for the underlying felony. In practical terms, the additional sentence may be imposed on top of the punishment associated with the assault conviction.
Every assault case depends on its specific facts and evidence. Attorney Norwood reviews each allegation closely to identify the defenses that may apply and to assess how the prosecution is building its case.
Depending on the facts, potential defenses may include self-defense or defense of another person. Attorney Norwood may also examine whether the prosecution can prove the required intent, whether an accusation is reliable, and whether police obtained evidence lawfully.
The defense strategy must reflect what happened, what the prosecution can prove, and whether the evidence was collected and handled lawfully.
The impact of an assault conviction can continue well after the court process ends. A felony conviction can create employment problems, especially when a position requires bonding. A criminal record may also appear during employment background checks. Separately, a sentence may include probation or fines.
Depending on the circumstances, there may also be consequences for child custody or immigration status, and criminal allegations can attract attention from local news outlets. These wider effects make the impact on work, family, and future opportunities an important part of what is at stake.
When you hire Attorney Matthew L. Norwood, you work directly with the attorney handling your case. Your defense does not get passed to a junior associate.
Attorney Norwood has represented people in Michigan criminal courts since 2002. His downtown Flint office sits directly across from the Genesee County courts, and he handles cases from the first appearance through motions and jury trial when needed.
For someone facing an assault charge in Flint, that means one attorney can stay closely involved as the case develops.
Simple assault is generally charged as a misdemeanor, while felonious assault is a felony involving the alleged use of a dangerous weapon such as a firearm or knife. The potential penalties become significantly more serious at the felony level. See the Assault Charges in Michigan section above for more detail.
Yes. An assault allegation does not always require proof that someone suffered a physical injury. Michigan assault cases can involve an alleged attempt or threat to cause harm, depending on the facts and the specific charge.
Attorney Matthew L. Norwood has practiced criminal defense in Michigan since 2002 and represents clients facing both misdemeanor and felony criminal allegations.
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If you are facing an assault charge, getting the facts and evidence reviewed early can help clarify what you are up against. Get your case reviewed directly by Attorney Matthew L. Norwood.
