In Utah, aggravated assault falls under Utah Code 76-5-103. It’s considered a serious violent offense when it involves actions like using a dangerous weapon, causing serious bodily injury, or impeding someone’s breathing or blood circulation through choking or strangulation. It’s more serious than simple assault, and depending on the circumstances, aggravated assault can be charged as a third-degree or second-degree felony, with penalties escalating significantly if the alleged victim is a law enforcement officer or if the assault results in serious harm.
Being charged with aggravated assault can have life-changing consequences, including years in prison, steep fines, a felony criminal record, and long-term damage to your personal and professional life. Our legal team recognizes the complexity and gravity of these cases and is committed to delivering a strong, strategic defense. With offices in Salt Lake City, Park City, and Tooele, we work diligently to protect your rights, challenge the prosecution’s narrative, and fight for the best possible outcome to secure your future.
Completely confident in Mr. Grayson’s knowledge, experience and ability to use good judgment for my best interest. I always felt that I was making fully informed decisions. He is an excellent communicator, incredibly patient and very responsive to my questions, needs or anything that came up. He was very dedicated to getting me the outcome that I wanted and I could not be happier with the results. Best decision I could have made for my situation.
Penalties for aggravated assault depend on the severity of the offense and the circumstances involved. Generally, aggravated assault is charged as a third-degree felony if it involves the use of a dangerous weapon or causes a substantial risk of serious bodily injury. A conviction at this level can result in up to 5 years in prison and fines of up to $5,000. If the assault causes serious bodily injury, involves choking or strangulation that impairs a person’s breathing or blood flow, or if the victim is pregnant and the defendant knew it, the charge can be a second-degree felony/ Second-degree felony charges carry a possible sentence of 1 to 15 years in prison and fines up to $10,000.
Charges can be enhanced to a first-degree felony when the victim is a law enforcement officer performing official duties and suffers serious bodily injury. These serious offenses can result in 5 years to life in prison, along with significant fines and long-term consequences.
In addition to prison time and fines, a felony conviction for aggravated assault can impact employment opportunities, child custody arrangements, housing, firearm rights, and more. Aggravated assault is considered a violent crime, so courts take these charges seriously. A conviction can follow you for life, which is why having a skilled defense attorney on your side is crucial in protecting your rights and building a strong legal defense.
Simple assault involves threats or minor physical contact, while aggravated assault involves serious harm, weapons, or dangerous force.
Yes. You can be charged even if no one was injured if you used a weapon or if your actions created a substantial risk of serious injury.
Not always. Some cases result in probation, plea deals, or reduced charges, depending on the facts and your legal defense. An experienced defense attorney can protect your rights and help minimize the consequences.
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A seasoned trial attorney, Katie has defended clients facing some of the most serious criminal charges, from drug offenses and domestic violence to sex crimes and homicide.
Mark has argued before the Utah Supreme Court and earned jury acquittals across a wide range of criminal cases, from misdemeanors to first-degree felonies.
Steven brings a methodical, analytical approach to every case, combining careful preparation with strong advocacy to build strategies that hold up in and out of the courtroom.
Cory brings broad litigation experience to every case, with a background spanning personal injury, family law, real estate, construction defect, and constitutional law.
Brad has a proven record in high-stakes criminal defense, securing jury acquittals in complex cases ranging from serious state felonies to federal charges.
