Indianapolis Assault Lawyer
Why Choose The Assault Attorneys at The Criminal Defense Team?
The criminal offenses of assault and felony intimidation in Indiana carry serious penalties that can result in significant time behind bars. If you are facing these charges, the highly experienced criminal defense attorneys at The Criminal Defense Team of Baldwin Perry & Wiley P.C. are here to protect your rights and shield you from the harshest consequences.
Contact our criminal defense attorneys at (317) 687-8326 for a confidential consultation. We are available 24/7.
How Is Assault Defined in Indiana?
In many jurisdictions, assault is the attempt or threat to commit battery, which is the unlawful touching of another person. However, in Indiana, this offense is referred to as intimidation. This offense is typically charged as a misdemeanor, but it can be elevated to a felony when certain aggravating factors are involved. Note that if you have been charged with battery instead, contact our battery lawyers in Indianapolis today.
What Is Felony Intimidation?
Intimidation is communicating a threat with the intent to make another person engage in conduct against their will, to place another person in fear of retaliation for a previous lawful act, or to make another person evacuate a place or to interfere with their occupancy of that place. Intimidation is a Class A misdemeanor. However, the offense can rise to the level of a felony if any of the following conditions apply:
- The threat is a forcible felony.
- The alleged victim is a witness in a criminal proceeding against the defendant or their spouse or child.
- The threat is made due to the alleged victim’s occupation, profession, employment status, or ownership status or it relates to any of the above.
- The threat is made to a judicial officer, bailiff, prosecuting attorney, or deputy prosecuting attorney and the threat relates to their profession or official duties.
- The threat is committed through property belonging to a school or other government entity.
- The defendant uses or draws a deadly weapon while making the threat.
- The threat is to commit terrorism or to further an act of terrorism.
- The defendant has a prior unrelated conviction for intimidation regarding the same alleged victim.
The penalties for this offense can be harsh, so you should seek immediate legal counsel for help.
Penalties for Assault and Felony Intimidation in Indianapolis
A Class A misdemeanor is penalized by up to one year in jail and a fine up to $5,000. Felony intimidation is charged as either a Level 6 felony or Level 5 felony, depending on the circumstances. A Level 6 felony is punished by between 6 months and 2.5 years in prison, with an advisory sentence of 1 year, and a fine up to $10,000. A Level 5 felony is punished by a sentence of 1 to 6 years in prison, with an advisory sentence of 3 years, and a fine up to $10,000.
Contact a Skilled Assault Lawyer in Indianapolis for Help
If you are facing charges for assault or felony intimidation in Indiana, reach out to the Board-Certified* Criminal Trial Specialists at The Criminal Defense Team for assistance. Our highly qualified criminal defense lawyers in Indianapolis can review the charges against you, explore opportunities for resolving your case before trial, and aggressively represent you at all stages in the process. Count on our more than 110+ years of combined experience and our collaborative approach to criminal defense.
Contact our team today at (317) 687-8326 to schedule a confidential consultation.