Source: https://www.jeffreylichtman.com/assault-cases.html
Timestamp: 2019-04-19 11:15:16+00:00

Document:
Under New York Law, the crime of assault has varying degrees. At the simplest level, Assault in the Third Degree (New York Penal Law § 120.00) is defined as when an individual intentionally causes injury to another person, such as when one person punches another in the face. There are two parts to this crime; the intent to cause injury to another and the injury sustained. In these cases, the burden falls on the prosecutor to prove beyond a reasonable doubt both elements of assault. So for example, if the person throwing the punch intends to cause harm and throws a punch, but no injury is actually caused, this would not be a completed assault but rather an attempted assault. In addition, generally in cases where assault is charged, a person is at risk of being charged with a bunch of other misdemeanor crimes as well including Menacing in the Second and Third degrees, NYPL § 120.14 and NYPL § 120. 15 and Harassment in the Second Degree, NYPL § 240.26. If an individual is convicted of some or all of these misdemeanor crimes they could be facing up to a year or potentially more in prison.
There are two possible ways to be charged with Assault in the Second Degree (New York Penal Law § 120.05): to intentionally injure another by using of a dangerous instrument or deadly weapon, or to intentionally cause serious physical injury to another person. For example if a person strikes another with a baseball bat or a beer bottle, that would be Assault in the Second Degree. Alternatively, if a person wanted to beat another badly and caused them serious injuries but did not use any weapons, that would also be Assault in the Second Degree. Serious physical injury is any physical injury where there is a risk of death, or an injury resulting in disfigurement or the loss of any bodily limb or organ.
Finally, Assault in the First Degree (New York Penal Law § 120.10) can be satisfied when a person intentionally causes serious physical injury to another by using a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument. Assault in the First Degree is charged in shooting or stabbing cases with serious injuries. If the injuries sustained are not serious, Assault in the Second Degree applies. Assault in the Second Degree is a class D felony and is punishable by up to seven years in prison. Assault in the First Degree is a class B felony and is punishable on par with charges like Attempted Murder, with potential jail sentences of up to 25 years upon conviction.
In circumstances such as a bar fight, where one person is punched or a shoving match breaks out, it is often easy to prove intent because what precipitates the physical fight is an escalating verbal dispute that very well may include threats. However, many times when assault is charged, the only actual injury caused is to the victim's ego. Whether it be a scorned lover, a former business colleague, a jealous friend or a disgruntled neighbor, words can often be taken out of context and injuries can be exaggerated or fabricated. Prosecutors are likely to take their complainant's words at face value and may look the other way at a "victim's" personal motivation or gain in alleging criminal activity against a defendant.
It is important to hire an attorney who will closely examine all the evidence and look for any biases or motives a witness may have to "fake" an injury. The New York Assault attorneys at the Law Offices of Jeffrey Lichtman are experienced in reviewing medical records to ensure that all complaints of injuries are legitimate and backed up by medical support. If we detect any hint of personal biases or gain from a prosecution witnesses, we will expose that motive through skillful and rigorous cross-examination.
The best New York, New Jersey and Connecticut criminal defense lawyers understand there are many ways to attack an Assault charge. At the Law Offices of Jeffrey Lichtman, the attorneys look at a case from every angle to ensure the best possible defense and result. Call today for a consultation on your case.

References: § 120
 § 120
 § 120
 § 240
 § 120
 § 120