I've provided links to the applicable statutes below for your review.  "Serious injury" can be broadly defined and not all assault charges need to involve serious injury per se.  Anyway, I hope this helps.As for getting low or no-cost counsel, you can contact the public defenders office or legal aid and see if the person finacially qualifies for representation by them.  If not, at least ask them to refer an agency, person, firm, etc. who might take on the appeal and charge based on financial ability to pay.http://ypdcrime.com/penal.law/article160.htmhttp://ypdcrime.com/penal.law/article135.htmhttp://ypdcrime.com/penal.law/article120.htm