Assault

Assault Attorney in Seattle

Experienced in Washington’s Degrees of Assault

In the State of Washington, degrees of Assault are classified in 1st, 2nd, & 3rd degrees (from most to least severe). First degree assaults are a class B felony & second degree is a class D felony, while third degree is a class A misdemeanor.

When faced with a charge of assault, you need a Seattle assault lawyer who has a comprehensive understanding of the minutiae of these laws to defend you from harsh penalties associated with a conviction. The criminal defense team at Hale Law Enterprises has successfully defended countless people charged with assault, many of which resulted in reduced or dropped charges. We are here to fight your charges and work toward the best possible outcome. Our team is available 24/7.


Contact us today to find out how we can fight your assault charges! Discuss your case in a FREE consultation.


There are extensive and intricate laws that describe the various categories of assault and what constitutes misdemeanors, felonies, aggravated assaults, domestic violence, and more.

First-Degree Assault

This category of assault is reserved for defendants who are accused of intentionally using a strong force or deadly weapon to create great bodily harm on the person assaulted. Great bodily harm means that the injury creates a probability of death, permanent serious disfigurement, or permanent loss of function from a body part or organ.

Second-Degree Assault

This Class B felony is very similar to first-degree assault. The only difference is the magnitude of bodily harm. A second-degree assault occurs through an intentional use of a deadly weapon or force that creates substantial bodily harm (temporary substantial disfigurement, temporary substantial loss of a bodily function or organ, or a fractured bone).

Some examples of second-degree assault are:

  • Assault to an unborn child through unlawful injury of the mother
  • Use of poison or other toxic substance
  • Torture
  • Strangulation
  • Suffocation

Remember that the prosecution must prove the defendant’s intent to commit an assault. This is where your expert Seattle assault attorney comes into play. It is crucial that you have an experienced and highly knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer to fight aggressively on your behalf.

Third-Degree Assault

Third-degree assault, a class C felony, revolves around who the defendant allegedly assaulted.

A person qualifies for a class C felony through the intentional assault of an on-duty:

  • Police or court officer
  • Transit driver, mechanic, supervisor, or operator
  • Bus driver, mechanic, or security officer
  • Firefighter
  • Peace officer
  • Court-related employee
  • Doctor, nurse, or other healthcare providers

Criminal negligence that through the use of a weapon or in a way that results in substantial bodily pain for a period of time long enough to count as suffering also classifies as a third-degree assault.

Fourth-Degree Assault

This category is a gross misdemeanor and describes an assault with the lowest amount of bodily harm. To be convicted of fourth-degree assault, the prosecution must prove that the defendant intentionally struck the person assaulted with a force or weapon with unlawful force that is harmful or offensive. Additionally, a person can be convicted of fourth-degree assault if they use unlawful force or a weapon to intentionally instill fear of injury, even if the defendant did not intend to inflict actual bodily injury.


If you or a loved one may be facing charges of assault, call (206) 207-4776 to speak to the Seattle assault lawyer at Hale Law Enterprises. Free consultations available for new clients!

LEAVE YOUR LEGAL MATTERS TO HALE LAW ENTERPRISES We'd be happy to help. Get started today by scheduling a free consultation.

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