Criminal Defense: Misdemeanors: Simple Assault

The least serious assault offense under Ohio law is  the crime of “simple” Assault.   There are two ways the crime of “simple” Assault can be committed in Ohio: (1) by knowingly causing or attempting to cause physical harm to another, and (2) by recklessly causing serious physical harm to another.

Simple Assault is a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable by a sentence of up to 180 days in jail.  However, if the alleged victim of the assault is a police officer, firefighter, or emergency medical official, while in the performance of their official duties, then the offense of “simple” Assault is a felony of the fourth degree, punishable by a definite term of imprisonment of up to either 6, 12, or 18 months. 

Common defenses to the charge of “simple” Assault are:  (1) misidentification; (2) self-defense; (3) mistake; and (4) in some cases a parent may assert the defense of domestic authority, which allows a parent to use reasonable force to discipline a child.

If you are charged with assault, contact the office of Attorney Jeffrey G. Edleman in Amherst, Ohio.  We represent clients charged with simple misdemeanor assault in all municipal courts within Lorain County (Elyria, Lorain, Vermilion, Avon Lake, Oberlin) and some municipal courts outside of Lorain County.

Jeffrey G. Edleman
Attorney At Law
260 S. Main St., Suite 108
Amherst, OH 44001

T: (440) 823-4077
F: (440) 984-3338
E: JGEdleman2003@yahoo.com

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