Free Consultation

Aggravated Assault Lawyer Peoria

At Schierer & Ritchie, LLC, we defend clients facing aggravated assault charges throughout Peoria and central Illinois.

When you’re facing aggravated assault charges in Illinois, the consequences can be severe. A conviction could mean years in prison, hefty fines, and a permanent criminal record that impacts your future.

At Schierer & Ritchie, LLC, we understand the nuances of Illinois assault laws and how to build a strong defense strategy tailored to your case’s unique circumstances. Call today for a free consultation.

aggravated-assault-lawyer-peoria
Schierer & Ritchie, LLC
Excellent
4.9
Based on 110 reviews
review us on
Mr. Schierer and his team made my experience a breeze and did an excellent job in negotiating my plea! 10/10 would recommend them!
Response, quick and cost-effective. Would recommend them highly.
Super friendly supportive staff who were very patient with all questions, Cannot say how helpful and Informative everyone was. I definitely recommend this place.
Great experience explained our case in detail. Highly recomended
I called them in January for a claim and 8 months of them working hard I received a check highly recommended
Excellent lawyer. Professional, great communication. Went above and beyond and finished the case up wonderfully. Thank you!
Response from the owner: Thank you for those kind words. So nice to meet you and your family. Happy to help.
My wife and I had a great experience using Schierer and Ritchie. They were very professional and responsive from day one, and all the way until the end. There were multiple instances where Brandon, Stacy, and Mr. Schierer went above and beyond to represent us. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this great firm to anyone looking for top quality personal injury representation.
Chuck is very knowledgeable and attentive to his clients. Great experience.
js_loader

Definition and Legal Context

Aggravated assault is generally defined as an intentional act that creates an apprehension of imminent harmful or offensive contact with another person, combined with aggravating factors that increase the severity of the crime. While simple assault is typically classified as a misdemeanor, aggravated assault is usually charged as a felony due to its more severe nature. The specific charges and penalties depend on factors like the alleged use of a weapon, the identity of the victim, and the defendant’s criminal history.

Elements of Aggravated Assault

To constitute aggravated assault, several elements must typically be present:

  • Intent: The perpetrator must have acted to cause fear of bodily harm or inflict harm.
  • Threat or attempt: There must be a credible threat or attempt to inflict bodily harm.
  • Ability: The perpetrator must have had the apparent ability to carry out the threat.
  • Victim’s fear: The victim must have reasonably feared imminent bodily harm.
  • Aggravating factors: Specific circumstances that elevate the offense from simple assault to aggravated assault.

Aggravating Factors

Various factors can turn a simple assault into an aggravated assault. These may include:

  • Use of a deadly weapon: Employing firearms, knives, or other objects capable of causing severe injury or death.
  • Intent to commit a severe crime: Assault committed while intending to carry out another felony.
  • Status of the victim: Assaults against protected individuals such as police officers, teachers, or healthcare workers.
  • Severity of injuries: Causing serious bodily harm or disfigurement.
  • Domestic violence: Assault against a spouse, partner, or family member.
  • Hate crimes: Assaults motivated by bias against race, religion, sexual orientation, etc.
  • Age or vulnerability of the victim: Assaults against children, elderly, or disabled individuals.

Legal Consequences

Aggravated assault is typically charged as a felony, carrying severe penalties that may include:

  • Lengthy prison sentences: Depending on jurisdiction and circumstances, sentences can range from 1 to 20 years or more.
  • Substantial fines: Often ranging from thousands to tens of thousands of dollars.
  • Probation: Extended periods of supervision following incarceration.
  • Mandatory counseling or anger management programs.
  • Restitution to the victim.
  • Loss of certain rights: for example, owning firearms or voting (in some jurisdictions).
  • Permanent criminal record: affecting future employment and housing opportunities.
criminal-defense-lawyer-peoria

Our goal is always to get charges reduced or dismissed when possible. We’ll negotiate aggressively if a plea bargain is in your best interest. And if your case goes to trial, you can count on our skilled litigators to present a compelling defense to the jury.

Don’t face aggravated assault charges alone. Contact Schierer & Ritchie, LLC today for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn how we can help protect your future.