Legal Question in Criminal Law in District of Columbia

Simple Assult Question???

1st. If this is the first time you are charged with any crime (no previous record), what are the penalties if found quilty? Basically what is the worse case scenario (ie. jail time, community service, fine??))

2nd. Is this a felony or a misdirmenor?

3rd. Is it worth seeking a private lawyer or accepting a public one?


Asked on 2/05/02, 12:38 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Michael Hendrickson Law Office Michael E. Hendrickson

Re: Simple Assult Question???

Under D.C. law there are approximately nine different types of crimes of assault, beginning with D.C. Code Sec 22-501, which is Assault with the intent to kill, rob, rape or poison. Some are misdemeanors and others are felonies. The most serious(22-501), a felony, carries with it a possible penalty of incarceration of up to 15 years.

Yes, you most definitely should have a criminal defense attorney to represent you(whether it's one you hire or the court appoints) irrespective of what kind of assault crime you are charged with, as all are jailable offenses. (That doesn't mean that you're neccessarily going to receive jail time that you must actually serve.)

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Answered on 2/05/02, 1:41 pm


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