The Four Degrees of Assault in Washington

According to Washington Criminal Code, assault is split into four separate degrees. This is based upon varying different circumstances and factors. For example, under RCW 9A.36.011 of the Washington code, assault in the first-degree could occur should a person act in a manner with intent to cause physical harm upon the alleged victim - this could include such actions such as assaulting with a deadly weapon or administering or exposing poison to the body of the victim. This would be punishable as a class A felony.

Second-degree assault, however, according to 9A.36.021 could include causing harm to an unborn child, causing pain that would be considered the equivalent of torture or even causing pain by strangulation. This is typically categorized as a class B felony, however, if there was reason to believe that there was sexual motivation, the criminal charge could be elevated to a class A felony.

The commission of a third-degree assault, under the laws outlined in 9A.36.031, can be charged in instances such as of the alleged criminal committed assault while resisting the actions of law enforcement or if the assault was committed against someone such as a transit operator or school driver, a fire department employee or law enforcement officer. Fourth-degree assault is assault that does not fall under any of the previous three degrees.

These are not the only examples of assault that can be committed, and is meant to only give an idea of the differences between the degrees. Should you be facing criminal charges of this nature, it is vastly important that no time is wasted in seeking legal counsel from a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney that you can trust to provide you with in-depth and experienced legal advice.

At Baker, Lewis, Schwisow & Laws, PLLC, we are proud to provide our clients with experienced legal representation that is grounded in years of experience in criminal law. Contact a Seattle criminal defense lawyer at our office today and we will be glad to schedule an initial case consultation so that we can begin to help you combat the charges that you are facing.