Domestic violence charges are not as simple as they may seem on the surface. Indeed, all states, including Mississippi, have a variety of domestic violence-related charges. If you are accused of domestic violence, it is vital that you understand the different possible domestic violence-related charges. One such example is the difference between simple and aggravated assault.
What is the difference between simple and aggravated assault?
Simple domestic violence assault is the charge when someone has at least two or more priors or involves “serious bodily injury” to someone living with the individual accused, including a spouse, child, or parent. It involves assault, assault with a deadly weapon, or strangulation. Aggravated domestic violence assault is a charge brought when someone has more domestic violence charges on their record.
For criminal defense purposes, these have an array of differences, including the prosecution needing to prove different charges. Furthermore, they come with different sentences, with individuals who are found guilty of aggravated assault looking at twice as long of a jail sentence – potentially as long as twenty years. This is one of the many reasons that you should work with legal counsel who not only understands the difference but can potentially examine options that will keep you from being found guilty of aggravated assault.
All individuals have the right to a robust criminal defense, but part of that defense means that you understand what you are charged with. If you are charged with a crime, make sure you fully understand what crime you have been charged with, why you have been charged with that crime, and what the sentence may be.