Individuals charged with assault, aggravated assault, felonious assault, or assault with intent to cause great bodily harm in Michigan face serious legal consequences. These charges may result in jail or prison sentences, permanent criminal records, and long-term personal and professional consequences.
Fraiberg & Pernie represents individuals charged with violent and assault-related offenses throughout Southeastern Michigan, including Birmingham, Michigan and surrounding communities. The firm provides strategic criminal defense designed to challenge evidence, assert lawful defenses, and pursue dismissals or reduced charges whenever possible.
Under Michigan law, assault does not require physical contact. Instead, assault occurs when someone intentionally commits an act that creates a reasonable fear of immediate harm.
Battery involves physical touching that is harmful or offensive. Prosecutors often charge assault and battery together.
Michigan assault crimes are governed primarily under MCL 750.81 through MCL 750.84.
Simple Assault or Assault and Battery
Simple assault generally involves threats or minor physical contact without serious injury or weapon involvement. This offense is typically charged as a misdemeanor punishable by jail time, probation, fines, and counseling requirements.
Aggravated assault involves serious or aggravated injury but no weapon. First offenses usually remain misdemeanors; however, repeat offenses may become felonies carrying significant prison exposure.
Felonious assault occurs when a dangerous weapon such as a firearm, knife, or blunt object is allegedly used during an assault. This felony charge can result in multiple years of prison and firearm restrictions.
This felony involves intent to cause serious injury and may include strangulation or suffocation allegations. Convictions can result in substantial prison sentences and long-term criminal penalties.
• Prior criminal convictions
• Allegations involving domestic relationships
• Use of weapons
• Serious bodily injury
• Alleged victims who are healthcare professionals or vulnerable individuals
• Probation or parole status at the time of the incident
Additionally, assault convictions often result in firearm prohibitions, protective court orders, restitution obligations, and potential child custody complications.
Defense strategies depend heavily on the facts, witness testimony, physical evidence, and law enforcement conduct. Common defense approaches include:
Michigan law allows individuals to use reasonable force when facing imminent harm. Establishing lawful self-defense can result in charge dismissal or acquittal.
Accidental conduct, misunderstandings, or misinterpretations may negate criminal intent and reduce or eliminate charges.
Assault accusations sometimes arise during domestic disputes, custody conflicts, or relationship breakdowns. Defense attorneys often examine inconsistencies, credibility concerns, and lack of corroborating evidence.
Prosecutors must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Defense attorneys challenge surveillance evidence, medical reports, witness reliability, and police investigative procedures.
Illegal searches, coerced statements, or unlawful arrests may result in suppression of key evidence and case dismissal.
Digital evidence, surveillance recordings, and witness testimony may establish that the accused was not present or involved.
Assault charges and convictions can impact multiple areas of life, including:
• Employment background checks
• Professional licensing
• Housing opportunities
• Educational admissions
• Child custody and family law proceedings
• Firearm ownership rights
Early legal defense significantly improves opportunities to protect personal and professional stability.
If law enforcement contacts you regarding assault allegations:
Remain calm and respectful
Exercise your right to remain silent
Avoid contacting alleged victims or witnesses
Preserve text messages, videos, and other evidence
Contact a criminal defense attorney immediately
Early intervention allows attorneys to protect constitutional rights, preserve favorable evidence, and begin strategic defense preparation.
Criminal cases vary significantly depending on local court procedures, prosecutors, and law enforcement practices. Defense attorneys familiar with regional court systems often develop more effective case strategies and negotiation approaches.
Fraiberg & Pernie represents clients throughout Southeastern Michigan courts and provides defense strategies tailored to local prosecutorial practices and judicial proc
Yes. Assault charges may be dismissed if evidence is insufficient, constitutional violations occurred, or lawful defenses such as self-defense apply.
Some assault charges are misdemeanors, while others, such as felonious assault or assault with intent to cause great bodily harm, are felony offenses.
Many assault convictions remain permanently unless dismissed, reduced, or eligible for expungement under Michigan law.
Yes. Criminal defense attorneys analyze evidence, protect constitutional rights, negotiate with prosecutors, and represent clients at trial if necessary.
Individuals facing assault charges in Michigan should seek legal representation immediately. Early defense involvement often improves case outcomes and protects long-term personal and professional interests.
Fraiberg & Pernie provides aggressive, strategic criminal defense representation focused on protecting constitutional rights, criminal records, and future opportunities.
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Fraiberg & Pernie is a Michigan criminal defense law firm dedicated to defending individuals charged with DUI, drug crimes, assault offenses, domestic violence, white collar crimes, and other felony or misdemeanor charges. The firm represents clients throughout Oakland County, Macomb County, Wayne County, and Metro Detroit. If you need an experienced Michigan criminal defense attorney, Fraiberg & Pernie provides aggressive legal representation focused on protecting your freedom, record, and future.