Understanding Assault Charges

Assault Defense Attorney in Colorado

An assault allegation can place your freedom, reputation, employment, firearm rights, family relationships, and immigration status at risk. Even when no serious injury occurred, an arrest or criminal charge can create immediate and long-term consequences.

Assault cases often develop quickly and may involve conflicting statements, self-defense claims, incomplete evidence, domestic relationships, alcohol, witnesses, or emotionally charged circumstances.

At Marinoff & Associates, P.C., we represent individuals facing assault allegations throughout Colorado. We carefully review the facts, protect our clients’ constitutional rights, and develop a defense strategy based on the evidence and circumstances of each case.

What Is Assault?

Assault generally involves an allegation that someone intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly caused bodily injury to another person. The seriousness of a charge may depend on factors such as:

• The extent of the alleged injury

• Whether a weapon was allegedly involved

• The intent claimed by prosecutors

• The identity of the alleged victim

• Whether domestic violence is alleged

• Whether the incident involved self-defense

• The accused person’s criminal history

• Whether additional offenses are charged

Assault allegations may range from misdemeanor-level accusations to serious felony charges.

Investigating the Allegations

We can examine:

• Police reports

• Body-camera and surveillance footage

• Photographs and medical records

• Witness statements

• Text messages and social-media communications

• 911 calls

• Location and timing evidence

• Prior interactions between the parties

Assault cases often depend on credibility and context. A detailed investigation may reveal inconsistencies, missing evidence, exaggerations, or facts supporting a lawful defense.

Evaluating Self-Defense

A person may have the right to use reasonable force to protect themselves or another person under certain circumstances.

A self-defense analysis may consider:

• Who initiated the confrontation

• Whether there was an immediate threat

• Whether the response was reasonable

• Whether the accused attempted to withdraw

• The relative size, strength, or number of people involved

• Whether a weapon was present

• Statements and conduct before and after the incident

Self-defense claims require careful factual and legal preparation.

Protect Your Rights and Take Action

What to Do After an Assault Arrest

Do not contact the alleged victim to explain, apologize, argue, or ask that charges be dropped. Even well-intended contact may violate a protection order or create additional evidence.

You should also:

• Follow all bond and court conditions

• Preserve text messages, photographs, videos, and call records

• Identify potential witnesses

• Avoid discussing the case on social media

• Do not delete or alter evidence

• Do not attempt to influence witness testimony

• Attend every scheduled court appearance

• Contact a criminal defense attorney promptly

Can the Alleged Victim Drop the Charges?

In a criminal case, the government generally decides whether charges continue. The wishes of the alleged victim may be considered, but they do not automatically end the case.

That is why it is important to build a defense based on the evidence rather than relying on someone else to withdraw the allegations.

Domestic Violence Designations

An assault allegation involving a current or former intimate partner, co-parent, spouse, family member, or household relationship may also carry a domestic-violence designation.

That designation can affect:

• Mandatory protection orders

• Contact with family members

• Access to the home

• Parenting time

• Firearm possession

• Treatment or evaluation requirements

• Immigration matters

These cases require careful coordination between criminal and family-law concerns.