The Law Office Of Joshua P. Fink LLC
We Offer Military Discounts | Schedule Your Free Consultation

THE EXPERIENCE YOU
NEED TO GET RESULTS

What is criminal “assault” in Alaska, and what are its penalties?

Many Alaskan residents in Anchorage and elsewhere might reasonably find state law regarding criminal assault to be a bit baffling.

One in-depth overview of criminal assault in Alaska duly notes why that might be the case. It underscores that Alaskan statutory law addressing assault crimes and penalties is replete with complex definitions. Moreover, Alaska’s sentencing laws are “complicated,” and “numerous defenses apply to charges of assault.”

Loosely defined, criminal assault occurs when one individual (sometimes wantonly, sometimes in a simply reckless manner) causes physical injury to another party. An assault can occur even without injury, if a victim reasonably fears its occurrence.

Given such ambiguity, the circumstances surrounding assault can be fluid and even murky. We note on our website at the experienced Anchorage Law Office of Joshua P. Fink that, “There are many instances in which you can find yourself facing an assault charge.”

An altercation inside a bar or at a sporting event is a classic example of a common assault venue. Tempers can flare in traffic-linked altercations, in home-based family spats, at work locales and elsewhere.

This is immediately notable concerning a criminal assault in Alaska: the sentencing outcome can be severe.

In a worst-case scenario, for example, a convicted party can receive a multi-year prison term, coupled with an extensive fine and other exactions. Other outcomes include restitution payments to victims, imposed community service and probation.

The Alaskan criminal law scheme designates four categories of assault, ranging from first-degree to fourth-degree offenses. The first three classifications are felonies. The latter charge is a misdemeanor.

The penalties assessed link to the charge level and to factors that include whether a dangerous instrument was used (this can range from a gun or knife to a bottle or even an offender’s hands) and the magnitude of injuries suffered by a victim.

Questions regarding any aspect of an assault allegation or charge can be directed to a criminal defense firm with a history of strong advocacy on behalf of clients needing diligent legal representation.