Were you accused of assaulting someone on a college campus in Lexington, Kentucky? Contact Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers at (859) 569-4014 to discuss your case. A Lexington campus assault defense attorney can protect your rights and help you respond to both criminal charges and school disciplinary proceedings.
Our attorneys have 100+ years of combined experience. Our legal team includes former police officers and prosecutors who understand how assault investigations are conducted and how the government may build its case.
How Can Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers Help If You’re Accused of Campus Assault in Lexington, KY?
A campus assault allegation in Lexington, KY, can place your education, freedom, and future at risk. Even before your criminal case is resolved, your school may restrict your access to campus, remove you from student housing, or begin disciplinary proceedings. In cases of sexual assault allegations, you may also face a university Title IX investigation.
At Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers, we understand the seriousness of these cases, especially for college students. Members of our legal team have been recognized by The National Trial Lawyers Top 100, Super Lawyers, and Avvo, where attorneys have received ratings as high as 10.0.
When you hire our Lexington criminal defense lawyers, we can:
- Investigate the incident and identify potential witnesses
- Review police reports, videos, photographs, and electronic messages
- Examine whether officers followed proper search and arrest procedures
- Challenge unreliable or inconsistent accusations
- Present evidence supporting self-defense or another legal defense
- Communicate with prosecutors on your behalf
- Prepare your case for trial when necessary
Our Lexington campus assault defense attorneys can explain your options and help you make informed decisions at every stage of the case. Contact us today to schedule a confidential consultation.
What Is Campus Assault Under Kentucky Law?
Kentucky does not have a separate criminal offense called “campus assault.” Instead, an incident occurring at a college or university may be prosecuted under the state’s general assault statutes.
The specific charge depends on factors such as:
- The accused person’s alleged intent
- The extent of the other person’s injuries
- Whether a weapon or a dangerous instrument was allegedly used
- Whether the conduct was intentional, wanton, or reckless
- The identity or occupation of the alleged victim
Campus assault cases may involve two separate proceedings: a criminal prosecution and a university disciplinary matter. These proceedings can follow different rules, use different standards, and result in separate consequences.
Our legal team can help you understand your specific charges and which laws may apply.
What Are the Degrees of Assault in Kentucky?
Kentucky divides assault into several degrees. The level of the charge generally depends on the severity of the injury, the accused person’s mental state, and whether a weapon or dangerous instrument was involved.
Assault in the Fourth Degree
A person may be charged with fourth-degree assault for intentionally or wantonly causing physical injury. The charge may also apply when someone recklessly causes physical injury with a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument.
Fourth-degree assault is generally a Class A misdemeanor.
Assault in the Second Degree
Second-degree assault is a Class C felony and may be charged when someone intentionally causes serious physical injury. It can also apply when a person intentionally causes physical injury with a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument, or wantonly causes serious physical injury using one.
Assault in the First Degree
First-degree assault is a Class B felony and may involve intentionally causing serious physical injury with a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument. It can also involve wanton conduct that shows extreme indifference to human life, creates a grave risk of death, and causes serious physical injury.
What Are the Penalties for Campus Assault in Lexington, Kentucky?
The potential punishment depends on the degree of assault and the facts of the case. A Class A misdemeanor can result in a jail sentence, while felony assault convictions can lead to years in prison.
Kentucky’s authorized felony sentencing ranges generally include:
- Five to 10 years for a Class C felony
- Ten to 20 years for a Class B felony
A conviction may also result in fines, court costs, probation conditions, restitution, and restrictions on firearm possession.
Students may face additional educational consequences. These can include removal from campus housing, loss of scholarships or athletic opportunities, suspension, expulsion, and difficulty transferring to another institution.
A lawyer from our firm can help you understand both the criminal and academic consequences you may be facing.
What Defenses Can Be Raised Against a Lexington Campus Assault Charge?
The appropriate defense depends on the evidence and circumstances.
Potential defenses include:
- Self-defense: You reasonably believed force was necessary to protect yourself from another person’s imminent unlawful force.
- Defense of another person: You acted to protect someone else from unlawful physical force.
- Lack of intent: The prosecution cannot prove the mental state required for the charged offense.
- Misidentification: Witnesses mistakenly identified you as the person involved.
- Accident: The injury occurred accidentally rather than through criminal conduct.
- Insufficient evidence: Videos, witness accounts, or medical records do not support the accusation.
- False or exaggerated allegations: The accusation arose from anger, retaliation, or a misunderstanding.
Kentucky law recognizes the justified use of physical force under qualifying circumstances. However, those defenses have important limits and require a careful review of the facts. A Lexington criminal defense attorney can help determine which defense strategy fits best with the facts of your case.
Contact a Lexington Campus Assault Defense Attorney for a Free Consultation Today
A campus assault allegation can threaten your education, reputation, and freedom. Taking action early may give your attorney more time to preserve evidence, interview witnesses, and identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
Contact Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers to schedule a confidential consultation today. Our Lexington campus assault defense lawyers are ready to review the allegations, explain your options, and build a defense tailored to your circumstances.