Michigan Assault Charge Criminal Defense Lawyers

Assault Charges Are Serious. You Need Michigan’s Fiercest Criminal Defense Team.

If you or a loved one is facing assault charges in Michigan, the stakes are high—your freedom, future, and reputation are on the line. At the Law Offices of Barton Morris, we’ve been defending clients accused of violent crimes for 25+ years. We know these cases are emotionally charged and often misunderstood. Our team is here to uncover the truth, protect your rights, and build the strongest possible defense.

Contact our Michigan assault defense attorneys now for a free consultation.

man handcuffed being led to cop car by policeman arrested on assault charges

Understanding Assault Charges in Michigan

In Michigan, assault generally refers to threatening or attempting to cause harm to another person, while battery involves actual physical contact. These charges often stem from one person’s word against another’s—and prosecutors tend to side with the alleged victim.

But the truth isn’t always clear-cut.

We go beyond the police reports to uncover your side of the story. Our independent investigations look into the facts, the people involved, and the full context of the incident—because your defense deserves more than just a surface-level review.

Types of Assault Cases We Handle

Our assault attorneys can help with most assault-related cases, including:

Simple Assault and Battery – Even minor physical contact without permission
Domestic Violence – Assault involving family or household members
Felonious Assault – Assault with a dangerous weapon
Assault w/ Intent to Commit Great Bodily Harm Less Than Murder – Attempting to cause serious injury
Assault w/ Intent to Commit Murder – Attempted murder
Aggravated Stalking – Continuing harassment that escalates in severity
Strangulation – Assault involving choking or suffocation
Unlawful Internet Posting – Online harassment without consent

Felonious Assault Defense in Michigan

Felonious assault occurs when a person uses or threatens to use a weapon like a gun, knife, or blunt object during an assault. Even pointing a knife or gun can qualify—actual injury isn’t required.

Elements of Felonious Assault

The prosecutor must prove each of these elements beyond a reasonable doubt:

You either attempted to commit a battery or did something that would cause a reasonable person to fear an immediate battery
You intended to either injure another person or make them fear harm
You had the ability to commit a battery, appeared to have the ability, or thought you had the ability
You committed the assault while using a dangerous weapon

Penalties if convicted:

Up to 4 years in prison
Fines up to $6,000
150 hours of community service

two policemen arresting man for assault and placing him cop car

man threatening another man with knife, assault with deadly weapon

Assault With Intent to Commit Great Bodily Harm

Assault with Intent to Commit Great Bodily Harm (GBH) Less Than Murder is a serious felony. For a conviction, the prosecutor must prove beyond a reasonable doubt:

You attempted to physically injure another person
You had the ability to cause the injury (or the plaintiff believed you had that ability)
You intended to cause great bodily harm

Penalty:

Up to 10 years in prison and
$6,000 in fines

Assault With Intent to Commit Murder

Assault with the intent to commit murder, also known as attempted murder, is a felony punishable by up to life in prison. To secure a conviction, the prosecution must prove:

You tried to harm another individual physically
When you tried to harm the individual, you either had the ability to injure them or believed you did
You had the intention of killing the individual

Penalties if convicted:

Up to life in prison

These cases demand a trial-tested defense team with experience fighting complex and emotionally charged allegations.

Facing felony charges for assault or attempted murder? Call our defense team now.

close up of a person's hands gripping and holding another person's wrists down on the ground assault

man hiding in home with gun ready with shadow of man stalking him

Aggravated Stalking Defense

Stalking is willful and continuing harassment of another person, which causes a reasonable person to feel molested, harassed, threatened, intimidated, frightened, or terrorized. It becomes aggravated stalking in Michigan when at least one of these factors is present:

The defendant’s acts violate a court order
The defendant has been previously convicted of stalking
The defendant threatens to kill or physically harm the victim or a member of the victim’s family
The victim is less than 18 years old, and the defendant is at least five years older than the victim

Penalty:

Up to 5 years in prison and
Up to $10,000 in fines
Lifetime probation possible in severe cases

Unlawful Internet Posting

Posting messages online without someone’s consent—especially those that cause fear or harassment—can result in felony charges.

If the post leads to two or more unwanted contacts or violates a protective order, charges escalate significantly.

Penalties if convicted:

Up to 2 years in prison
Fines up to $10,000

man sitting with laptop with phishing scam alert on screen

Legal Defenses for Assault Charges in Michigan

Self-Defense Strategy

Self-defense is a powerful and valid legal defense in many assault cases. Importantly, the prosecution must prove you were NOT acting in self-defense—and police reports often lack this nuance.

That’s why we act fast to conduct our own investigation, gather evidence, and interview witnesses.

Firearm-Related Assault Cases

Just pointing a gun or brandishing a firearm—without pulling the trigger—can be charged as felonious assault. It may also trigger a separate felony firearm possession charge, which carries an automatic 2-year prison term if convicted.

We’ve successfully defended dozens of firearm-related assault cases and know how to uncover overlooked evidence that supports your case.

Misperception in Assault Cases

Many assault cases occur because of misperception. If a victim perceives or even misperceives being in fear of an assault, that can lead to criminal charges that may not be valid. Actual physical contact is not necessary for assault charges, which is why thorough investigation is critical.

Why Choose The Law Offices of Barton Morris for Your Assault Defense

Comprehensive Case Analysis

Our attorneys work as a team to thoroughly investigate your case, ensuring that all legal options are understood and explored. We recognize how intimidating this process can be, and we’re always available for our clients.

Experienced and Qualified Attorneys

With 25+ years of experience practicing criminal law, our team has defended numerous people accused of assault-related crimes. We have obtained significant experience and many successful jury trial verdicts. Our approach focuses on thorough investigation and understanding all parties’ points of view, especially our clients’.

High Success Rate

Our success rate in defending clients charged with assault is very high. We define success as results where our clients are happy and where we have met or exceeded expectations. Sometimes that’s winning completely outright, other times it’s securing a favorable plea bargain. Our high number of positive Google reviews evidences our record of success.

Unique Forensic Expertise

Barton Morris is the only lawyer in Michigan certified by the American Chemical Society as a “Forensic Lawyer-Scientist.” This designation means he has in-depth knowledge of how to attack the prosecution’s forensic evidence against you.

Don’t wait. The sooner we start building your defense, the stronger it will be.

Frequently Asked Questions About Assault Charges

What’s the difference between assault and battery in Michigan?

In Michigan, assault is the threat or attempt to cause harm, while battery involves actual physical contact. Many cases involve both, which is why the term “assault and battery” is common.

Can I be charged with assault even if I didn’t hit anyone?

Yes. Michigan law allows assault charges if you intentionally put someone in fear of immediate harm—even if no physical contact occurred.

What should I do if I’ve been falsely accused of assault?

Contact a criminal defense attorney immediately. Do not speak to police without legal counsel. False accusations can often be disproven with witness statements, video evidence, or other investigative findings.

Will I go to jail for a first-time assault offense?

It depends. Some misdemeanor charges may result in probation or fines, especially if you have no prior record. Felony assault or use of a weapon greatly increases the risk of jail or prison time.

Can assault charges be dropped by the victim?

No. Once charges are filed, only the prosecutor has the authority to drop them. However, if the victim recants or refuses to testify, it may influence the case outcome.

Is self-defense a valid defense for assault charges in Michigan?

Yes. If you believed you were in danger and used reasonable force to protect yourself or others, self-defense can be a strong legal argument. The prosecution must prove you were not acting in self-defense.

What happens if a weapon was involved in the alleged assault?

The presence of a weapon can elevate charges to felonious assault, even if no one was injured. If convicted, you may face prison time and additional firearm-related charges.

Can assault charges affect my job or professional license?

Yes. A felony or even a misdemeanor assault conviction can impact employment, security clearance, or licensing for healthcare, legal, or government professionals.

How much does it cost to hire an assault defense attorney?

Costs vary based on the complexity of the case. During your free consultation, we’ll review your case and provide a transparent breakdown of expected legal fees.

How long does it take to resolve an assault case in Michigan?

Cases can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the evidence, whether it goes to trial, and court scheduling. Early intervention by a skilled attorney can sometimes speed up the process or lead to better plea options.

Contact Our Michigan Assault Defense Attorneys Today

If you’re facing assault charges in Michigan, don’t wait to get the legal representation you need. The Law Offices of Barton Morris has the experience, knowledge, and dedication to fight for your rights and pursue the best possible outcome for your case.

Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn how we can help you navigate this challenging time.

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