Would you believe it if we told you that just one conviction could significantly decrease your wages for the duration of your life? While most people don’t realize it, even one conviction can lead to life-long consequences.

If you’ve recently been charged with assault with a deadly weapon, then it’s important to understand the potential penalties you could face. Learn all about the top five penalties you could face in Riverside if you get convicted below.  

Penalties Associated With Assault With a Deadly Weapons Charges in CA

1. Imprisonment

If you’re convicted of assault with a deadly weapon in Riverside, then you’ll likely get sentenced to serve some time behind bars. The amount of time you’re imprisoned hinges on the severity of your charges, though. Per California Law, an assault with a deadly weapon charge could be issued as either a misdemeanor or a felony.

If you’re charged with misdemeanor assault with a deadly weapon, you could be sentenced to up to one year in county jail. If you’re convicted of a felony, then you could face up to four years in state prison! 

2. Financial Fines

Imprisonment isn’t the only criminal consequence you’ll need to contend with after a conviction. You’ll also be expected to pay significant criminal fines as well. For misdemeanor charges, you’ll likely need to pay up to $1,000. For felony charges, you can expect to pay up to $10,000.

These fines are difficult to contend with if you’re dealing with imprisonment and a loss of income. Once you’re out of jail, though, don’t expect those fines to disappear. Technically, your criminal sentence won’t end until you’ve paid off these fines in full.  

3. Probation Period

Once your imprisonment term is over, expect to serve out a significant amount of time on probation, too. While you’ll no longer be behind bars, you’ll still face so many restrictions. You’ll need to meet with your probation officer on a regular basis, maintain steady employment, have stable housing, and remain in a specific geographical area.

Depending on the terms of your probation, you might have other restrictions, too. You’ll be expected to uphold all these terms. If you fail to meet the terms of your probation, then you could get hit with an additional criminal charge and get sent back to jail.  

4. Consequences of a Felony Conviction

If you get convicted of felony assault with a deadly weapon, then the immediate criminal consequences won’t be the only penalties you’ll have to face. A felony conviction comes with life-long consequences that can limit your future opportunities. Some of the penalties associated with felony convictions include:

• Loss of the right to own or possess a firearm
• Loss of the right to vote or run for political office
• Loss of the right to apply for certain federal assistance programs
• Limited housing opportunities
• Limited employment opportunities

While it is possible to potentially regain these rights later in life, it will take a lot of time and effort on your part to complete the necessary requirements to do so.

5. Potential Civil Penalties

As if the criminal consequences of assault with a deadly weapon weren’t harsh enough, you could also face additional civil penalties, too. It’s up to the alleged victim in your case to pursue this type of recourse if they so choose. That party can seek out a civil lawsuit against you where they request compensation for their medical bills, lost income, and other losses associated with your criminal actions. Unfortunately, a criminal conviction can get used as evidence against you in civil court. It makes a ruling in the other party’s favor much more likely.

If the other party’s case against you is successful, then you’ll be legally liable for the fallout of the assault. The settlement is most likely going to be significant, too.

Contact Wallin & Klarich Defense Attorneys Today

Clearly, the penalties associated with assault with a deadly weapon charge in Riverside are steep. The best way to avoid having to endure them is to avoid a conviction altogether. For the best possible legal outcome in your case, it’s advised that you utilize your right to hire a criminal defense attorney to represent you.

Here at Wallin & Klarich, we have over 40+ years of experience representing clients accused of assault with a deadly weapon in Riverside’s local court. If you need representation, then we’re prepared to help. Contact our Riverside office now to talk more about your charges.