Violent Crime
Defense Attorney
Queens, NY

Jeffrey D. Cohen handles a wide range of violent crime cases, with a particular emphasis on felony assault, which can lead to severe sentencing if convicted. This may involve extended jail terms and substantial fines, underscoring the critical importance of retaining a skilled attorney to navigate these potential penalties.

He is also adept at representing individuals accused of misdemeanor assault.

While less severe than its felony counterpart, a misdemeanor assault charge can still have significant repercussions on your professional, social, and financial standing.

Additionally, Jeffrey D. Cohen provides legal counsel for cases involving kidnapping, an issue often fraught with political sensitivity and subjectivity in judgments. With an in-depth understanding of New York laws in this domain, he leverages this expertise to construct a robust defense tailored to your specific circumstances.

Assault Crime Statutes per New York Law 2023

First or Second Degree Felony Assault falls under New York Penal Law §§ 120.05 and 120.10. This type of assault involves intentionally or recklessly causing physical injury to another person. The severity of the offense varies, ranging from a class D to B violent felony, depending on factors such as weapon usage, victim’s age, location, offender’s age, injury extent, and the offender’s intent.

Reckless Assault of a Child pertains to cases where an individual 18 years or older recklessly inflicts serious brain injury upon a child below five years old by means of shaking, slamming, or impacting the child’s head against a solid surface or object.

Gang Assault charges can be categorized into First and Second Degrees, governed by New York Penal Law §§ 120.07 and 120.06, respectively. First Degree Gang Assault transpires when a person, aided by two or more individuals who are physically present, intentionally inflicts serious physical injury upon another person or a third party. In contrast, Second Degree Gang Assault necessitates physical injury, without the requirement of serious physical harm.

According to the law (Penal Law § 10.00[9]), ‘physical injury’ encompasses impairment of physical condition or substantial pain, while ‘serious physical injury’ (Penal Law § 10.00[10]) denotes physical harm that poses a significant risk of death, leads to death, or results in serious and prolonged disfigurement. Notably, Gang Assault in the First and Second Degrees are classified as class B and C violent felonies, respectively.

Assault in the Third Degree, as outlined in New York Penal Law § 120.00, is deemed a class A misdemeanor. This charge arises when an individual intentionally, recklessly, or negligently causes physical injury to another person using a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument. Typically, Assault in the Third Degree is invoked in scenarios like fistfights or domestic disputes.