Third-Degree Assault
Third-Degree Assault is a Class A misdemeanor involving intentionally, recklessly, or negligently causing physical injury to another person. A conviction can result in up to one year in jail and a permanent criminal record.
NYC Assault Lawyer
Assault Lawyer Protecting Your Freedom and Reputation
Assault charges in New York City can carry serious consequences, including jail time, fines, and a permanent criminal record. When your future is on the line, you need a defense attorney who understands the stakes and builds aggressive, strategic defenses tailored to your case. Our firm stands ready to challenge the prosecution, protect your rights, and pursue the strongest possible outcome.
- Former NYC Public Defender
- All five boroughs
- Available 24/7
Leopold GrossAssault defense · Former NYC Public Defender
The charges
Understanding Assault Charges in New York
New York law recognizes multiple levels of assault, each carrying different penalties and consequences.
Second-Degree Assault
Second-Degree Assault is a felony charge involving serious physical injury, use of a deadly weapon, or assaulting protected individuals like police officers or EMTs. This Class D felony carries up to seven years in prison.
First-Degree Assault
First-Degree Assault is the most severe assault charge in New York. This Class B felony involves causing serious physical injury with a deadly weapon or with intent to cause disfiguring injury. A conviction can result in up to 25 years in prison.
Gross Law Firm challenges the evidence at every stage of your criminal defense case, examining witness statements, video footage, medical records, and police reports to build the strongest possible defense against your charges.
Defense strategies
Common Assault Charges Defense Strategies
Assault prosecutions must prove every element beyond reasonable doubt. Gross Law Firm examines every angle to find weaknesses and build your defense.
Self Defense
New York law allows reasonable force to protect yourself from imminent harm. Gross Law Firm presents evidence supporting your right to self-protection.
Mistaken Identity
In chaotic situations, witnesses often identify the wrong person. Gross Law Firm investigates alibi evidence and surveillance footage to expose misidentification.
Defense of Others
You have the legal right to use reasonable force to protect another person from harm.
Insufficient Evidence
Gross Law Firm scrutinizes every piece of evidence, identifying weaknesses, inconsistencies, and gaps in the state's case.
Lack of Intent
Many assault charges require proof of intentional conduct. If your actions were accidental, Gross Law Firm challenges the prosecution's ability to prove intent.
False Accusations
Domestic disputes, custody battles, and personal conflicts sometimes lead to fabricated charges. Gross Law Firm has experience exposing false accusations.
Your attorney
Aggressive Defense When You’re Accused of Assault
Former NYC Public Defender with a decade of courtroom experience defending assault charges across all five boroughs. Having represented clients in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island, this background provides deep insight into how New York prosecutors build cases and how to challenge them effectively.
When you are accused of assault, the stakes can be incredibly high. A conviction can impact your freedom, employment opportunities, professional licensing, and personal reputation. With years spent advocating for individuals in high-pressure courtroom environments, this attorney understands how to protect your rights while building a strategic and aggressive defense.
When your future is on the line, you need an attorney who is prepared to fight relentlessly on your behalf. Every case is approached with careful investigation, detailed preparation, and a commitment to pursuing the best possible outcome for each client.
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Why Gross Law Firm
Why Choose Gross Law Firm
Former Public Defender
Attorneys at Gross Law Firm spent years as New York City Public Defenders, gaining firsthand knowledge of how prosecutors approach assault cases. As experienced NYC criminal lawyers, we understand their strategies and know when to take your case to trial.
A Decade of Courtroom Experience
With ten years of experience defending assault charges in New York, Gross Law Firm has the courtroom experience to handle your case with confidence.
Honest Communication, Always
Gross Law Firm keeps you informed every step of your case. We send updates promptly, explain developments clearly, and never sugarcoat your situation.
Direct Access to Us
When you call Gross Law Firm, you reach a real attorney, not an answering service. Your criminal defense case is too important to be shuffled around.
Available When You Need Them
Assault arrests don't follow business hours. Gross Law Firm is available 24/7 because we understand that an arrest at 2 AM still needs immediate attention.
Client-Focused Defense Strategy
Every criminal case is different. Gross Law Firm takes time to understand your specific situation, your goals, and your concerns, then builds a defense strategy tailored to you.
Time matters
Accused of Assault in New York City?
An assault charge in New York City can upend your life overnight. Your job could be at risk. Professional licenses might be threatened. Your reputation is on the line. If you’re not a U.S. citizen, a conviction could lead to deportation.
Gross Law Firm understands the stakes. As former New York City Public Defenders, our attorneys spent years defending people accused of assault in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island courtrooms. We know how prosecutors build assault cases, and more importantly, we know how to dismantle them.
If you’ve been arrested for assault or believe you’re under investigation, time matters. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget details. The prosecution starts building its case immediately. You need an experienced NYC assault lawyer who will fight for you from day one.
Beyond the sentence
Conviction Consequences
A conviction follows you long after a case ends. These are the stakes we fight to protect.
Employment
A violent crime conviction can disqualify you from job opportunities in education, healthcare, finance, and government sectors.
Professional Licenses
An assault conviction can result in license suspension or revocation for medical, legal, real estate, and financial professionals.
Immigration Status
Non-citizens face deportation and inadmissibility for future visa applications or citizenship.
Housing
Landlords frequently reject rental applications from individuals with violent crime convictions.
Gun Rights
An assault conviction can result in loss of your right to possess firearms.
Reputation
An assault conviction becomes part of the public record, affecting your standing in your community.
The Gross Law Firm fights to protect not just your freedom, but your future. He works toward case dismissal, charge reduction, or acquittal to minimize the long-term impact on your life.
Client reviews
What Our Clients Say
“If you need a criminal defense attorney who delivers results, Leopold Gross is the attorney to call. He handled my case with professionalism, persistence, and clear communication from start to finish. Thanks to his hard work, my case was dismissed, and I walked away with no criminal record. I couldn't have asked for a better outcome and highly recommend him to anyone who needs a dedicated defense attorney who will not back off.”
“I had a criminal case in Queens that lasted about five months and was ultimately fully dismissed. Throughout the entire process, Leopold Gross was professional, thorough, and extremely attentive to every detail. He handled everything in a calm and focused manner, always making sure I understood each step along the way. In court, it was clear that he has strong experience and familiarity with the system — including the judges and staff — which gave me a lot of confidence. Most importantly, he approached my case with seriousness and dedication, and the final result speaks for itself. I highly recommend him to anyone in need of a skilled and reliable criminal defense attorney.”
“During one of the most difficult times for my life, we needed a criminal defense attorney who would truly fight. That’s exactly what we got when we retained Leopold Gross. While my family members suggested accepting a plea deal, Leo refused to take the easy route and stood by my side and fought hard for what was right, to clean my name. He was focused, relentless, and fully prepared, and the outcome proved his commitment to justice when he got the charges dropped. I highly recommend him to anyone who needs a powerful advocate in their corner.”
Reviews are from Google. They are not a guarantee, warranty, or prediction of the outcome of your case.Read all 39 reviews
If you're arrested
What to Do If You’re Arrested for Assault Crimes
Remain Silent
Do not speak to police without an attorney.
Request an Attorney
Clearly state you want to speak with a lawyer.
Do Not Resist Arrest
Physical resistance creates additional charges.
Document Everything
Write down what happened, who was present, and any witnesses.
Preserve Evidence
Save text messages, emails, photos, or videos related to the incident.
Contact Gross Immediately
The sooner we get involved, the more we can protect your rights.
Top NYC Assault Lawyer
Protect Your Future. Call Now.
An assault charge is serious, but it doesn’t have to define your future. Gross Law Firm has spent a decade defending New Yorkers accused of assault, and we’re ready to fight for you.
The consultation is free. The conversation is confidential. Your next step matters.
Serving Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, and Staten Island.
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