Aggravated Assault Attorney in Edmonds, WA

Felony Assault Defense Backed by Prosecutorial Experience

A felony assault charge in Edmonds can upend your life before a single hearing takes place. As a former prosecutor, I understand how the state builds these cases, what evidence Snohomish County prosecutors prioritize, and where their theories can be challenged. At Johanson Law Group, Inc., I’ve handled criminal defense for 35+ years, and I personally work every case from the first call through resolution.

The consequences of a felony assault conviction extend well beyond jail time. A permanent criminal record, loss of firearm rights, and barriers to employment and housing can follow you for decades. The window to build a meaningful defense starts closing at arrest.

If you or someone you care about is facing serious assault charges in Edmonds, call me directly at (425) 341-4347. I’m available 24/7 for confidential consultations, and se habla español.

How Washington State Charges Aggravated Assault

Washington’s criminal statutes don’t use the term “aggravated assault” as a formal charge name. Instead, the conduct people usually mean by that term is charged under felony assault offenses, most often first-degree assault or second-degree assault, depending on the facts.

First-Degree Assault

First-degree assault is a Class A felony and the most serious assault charge Washington uses for this type of conduct. It generally involves intent to cause great bodily harm and often includes a firearm, another deadly weapon, or force likely to produce death or great bodily harm. A conviction can carry a sentence of up to life in prison, along with a fine of up to $50,000.

In Washington, first-degree assault is treated as a strike offense under the Persistent Offender Accountability Act. That means a qualifying conviction can have consequences far beyond the immediate sentence, especially if there are prior serious offenses on your record.

Second-Degree Assault

Second-degree assault is a Class B felony and is also treated seriously by prosecutors in Edmonds and throughout Snohomish County. It can involve substantial bodily harm, assault with a deadly weapon, strangulation or suffocation, assault that occurs while committing another felony, or other conduct the state says supports a felony charge. The potential sentence can reach up to 10 years in prison, with fines up to $20,000.

Washington also allows sentence enhancements when a deadly weapon is involved, which can increase exposure beyond the base range. That’s one reason it’s important to evaluate the charging documents carefully from the outset.

Why My Background Matters in a Felony Assault Case

When I defend an aggravated assault charge in Edmonds, my prosecutorial background gives me a working knowledge of how the state approaches these cases from the inside. I know how prosecutors assess injury claims, decide which degree to charge, and present the narrative they want a judge or jury to believe. That perspective can make a difference when a case turns on facts, force, weapon allegations, or the level of injury the state says occurred.

I also handle every case personally, so you’re not passed from one person to another after the first meeting. From the beginning, I focus on the evidence, the charging theory, and the specific risks that come with a felony conviction. Clients receive the benefit of direct attorney attention and a defense approach shaped by more than 35 years of practice.

My work spans state and federal matters, and I’ve built a practice around careful preparation and steady advocacy. I aim to give you practical guidance while I pursue the best available path forward based on the facts, the evidence, and the court involved.

How I Defend Aggravated Assault Charges in Edmonds

Every case starts with a close review of the police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and any available video or medical records. I look for weaknesses in the state’s proof and evaluate whether the facts support the degree charged. In many cases, the defense turns on whether the prosecution can actually prove each required element beyond a reasonable doubt.

Challenging the State’s Theory

In Washington aggravated assault cases, I may raise self-defense or defense of others under RCW 9A.16.020, dispute whether the injuries meet the legal threshold for the charged offense, contest intent, or challenge the use or characterization of a weapon. I also examine whether the arrest, search, or evidence collection complied with the law and whether the witnesses are reliable.

That type of analysis can be especially important when the state’s version of events is built on conflicting statements or injuries that don’t match the charge. When the evidence is strong, I also evaluate whether a negotiated reduction to a lesser offense may better protect you from the harshest felony consequences.

Court Process in Snohomish County

If your case was filed after an arrest in Edmonds, it may proceed in Snohomish County Superior Court in Everett. Arraignment and other pretrial hearings can move quickly, and early decisions about release conditions, evidence preservation, and charging issues may shape the rest of the case.

For that reason, I encourage you to act quickly after an arrest. The earlier I can review the file and begin building a defense, the more options may be available.

Why Clients Choose Johanson Law Group, Inc.

Clients choose Johanson Law Group, Inc. because I bring direct experience, personal attention, and a defense strategy tailored to each case. I don’t delegate your matter to an associate and then step away. I stay involved from start to finish and focus on protecting your rights at every stage of the process.

• 35+ years of legal experience in criminal and civil matters
• Former prosecutor insight into how the state prepares assault cases
• Personal handling by Attorney Johanson from the first call through resolution
• 24/7 availability for confidential consultations
• Spanish-language assistance available
• Service throughout Edmonds and the Greater Puget Sound area

I also bring a broad litigation background that helps me evaluate cases from multiple angles. Whether the matter is resolved through negotiation, mediation, or trial, I prepare thoroughly and work to pursue the best available result.

Frequently Asked Questions About Aggravated Assault Charges

Which court handles a felony aggravated assault case if I was arrested in Edmonds?
Felony assault cases arising in Edmonds are generally handled in Snohomish County Superior Court in Everett. Misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor assault cases may proceed in Edmonds Municipal Court or Snohomish County District Court, South Division, depending on the arresting agency.

What is the difference between first-degree and second-degree assault in Washington?
First-degree assault is the more serious Class A felony and usually involves intent to cause great bodily harm, often with a deadly weapon or force likely to cause death or great bodily harm. Second-degree assault is a Class B felony that covers substantial bodily harm, strangulation, assault with a deadly weapon, and other serious conduct.

What happens at arraignment?
At arraignment, the charges are formally presented and a plea is entered. The court may also address release conditions, and the defense can begin pushing back on unnecessary restrictions, especially for first-time offenders or where the prosecution’s evidence is disputed.

Can an aggravated assault charge be reduced or dismissed?
Depending on the facts and the evidence, a case may be resolved through dismissal, a reduced charge, or another negotiated outcome. The strategy depends on what the state can actually prove and what defenses are available.

If you’re facing an aggravated assault charge in Edmonds or elsewhere in Snohomish County, call Johanson Law Group, Inc. at (425) 341-4347 to discuss your options in a confidential consultation.