questions & answers

Question: I was arrested and charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and disorderly conduct over a year ago. At the time I was threatened by the size of the male standing over and blocking me although he did not verbally say he was going to hurt me. I have a settlement conference soon and my lawyer has said that a plea will necessarily include at least a year of jail time and I would not get off for self-defense if this goes to trial since he did not verbally threaten me. I am pregnant and due to deliver before the settlement conference. Does this plea offer seem reasonable?

Answer: It is difficult for me to speculate on whether the plea is reasonable or not based solely on the information you have provided. It is important to note that aggravated assault with a deadly weapon is an offense that normally requires mandatory prison time. A jail term of 1 year does not seem unreasonable by comparison. Especially if your attorney does not believe you will be able to assert self defense.