16 Mar Aggravated Assault Has Very Serious Consequences When a Minor Is Involved
You might have heard about the substitute teacher who assaulted a fifth grader in Buckeye. The child is well, with no lasting injuries, and the teacher was arrested shortly after the incident. But because they assaulted a minor, the teacher is facing charges of aggravated assault.
What Makes an Assault “Aggravated”
Criminal charges often have varying degrees of severity determined by their classification. For instance, “attempted” murder is not as bad as murder, and “aggravated” assault is worse than assault on its own.
Typically, aggravated assault charges mean that the victim was seriously injured, or that a deadly weapon was involved. An assault on a minor is also considered an aggravated offense. If the victim was under the age of 15, the person who assaulted them will be facing felony charges.
Prosecutors will pursue these cases relentlessly, and will always push for the maximum sentence.
The Legal Consequences of Aggravated Assault on a Minor
Assault against a minor under the age of 15 is a class 2 felony in Arizona. A class 2 felony conviction usually means a mandatory prison sentence, heavy fines, and losing some of your civil rights.
Incarceration:
- 3 years to 12 years for first-time offenders
- 4 years 6 months to 23 years for a second offense
- 10 years 6 months to 35 years for a third offense
Fines:
- Payment of court-mandated fines and fees
- Paying restitution to the victim or their family
The loss of civil rights like:
- The right to vote and to serve on a jury
- The right to possess firearms
- The right to obtain certain professional licenses (such as a teaching certificate)
- Obtaining government loans or benefits
Facing Felony Charges? You Need a Certified Defense Attorney
With the higher consequences for crimes involving assault on a minor, your entire future is at risk. A felony record can impact your relationships, job opportunities, and more. But hiring a certified defense attorney can give you a better chance of getting your charges reduced.
With over 25 years of experience representing people facing criminal charges, we have the experience it takes to negotiate with the prosecution and to argue your case in court. We believe that every person deserves a fair trial and a lawyer who is dedicated to their case.
If you are facing felony charges, don’t take a chance on an overworked public attorney. Contact Coolidge Law in Phoenix to request a consultation today.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (3/16/2026). Photo by Savannah B. on Unsplash