Third Degree Assault Lawyer Kings County, NY
An arrest for third degree assault in Kings County (Brooklyn) brings immediate questions about where the case will be heard, what a conviction means, and who can help you navigate the New York criminal justice system. Third degree assault is a Class A misdemeanor under New York Penal Law § 120.00, punishable by up to one year in jail. Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., is experienced in New York criminal defense and appears in Kings County courts. Reach our location at (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Advocacy Without Borders.
What Third Degree Assault Means in Kings County (Brooklyn)
Kings County (Brooklyn) is the most populous county in New York State and part of the 2nd Judicial District. Criminal matters involving third degree assault are heard in the NYC Criminal Court — Brooklyn for misdemeanor-level charges, while felony matters proceed to Kings County Supreme Court at 360 Adams Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201. New York’s 2020 bail reform eliminated cash bail for most misdemeanors, including third degree assault, meaning many defendants are released on their own recognizance after arraignment. Nonetheless, the charge carries serious consequences, and local practice before the Kings County District Attorney’s Office requires experienced counsel.
Third degree assault under New York Penal Law § 120.00 covers three categories: intentionally causing physical injury to another person, recklessly causing physical injury, and negligently causing physical injury by means of a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument. In Kings County (Brooklyn), these cases often arise from altercations, domestic disputes, or incidents at bars and public venues. Each category of assault demands a distinct approach from defense counsel, as the evidence required by the prosecution varies significantly. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team evaluate every third degree assault matter in light of the unique facts and the specific court where the case is pending.
Third degree assault is a Class A misdemeanor in New York, punishable by up to one year in jail, a fine, or both.
Source: New York Penal Law § 120.00; New York Penal Law § 70.15. NY Penal Law § 120.00
Reviewed by Mr. Sris, admitted in VA/MD/DC/NJ/NY.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Third Degree Assault Cases
Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring over 120 years of combined legal experience to third degree assault defense in Kings County. Results may vary. The defense process begins with a thorough review of the complaint and the discovery materials, including police reports, witness statements, and any video evidence. Brooklyn’s dense population and surveillance infrastructure often yield extensive video evidence, which can be pivotal. Mr. Sris and his team also evaluate whether the prosecution can prove the element of physical injury — a threshold that New York courts interpret to mean more than mere pain.
Since third degree assault is a misdemeanor, the case typically proceeds from arraignment through discovery and motion practice to trial within a relatively compressed timeline, compared to felony matters. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel are prepared to negotiate with the Kings County District Attorney’s Office for reduced charges, an Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal (ACD), or other favorable dispositions that avoid a permanent criminal record. If trial is the client’s best option, Mr. Sris and his team have extensive trial experience and appear regularly in Kings County Criminal Court. For guidance on your situation, reach our location at (888) 437-7747.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris is the Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., a firm he established in 1997. He is a former prosecutor and is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. His experience includes criminal defense in multi-jurisdiction matters, and he appears in Kings County courts on behalf of New York clients. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). He keeps a focused caseload to provide individual case review to each matter.
The Of Counsel team at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Complements Mr. Sris’s practice with additional trial experience, investigative resources, and knowledge of Kings County court procedures. Every attorney on the team is an Of Counsel, not a junior associate or staff lawyer. Together, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have documented 4,739+ case results across all practice areas since 1997. Results may vary. Contact our location at (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a lawyer for a third degree assault charge in Kings County (Brooklyn)?
Yes, you should consult an attorney immediately if charged with third degree assault in Kings County. A Class A misdemeanor conviction exposes you to up to a year in jail and a permanent criminal record. The Kings County District Attorney’s Office prosecutes these cases vigorously. An attorney can evaluate the prosecution’s evidence, identify defenses, and explore diversion options such as an ACD. Call (888) 437-7747 to discuss your matter with Mr. Sris or his team.
What is an ACD, and can I get one for third degree assault in Brooklyn?
An Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal (ACD) is a New York disposition that dismisses charges after six to twelve months if you avoid new arrests. In Kings County Supreme Court, an ACD is available for many first-offense misdemeanors, including third degree assault, though the District Attorney’s consent is often necessary. If granted, the case is sealed upon dismissal. An experienced defense lawyer can argue for an ACD based on your background and the incident’s circumstances. For guidance on eligibility, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
How does New York’s bail reform affect third degree assault cases in Brooklyn?
New York’s 2020 bail reform eliminated cash bail for most misdemeanors, including third degree assault, so defendants are generally released on their own recognizance. In Kings County, this means you typically receive a desk appearance ticket or are released following arraignment without having to post bail. However, the charge remains serious, and the absence of bail does not reduce the need for a strong defense. Contact Mr. Sris at (888) 437-7747 to discuss how bail reform may apply in your case.
What should I do if I am arrested for third degree assault in Kings County?
Remain silent, ask to speak with an attorney, and do not discuss the incident with police or anyone else. Anything you say can be used against you. Invoke your right to counsel immediately. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation. Our location serves Kings County clients, and Mr. Sris can advise you on the next steps.
Can I get my third degree assault record sealed in New York?
Yes, under certain conditions you may be able to seal a third degree assault conviction after a 10-year waiting period if you meet the criteria under New York Criminal Procedure Law § 160.59. If the case is dismissed or results in an ACD, the record is automatically sealed. A conviction with no more than one other eligible conviction may be conditionally sealed. An experienced criminal attorney at our firm can assess your eligibility at (888) 437-7747.
What happens at the first court appearance for a third degree assault case in Brooklyn?
The first appearance is typically an arraignment, where you are formally advised of the charge, a plea is entered, and conditions of release are set. In Kings County Criminal Court, arraignments happen promptly after arrest. Your attorney can enter a not-guilty plea on your behalf, argue for release or minimal supervision, and begin gathering discovery. Early retention of counsel ensures you have representation at this critical stage. Schedule a consultation by calling (888) 437-7747.
Internal Links
For additional resources on New York criminal defense, see our related pages: New York Criminal Defense, Assault Defense in Kings County, and Felony Defense in New York.
Primary Sources
Review the statutes and court information directly: New York Penal Law § 120.00 (Assault in the Third Degree) · Kings County Supreme Court · Criminal Procedure Law § 160.59 (Sealing)
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case. Results may vary.