Under Alabama law, Assault in the Third Degree is a Class A misdemeanor. It's often charged when someone causes physical injury to another person without using a weapon, or if the injury was caused recklessly or with criminal negligence, especially if a deadly weapon was involved.

This could include situations like:

• A bar fight where someone gets a black eye
• Pushing someone who then falls and is hurt
• Even slapping someone during an argument

The law doesn't require serious injuries—just physical injury. And that term includes pain.

If convicted, you could face up to a year in jail and a fine of up to $6,000. You could also be placed on probation, and that can include anger management classes, court fees, and staying away from the alleged victim.

This can have lifelong consequences; A misdemeanor assault conviction goes on your criminal record, and that could impact jobs, housing, even gun rights.

There are some legal defenses to explore in these cases:

• Self-defense: Maybe you were protecting yourself or someone else
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• Mutual combat: Both parties agreed to fight—yes, that's a thing
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• False accusations: These happen more than you think, especially during breakups, divorces, or workplace disputes
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• Lack of intent: Maybe it was an accident, not a crime

Each case is different, and the details matter. What you said. What witnesses saw. Whether there's video. All of these things need to be considered in formulating a defense.

If you've been arrested or even just questioned about assault in the third degree:

• Don't talk to the police without a lawyer

• Please don't talk to the alleged victim or post about it online
• Do call a criminal defense attorney—someone who knows the courts, the prosecutors, and the local dynamics

We've helped hundreds of clients in situations just like this, and we're here to help guide you through the process from start to finish.

A misdemeanor charge might not sound serious, but it can carry lifelong consequences.

At Segal & Segal, we've helped individuals fight countless misdemeanor charges for decades. If you're facing a third-degree assault charge in North Alabama, feel free to call us at the number below.