Assault

Assault Attorney in Athens, GA

Former Prosecutor. 20+ Years of Defense. 100+ Jury Trials.

Before Jason Slider defended assault charges, he prosecuted them. His time in the Athens-Clarke County Office of the Solicitor General gave him a direct view of how the state builds a case, what evidence prosecutors rely on, and where those cases are vulnerable. That background, combined with more than 20 years of criminal defense experience and over 100 jury trials throughout Georgia, shapes how Slider Law approaches every assault case we handle.

We represent clients facing assault charges in Athens-Clarke County, Madison County, and across Northeast Georgia. An assault charge can carry consequences well beyond a fine or jail term, including a permanent criminal record that affects employment, housing, and professional licensing. Retaining defense counsel before charges are formalized or statements are given to law enforcement can put the defense in a strong position from the start.

Call Slider Law at (706) 208-1514 for a free consultation. We’re available 24/7 by phone, and we offer both in-office and virtual meetings.

Why Athens Clients Choose Slider Law

Jason Slider’s credentials have been recognized by both his clients and his peers. Martindale-Hubbell awarded him an AV Preeminent rating, the highest peer review distinction the organization issues. Attorney and Practice Magazine named him a Top 10 Criminal Defense Attorney in Georgia for 2025 and 2026. The American Jurist Institute recognized him as a Top 10 DUI/DWI Attorney in Georgia, and he has ranked among the Top 3 DUI Lawyers in Athens, GA every year from 2019 through 2026. Martindale also awarded him the Platinum Client Champion Award for exceptional service.

Client feedback reflects the same standard. Slider Law holds a 5-star rating across 45 Google reviews. Jason is a member of the National College for DUI Defense and the Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. For most criminal defense matters, we offer flat-fee pricing with no retainers and no hourly billing.

How Georgia Defines Assault

Georgia draws a clear line between assault and battery. Under O.C.G.A. 16-5-20, simple assault requires no physical contact. The charge applies when a person attempts to commit a violent injury to another, or commits any act that places another person in reasonable apprehension of immediately receiving a violent injury. The alleged victim’s fear must be objectively reasonable based on what actually occurred.

Simple Assault: Misdemeanor Classifications & Penalties

Simple assault is a misdemeanor in most circumstances. It becomes a misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature when the alleged victim is a household or family member, a pregnant woman, a school employee on duty, a utility worker on duty, or when the incident occurs on a public transit vehicle. A standard misdemeanor assault conviction can result in up to 12 months in county jail, a fine of up to $1,000, and possible probation and community service.

Aggravated Assault: Felony Charges & Enhanced Sentences

Aggravated assault is a different matter entirely. Under O.C.G.A. 16-5-21, the offense becomes a felony when the assault involves intent to rob, rape, or murder; use of a deadly weapon or an offensive weapon likely to cause serious bodily injury; or discharge of a firearm from a vehicle. Aggravated assault can carry 1 to 20 years in state prison. When the victim is a public safety officer on duty, the statute can impose enhanced mandatory minimum sentences based on the circumstances and how the assault was carried out.

Collateral Consequences Beyond the Courtroom

A conviction at any level creates a permanent criminal record that surfaces on background checks, affecting job applications, housing screenings, professional licenses, and in some cases immigration status. Even a charge that doesn’t result in conviction can disrupt employment and custody arrangements while the case is pending.

Talk to an Assault Lawyer in Athens Before You Say Anything Else

Whether you’ve been arrested or simply contacted by law enforcement, the next step matters. Slider Law offers free consultations by phone or through our online contact us form. We’re available 24/7, and virtual meetings are available for clients who can’t come in. Call us at (706) 208-1514 to discuss your situation.

How We Defend Assault Charges in Athens-Clarke County

Because Jason Slider spent time on the prosecution side in Athens-Clarke County, he knows how the state assembles its evidence and where weaknesses tend to emerge. Every defense starts with a thorough review of the police report, witness statements, video footage, and the specific conduct alleged. What the prosecution can prove and what it cannot are two different things, and identifying that gap is where defense work begins.

The defenses available in an assault case depend on the specific facts, but several arise frequently in Georgia courts:

Self-Defense & Stand Your Ground
Georgia’s Stand Your Ground law permits the use of force, including deadly force, without a duty to retreat when a person reasonably believes they face imminent danger. When self-defense is legally justified, Georgia law provides immunity from criminal prosecution, not just a trial defense. Defense of others follows the same framework when the force used was proportionate to the threat.

Lack of Intent
Assault requires that the alleged victim’s apprehension of harm was objectively reasonable. When evidence shows the defendant didn’t attempt to cause fear of injury, or that a reasonable person in the alleged victim’s position wouldn’t have experienced imminent apprehension, the charge may not hold.

Mistaken Identity
When eyewitness identification is weak, surveillance footage is inconclusive, or alibi evidence exists, mistaken identity is a live defense. We investigate the identification evidence independently rather than accepting the prosecution’s account at face value.

Challenging the Prosecution’s Evidence
The state must prove each element of the charge beyond a reasonable doubt. We examine whether the evidence actually supports what the charge requires, and we file appropriate pre-trial motions when evidence was obtained in violation of the defendant’s rights.

Where the facts support it, possible outcomes can include negotiated charge reduction, first offender treatment, diversion, or dismissal. We handle assault cases throughout Clarke County, Madison County, and Northeast Georgia courts and know the local prosecutors and judges involved in these matters.

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Have Questions?

  • What is first offender, and can I use a first offender plea for a drug charge?

    In Georgia there is a general first offender pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 42-8-60 and a conditional discharge pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 16-13-2, both of which are potentially available to a person that is charged with certain types of drugs offenses. Whether first offender or conditional discharge is allowed will be determined by the specific charges and the individual's criminal history. The benefit of either option is that an individual that successfully completes either a first offender or conditional discharge sentence can avoid a criminal conviction for those charges under Georgia law. That means that a person can potentially avoid having a drug or felony conviction on their permanent criminal history. 

  • What defenses are available in my case?

    Anytime anybody is facing criminal charges, including drug offenses, they want to know what kind of defenses are available in their case. An experienced defense attorney will look through the State's evidence to examine whether the stop or seizuire of the individual was lawful, was the search of the individual, house or vehicle was legal, and whether any statements made may be admissible against them in court. These are just some of the basic defenses, however, each case is unique and different and has differenct defenses that will need to be examined or explored. This is exactly why a person will want an experienced criminal defense lawyer that has years of experience examing, researching and evaluating these and other defenses.

  • Will I go to jail if I am convicted of a drug offense?

    A drug offense could be a misdemeanor or felony offense, either type of offense carries a risk of jail or prison time. The facts of the case and the individual's specific circumstances will determine how significant the risk of confinement if convicted of a drug offense. Also, what offense the person is charged with can determine the risk of confinement. A criminal defense attorney will examine the charges, the facts of the case, and all potential defenses to determine the risk to that individual. Additionally, even if a person is convicted there are alternatives to confinement and even alternatives to a conviction appearing on their criminal history for the rest of their lives.

Why Choose Slider Law?

Clear Guidance. Strong Defense. Always on Your Side.
  • Former Prosecutor on Your Team
    With our prior experience, we know what the other side is thinking.
  • Available Day or Night
    Don't hesitate! Give us a call whenever you need legal help.
  • Meet with Us Virtually
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Hear From Our Happy Clients

At Slider Law, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.

      “He Communicated Well.”
      “Jason did an excellent job and he is a good person to work with.”
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      “Mr. Slider not only does his job, he cares. I got very lucky and randomly found him on the web when my son got into some trouble in Athens.”
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      “He Goes Above and Beyond for His Clients.”
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