Assault in the Second Degree

If you’ve been accused of assault in the second degree, you may be facing a felony charge that carries serious penalties, even if no one was seriously hurt. This kind of charge is often tied to fights, arguments that escalated, or situations where emotions got the better of someone. But just because you’re charged doesn’t mean you’re guilty. With the right legal strategy, it’s possible to fight back and protect your future. Federal Criminal Attorneys of Michigan can help you take the first step.

What Is Assault in the Second Degree in Michigan?

In Michigan, assault in the second degree is formally charged as Assault With Intent to Commit Bodily Harm Less Than Murder under MCL 750.84.  This offense refers to a physical attack or threat where the person allegedly intended to cause significant injury, but not death. 

You don’t have to cause serious injury to face this charge. What matters most is whether the prosecutor believes you intended to harm. You could face this charge in situations like:

• A fight where one person pulls a blunt object or weapon
• A physical attack that stops short of life-threatening harm
• A threat that leads someone to believe they’re about to be seriously hurt

Intent plays a significant role here. A simple misunderstanding or accident shouldn’t lead to a felony conviction, but it often does without the proper defense.

Penalties and Long-Term Consequences

Second-degree assault is a felony, and the consequences can follow you for years. If convicted, you could face:

• Up to 10 years in prison
• Fines of up to $5,000
• Probation, mandatory counseling, or community service

A felony conviction can make it harder to find a job or keep your current one, affect your housing options, impact child custody matters, and take away your right to own or carry firearms. If a weapon was used or you have a prior record, prosecutors may advocate for harsher sentencing.

What the Prosecution Has to Prove

To convict you, the state must prove more than just a fight took place. The prosecution has to show:

• You committed an assault
• You had the intent to cause bodily harm
• Your actions weren’t accidental or defensive

Unlike some other assault charges, there doesn’t have to be a serious injury. The focus is on what you meant to do, not just what happened. This is where we find opportunities to challenge the case. If we can raise doubts about your intent or your actions, that can make all the difference.

Defenses We May Use in Your Case

Every case is different, but we often see strong defenses in second-degree assault charges. Depending on the facts, we may be able to argue:

• Self-defense – You were protecting yourself from harm
• Defense of others – You stepped in to protect someone else
• Lack of intent – The incident was an accident or a misunderstanding
• False accusation – Someone made a claim that doesn’t match the facts
• Insufficient evidence – Witnesses don’t agree, or there’s missing proof

We’ll review everything—from police reports to video footage—to find where the state’s case falls short. Sometimes, that leads to reduced charges. Other times, we push for a complete dismissal.

What You Should Do Next

If you’ve been charged, don’t try to talk your way out of it with police or prosecutors. What you say can—and likely will—be used against you later. Here’s what we recommend:

• Stay calm
• Avoid discussing the case with anyone but your lawyer
• Contact a defense attorney as soon as possible

Getting us involved early can give you more options for resolving the case on your terms. Time matters, so don’t wait.

How We Can Help

At Federal Criminal Attorneys of Michigan, we help people facing serious felony charges like second-degree assault. We understand how overwhelming this is—and how much is on the line. When we take on your case, we’ll look closely at every detail, build a strong defense, and fight for the best possible result. Whether we’re working toward a reduced sentence or a full acquittal, we’re here to protect your rights.

Contact Our Experienced Detroit Second Degree Assault Attorneys

If you’re facing second-degree assault charges, don’t face them alone. Federal Criminal Attorneys of Michigan is committed to defending your rights and securing your future. Call us today for a confidential consultation and start building your defense.

Federal Criminal Attorneys of Michigan, based in Detroit, also assists clients with criminal defense in Lansing, Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor, Flint, and all of Michigan.