How Long Do You Stay in Jail for Assault?

Getting arrested for assault can turn your life upside down. One of the first questions people ask is, “How long will I be in jail?” The answer depends on the type of assault charge, your criminal history, and whether you can post bail. If bail is an option, using simple assault bail bonds in Ohio can help you secure release while awaiting trial.

Let’s break down the different types of assault charges in Ohio, how much jail time they carry, and what you can do to get out faster.

Understanding Assault Charges in Ohio

In Ohio, not all assault charges are the same. Some result in a few months in jail, while others can lead to years behind bars.

1. Simple Assault (Misdemeanor)

ü  Causing or attempting to cause harm to another person

ü  No serious injuries involved

ü  Punishment: Up to 180 days in jail and a $1,000 fine

This is the most common assault charge and often happens during fights or heated arguments. If you don’t have a criminal history, you may get probation instead of jail time.

2. Aggravated Assault (Felony)

ü  Happens in the heat of the moment (e.g., road rage)

ü  Involves serious harm but wasn’t premeditated

ü  Punishment: 6 to 18 months in prison and up to $5,000 in fines

This charge is more serious than simple assault but less severe than felony assault. Bail is still an option, though the amount may be higher.

3. Felony Assault

ü  Using a weapon or causing serious harm

ü  Punishment: 2 to 8 years in prison and up to $15,000 in fines

A felony assault conviction can change your life. Jail time is almost guaranteed, and bail may be denied if the case is severe.

4. Domestic Violence Assault

ü  Assaulting a spouse, partner, or family member

ü  Can be a misdemeanor or felony, depending on injuries and prior offenses

ü  Punishment:

·         Misdemeanor: Up to 180 days in jail

·         Felony: 6 to 36 months in prison

Courts take domestic violence cases seriously, and bail amounts can be high. Working with an assault bail bonds service in Columbus can help in securing release.

Will You Stay in Jail Until Your Court Date?

The short answer: It depends.

After your arrest, you’ll be taken to jail and booked. The judge will then decide if you’re eligible for bail. Factors that affect this decision include:

●       Severity of the crime – Felony assault cases often have high bail or no bail at all.

●       Criminal history – Prior offenses make it harder to get bail.

●       Risk to the community – If the judge thinks you’re dangerous, bail might be denied.

●       Likelihood of appearing in court – If you have skipped court before, bail could be set higher.

For simple assault, bail is usually a few thousand dollars. If you can’t afford to pay the full amount, simple assault bail bonds services allow you to pay a small percentage to a bail bondsman, who covers the rest.

For felony assault, bail is much higher, sometimes tens of thousands of dollars. In some cases, bail may not be granted at all.

How to Get Out of Jail Fast After an Assault Arrest

If you’re eligible for bail, here’s how to speed up your release:

1. Contact a Bail Bondsman

A bail bond service can help if you don’t have enough money for bail. You’ll pay a 10% fee, and they will post the bail for you. An experienced assault bail bonds service in Columbus can handle the process quickly.

2. Have a Co-Signer Ready

A family member or friend may need to sign the bail bond agreement, especially if your bail amount is high.

3. Follow Court Instructions

The judge may set conditions for your release, like no contact with the victim or attending anger management classes. Violating these can land you back in jail.

4. Show Up for Court

Missing a court date means bail is revoked, and you’ll be arrested again. If you used a bail bonds service, they might send a recovery agent to bring you in.

What If You Can’t Afford Bail?

If you can’t pay the bail amount and don’t use a bail bond service, you will have to stay in jail until your trial. This could take weeks or even months, depending on the court schedule.

Alternatives include:

ü  Asking the court for a bail reduction

ü  Hiring a lawyer to negotiate a release on personal recognizance (no bail required)

ü  Using simple assault bail bonds service to secure release

What Happens If You Violate Bail Conditions?

If you’re released on bail but break the rules, you could be arrested again. This means:

●       Losing the bail money – Whether you paid yourself or used a bondsman, the court keeps the bail.

●       Facing additional charges – Violating bail conditions can lead to more legal trouble.

●       Longer jail time – Courts take bail violations seriously, and you could get a harsher sentence.

Final Thoughts

The time spent in jail for an assault charge depends on the severity of the case. For simple assault, you might spend a night in jail before posting bail. For felony assault, you could be facing years in prison.

If you are eligible for bail, bail bonds services can help secure your release quickly. For those facing serious charges, a reliable assault bail bonds service in Columbus can assist with high bail amounts.

The key to getting out of jail fast is knowing your options and acting quickly. No matter what happens, following court rules and showing up for hearings is essential to avoid more legal trouble.

If you want to know more about bail bonds for domestic violence, you can visit this page.