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Criminal Defense Law Firm | Duty Assault Allegation Suspension of Imposition of Sentence



In New York, workplace assault allegations involving supervisory personnel often trigger immediate criminal exposure because physical contact during the performance of duties can be interpreted as “intentional bodily injury” under New York Penal Law §§120.00 and 120.05. 

 

When the accused is in a position of authority and the complainant is performing a sensitive safety related assignment, prosecutors frequently treat the matter more seriously, raising the risk of arrest, career disruption, and long term criminal consequences. 

 

In this case, a criminal defense law firm in New York represented a security supervisor who was accused of striking an on duty guard during a workplace confrontation. 

 

Although the allegation initially appeared to support a misdemeanor assault charge, the defense reconstructed the incident, demonstrated the impulsive and non malicious nature of the conduct, and secured a conditional dismissal that allowed the client to avoid a criminal conviction entirely. 

 

This analysis provides insight into how an experienced criminal defense law firm in New York approaches sensitive workplace assault investigations, resolves credibility disputes, and mitigates the risk of lasting criminal exposure.

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1. Criminal Defense Law Firm | NYC Workplace Assault Case Overview


Criminal Defense Law Firm | NYC Workplace Assault Case Overview

 

The incident involved a security supervisor who confronted a guard for failing to follow protocol during a high risk monitoring assignment, leading to a brief physical altercation.


Prosecutors initially viewed the allegation as a potential assault on a safety sensitive employee, which could justify aggressive charging under New York Penal Law.



Incident Background and Initial Allegation


The client served as a supervisory employee at a large commercial facility requiring continuous monitoring, access control responsibilities, and routine safety checks. 

 

On the day of the incident, the supervisor observed that a guard stationed at a critical post was distracted and failing to comply with assigned tasks. 

 

After multiple verbal corrective instructions were ignored, the supervisor reacted impulsively and struck the guard’s shoulder several times with a closed hand. 

 

The guard subsequently reported the incident to management and law enforcement, triggering a formal assault investigation. 

 

Because the complainant was performing a sensitive security function, authorities treated the matter with heightened seriousness, considering charges consistent with Penal Law §120.00 (Assault in the Third Degree).



2. Criminal Defense Law Firm | Key Legal Issues and Exposure


The central legal challenge involved disproving the suggestion that the client intentionally caused physical injury and establishing that the contact, though improper, lacked criminal intent.


Additionally, the complainant’s role in a safety related assignment increased scrutiny, raising the risk of harsher prosecutorial decisions.



Factors Increasing Prosecutorial Concern


Several elements complicated the investigation:

 

Position of authority: Supervisors are often held to elevated standards when interacting with subordinates.

 

Safety critical role of the complainant: Similar to an “on duty sentinel,” a security guard assigned to monitoring duties is treated as a protected worker under internal policy, increasing the perceived seriousness of the incident.

 

Potential workplace discipline overlap: Prosecutors frequently consider whether physical discipline was used in place of authorized corrective procedures.

 

Evidence consistency: The complainant provided a prompt report, which investigators initially believed supported credibility.

 

The defense’s task was to contextualize the incident, highlight the absence of malicious intent, and demonstrate that the conduct did not satisfy the statutory elements of assault under New York law.



3. Criminal Defense Law Firm | Defense Strategy and Mitigation Plan


To avoid a criminal conviction and protect the client’s employment prospects, the defense structured a comprehensive response focusing on remorse, lack of intent, and early remedial efforts.


This strategy aimed to persuade prosecutors that a punitive approach was unnecessary.



Structured Defense Actions and Negotiation Approach


The criminal defense law firm in New York implemented the following measures:

 

Immediate Apology and Reconciliation Efforts
The client issued a formal written apology acknowledging the impulsive behavior. 

 

The victim eventually submitted a statement confirming that he did not wish to see the client criminally punished.

 

Demonstration of Impulsive, Non Malicious Conduct
The firm emphasized that the conduct was triggered by momentary frustration, not by intent to cause injury. 

 

Witness statements supported the absence of lasting harm.

 

Presentation of Client’s Professional Record and Personal Circumstances
The defense highlighted the client’s previously clean record, forthcoming marriage, stable employment, and absence of any history of violent behavior.

 

Implementation of Corrective Measures
The client voluntarily completed anger management counseling and workplace professionalism training, demonstrating proactive rehabilitation.

 

Legal Argumentation Under New York Penal Law Standards
The defense argued that the incident lacked the required “physical injury” element, and therefore the conduct did not satisfy the statutory threshold for assault.



4. Criminal Defense Law Firm | Case Outcome and Impact


Through structured negotiation and evidence based advocacy, the criminal defense law firm in New York obtained a conditional dismissal.

 

This outcome avoided a criminal conviction, preserved the client’s career, and prevented long term record consequences.


08 Dec, 2025


The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading or relying on the contents of this article does not create an attorney-client relationship with our firm. For advice regarding your specific situation, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.
Certain informational content on this website may utilize technology-assisted drafting tools and is subject to attorney review.

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