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Los Angeles Assault and Battery Defense Lawyers

March 21, 2024 Uncategorized

 

Los Angeles Assault and Battery Defense Lawyers

Being charged with assault or battery can be scary. These are serious criminal offenses that carry heavy penalties if convicted. But with an experienced Los Angeles criminal defense attorney on your side, you can fight the charges and protect your future.

In this article, we’ll break down assault and battery laws in California and Los Angeles. We’ll look at common defenses that a knowledgeable lawyer can use to get charges reduced or dismissed. And we’ll give tips on how to choose the best attorney for your situation.

Assault vs. Battery in California

Assault and battery are often lumped together, but they are distinct crimes:

  • Assault is threatening to harm someone violently. No physical contact is required.
  • Battery is unauthorized, harmful or offensive touching of someone. Physical injury is not necessary.

Some key things to know:

  • In California, assault is normally a misdemeanor. But it becomes a felony if a deadly weapon or force is used.
  • Battery is always a misdemeanor, unless serious bodily injury occurs. Then it can be a felony.
  • “Fighting words” or provoking language can also lead to an assault or battery charge.
  • Self-defense is allowed, but using excessive force still leads to charges.

Penalties if convicted include fines, probation, anger management classes, and jail time. Immigration status and gun rights can also be impacted.

Common Defenses Against Charges

When facing assault or battery accusations in LA, an experienced criminal defense lawyer will thoroughly examine the circumstances to build the strongest defense. Some common defenses include:

  • Self-Defense – Using reasonable force to protect yourself or others can justify assault or battery. But the force must match the threat.
  • False Accusations – The alleged victim is lying or mistaken about what occurred. Witnesses and evidence can show this.
  • Mistaken Identity – You are wrongly accused of assaulting or battering someone.
  • Accident – Harm caused was unintentional and not reckless.
  • Intoxication – You were involuntarily intoxicated and unable to form criminal intent.
  • Mental Illness – A mental defect prevented you from understanding the wrongfulness of your actions.

An attorney will look for ways to get charges reduced or dismissed based on the circumstances. Common strategies include:

  • Negotiating a plea bargain to lesser charges
  • Providing evidence to show innocence
  • Discrediting the alleged victim’s claims
  • Highlighting intent issues or lack of injury
  • Pursuing pretrial diversions like anger management
  • Seeking mental health treatment instead of jail time

How to Choose an LA Assault and Battery Lawyer

Don’t leave your fate to just any lawyer. Finding the right attorney can make all the difference in getting charges reduced or dismissed. Here’s how to pick the best one for your situation:

  • Look for extensive experience specifically with assault and battery cases
  • Find someone familiar with LA courts, judges, and prosecutors
  • Choose a lawyer with a proven record of favorable outcomes
  • Pick someone who makes you feel comfortable and clearly explains your options
  • Avoid attorneys who overpromise or pressure you to plead guilty

Also consider:

  • Lawyers who offer free consultations to discuss your case
  • Fees – make sure they are affordable and clearly explained
  • Location – LA is huge, so find counsel close to the courthouse
  • Resources – larger firms may have more access to investigators, experts, etc.

Be wary of lawyers making outlandish claims or guarantees. No one can promise specific results. But the right attorney will aggressively defend your rights at every step.

Fighting Back Against Charges

Dealing with assault and battery accusations can be overwhelming. But skilled LA defense counsel can stand by your side and help protect your future. They will thoroughly investigate the facts, identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, raise strong legal defenses, and advocate tirelessly for the best possible outcome.

Don’t go it alone against the power of the state. An experienced criminal lawyer can even the odds and give you the strongest chance at beating these life-changing allegations. With the stakes so high, it’s critical to have the best defense attorney fighting for your freedom and record.

Lawyers You Can Trust

Todd Spodek

Founding Partner

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RALPH P. FRANCHO, JR

Associate

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JEREMY FEIGENBAUM

Associate Attorney

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ELIZABETH GARVEY

Associate

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CLAIRE BANKS

Associate

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RAJESH BARUA

Of-Counsel

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CHAD LEWIN

Of-Counsel

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