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Ive Been Accused Of Committing Battery What Are My Defenses
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You’ve Been Accused of Battery, Now What?
Let’s cut right to the chase, being accused of battery is no joke. But, take a deep breath, you have defenses available. The key is understanding the situation, and working with an experienced criminal defense attorney.We get it, you’re stressed. This is a hard situation to deal with. Let‘s talk about how we can solve this together.
What Exactly is Battery?
Battery refers to intentionally and offensively touching someone against their will. It doesn’t have to cause injury, even unwanted contact qualifies.Some common examples:
- Punching someone
- Shoving someone
- Spitting on someone
- Inappropriate touching
The term “assault and battery” is commonly used, but they‘re separate crimes. Assault is the threat of violence, battery is the actual offensive contact.
You Could Face Serious Consequences
Depending on the circumstances, battery charges range from misdemeanors to felonies. Potential penalties include:
- Fines
- Probation
- Jail/prison time
- A criminal record
A conviction can haunt you for years, impacting employment, housing, and more. That’s why mounting a strong legal defense is crucial.
But Wait, What if it Was Justified?
Not all unwanted contact is criminal battery. The law provides several potential defenses, including:
Self-Defense-You can use reasonable force to protect yourself from harm. The force used must match the threat faced.For example, shoving someone who shoved you first could be self-defense. But, shooting someone for a shove would be excessive.
Defense of Others-Similar to self-defense, you can use reasonable force to protect someone else from attack or injury.
Defense of Property-In some cases, you can use non-deadly force to prevent trespassing or theft of your property.
Consent-If the “victim” agreed to the contact, like in sports or mutually consensual fighting, it may negate a battery charge.
Accident-If the contact was truly accidental with no intent to offend or harm, it likely isn‘t criminal battery.The strength of these defenses depends heavily on the specific circumstances and evidence. That’s where a skilled defense lawyer becomes invaluable.
Don’t Try to Handle This Alone
The consequences of a battery conviction are too severe to risk going it alone. An experienced criminal defense attorney knows how to build the strongest possible case.They’ll gather evidence, interview witnesses, scrutinize police reports, and ensure your rights are protected every step of the way.At Spodek Law Group, our battle-tested lawyers have over 50 years of combined experience handling the toughest cases nationwide. We leave no stone unturned in pursuit of the best possible outcome.Unlike some firms that take a cookie-cutter approach, we tailor our strategy to the unique details of your situation. Every client gets our full attention and resources.
What to Do If Accused of Battery
If accused of battery, the first step is to avoid speaking to police until you have a lawyer present. Anything you say can be used against you.Next, start gathering evidence immediately:
- Get contact info for any witnesses
- Take photos/video of injuries, property damage, etc.
- Write down your recollection of events
- Obtain any surveillance footage
Then, contact an attorney right away. The sooner they can start building your defense, the better.At Spodek Law Group, we offer 24/7 availability because we know charges can come at any time. We’ll start working tirelessly to protect your rights from day one.
Potential Outcomes and Next Steps
Depending on the circumstances, there are various potential outcomes:
Case Dismissed
With a strong enough defense, charges could be dropped entirely before ever going to trial.
Reduced Charges
Your lawyer may negotiate to have charges reduced to a less serious offense, like disorderly conduct.
Acquittal at Trial
If the case proceeds to trial, you could be found not guilty of all charges.
Plea Bargain
As a last resort, your lawyer may advise taking a plea deal to avoid risking harsher punishment at trial.No matter what path your case takes, having an aggressive defense attorney maximizes your chances of the best possible resolution.
Why Clients Trust Spodek Law Group
There’s one reason you’re on this website: you’re looking for an elite criminal defense law firm. At Spodek Law Group:
- We take a hands-on, detail-oriented approach to every case
- Our attorneys have over 50 years’ combined experience
- We’re available 24/7 to start working on your defense immediately
- We have a nationwide presence to handle cases across the U.S.
- Our reputation is second-to-none, with media features and high-profile cases
- But most importantly, we fight tirelessly to achieve the best outcome for you
When your future is on the line, don’t take chances. Hire a firm with a proven track record of outstanding results.