Los Angeles Assault Lawyer
An assault charge is a serious legal matter with potentially grave consequences, including jail time, fines, and a permanent criminal record. This is why it is vital to have access to knowledgeable and experienced legal assault and battery lawyers to protect your rights and interests.
An assault attorney’s primary duty is to protect and defend their clients against unfair legal practices and guide them through the legal process. A lawyer guarantees that the rights of their clients are protected by providing them with accurate information, legal advice, and representation.
With the experience and commitment of a criminal defense attorney, you can feel more confident about the outcome of your case.
Different Types of Assault Charges in Los Angeles
The most common assault and battery charges in Los Angeles include simple assault, aggravated assault, and sexual assault.
Simple Assault
Assault in California is defined as an attempt to physically harm another individual, combined with the ability to do so. It can take many forms, including threatening behavior or words.
Simple assault is typically charged as a misdemeanor, resulting in up to 6 months in county jail and a fine of up to $1,000.
Even though the term “simple assault” implies a less serious offense, a conviction can still significantly impact a person. If someone has a criminal record, it can be difficult for them to find employment, housing, or loans.
Additionally, a simple assault conviction can negatively impact a person’s career and reputation for years to come. Therefore, it is crucial that you vigorously defend yourself against these charges with the assistance of an experienced assault and battery attorney.
Aggravated Assault
Assault crimes that are considered aggravated assaults involve using a deadly weapon, an attack on a vulnerable victim, or an attack that causes serious injury.
Conduct that may be considered aggravated assault includes:
- Threatening someone with a dangerous weapon such as a gun or knife.
- Attempting to harm someone seriously.
- Assaulting another person with a deadly weapon during an altercation.
Additionally, if someone causes serious bodily injury to another person while committing a simple assault, it may be charged as an aggravated assault.
Penalties for aggravated assault
Aggravated assault is categorized as a wobbler offense, meaning that it may be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the circumstances of the case.
A conviction for aggravated assault charged as a misdemeanor can result in the following:
- Jail sentence of up to 1 year
- Fines up to $2,500
- Probation
- Community service and attendance of anger management course
If charged as a felony, you may face up to four years in state prison in addition to the above penalties and fines of up to $10,000.
Sexual Assault
Sexual assault is a serious, violent crime involving non-consensual sexual contact or behavior. Sexual assault can occur between strangers, acquaintances, close family members, or even a person you are in a sexual relationship with and can profoundly impact the victim.
Penalties for sexual assault
In Los Angeles, sexual assault can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the circumstances and the severity of the case.
A conviction for sexual assault charged as a misdemeanor can result in a jail sentence of 6 to 12 months, a fine of $2,000 to $3,000, and registration as a tier-one sex offender for ten years.
If charged as a felony, it can be punishable by up to 4 years in state prison, a fine of up to $10,000, and a lifetime registration as a tier-three sex offender.
Assault vs. Battery: Is There a Difference?
Assault and battery are two distinct but closely related criminal offenses. Although often used interchangeably, the two terms refer to separate crimes with different elements and requirements. Additionally, the consequences of a conviction can vary significantly depending on the specific charges.
Assault is the intentional act of causing someone to fear imminent bodily harm. It can involve threats of physical violence or offensive touching, such as threatening to strike someone, even if no actual physical contact occurs.
Conversely, battery involves harmful or offensive contact that causes bodily harm. This can include punches, strikes, or any other type of intentional physical contact that results in injury or harm.
How Can an Assault and Battery Lawyer Help?
If you or a loved one is charged with an assault or any other violent crime, it’s crucial to seek the help of an experienced Los Angeles assault and battery lawyer. They can assist you in a variety of ways, including:
- Negotiating plea bargains where possible
- Guiding you through the legal process and ensuring you are treated fairly by the criminal justice system
- Providing you with vigorous legal representation
- Providing you with peace of mind and reducing your stress
When Is the Best Time to Hire a Battery Lawyer?
Although you can hire a criminal defense lawyer at any time, it is best to do so even before an arrest occurs. Retaining legal representation before an arrest can have a number of benefits.
Battery defense lawyers can conduct pre-file investigations and obtain evidence to demonstrate that you didn’t commit the alleged crime. Using this technique can result in a case being dropped by a prosecutor or lesser charges being filed.
A lawyer also protects your fundamental rights, such as assisting you when dealing with the police and protecting you against unlawful searches and seizures.
The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney can help if you suspect you are under investigation for assault. Schedule a free consultation today.
How Can a Los Angeles Assault Attorney Assist with Plea Negotiations?
A Los Angeles assault attorney plays a crucial role in plea negotiations, aiming to reduce the severity of the charges and potential penalties. They leverage their knowledge of California law and experience with personal injury cases to negotiate favorable terms with the prosecution.
By scrutinizing the evidence, including police officers’ reports and the circumstances of the alleged violent act, they can identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, such as a lack of proof of willful and unlawful use of force or questions around self-defense.
This can lead to reduced charges, from either a misdemeanor to an infraction or even a dismissal. The attorney’s familiarity with law firms and the criminal court system in Los Angeles enables them to effectively communicate with all parties involved, ensuring the defendant’s best interests are represented.
What Is the Role of a Los Angeles Assault Attorney in a Trial?
In a trial, a Los Angeles assault attorney serves as the defendant’s advocate, challenging the prosecution’s case and establishing reasonable doubt. They present evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and argue legal points to contest assault offense charges, whether they involve battery assault, great bodily injury, or other serious injuries.
The attorney aims to demonstrate that the defendant acted in self-defense or that there was no present ability to commit a violent injury, thereby protecting the client from a criminal conviction and potential civil lawsuit.
Additionally, they seek to secure financial compensation for any harm suffered. Their expertise in California law and experience with similar criminal cases are invaluable in navigating the complexities of the trial process in civil court, ultimately striving for a favorable outcome for the defendant.
What to Look Out For Before Hiring an Assault Defense Lawyer
The importance of hiring a good attorney when you are accused of assault cannot be overstated. A lawyer’s experience, professionalism, response time, and whether you feel comfortable discussing sensitive matters with them are all important factors in choosing the right attorney for you.
Here are some things to consider when choosing legal representation:
- Client ratings and reviews and their professional reputation: You will get a sense of the attorney’s level of service by doing this. Additionally, a lawyer’s reputation in the legal community will give an indication of their ethical and professional standards.
- Criminal assault experience: The attorney’s past experience and success rate will help determine their suitability for the job.
- How the attorney communicates: You will likely have many questions and concerns during your case, so making sure your lawyer is ready and available to answer these questions is crucial.
Make an appointment with us to discuss your case and determine if we are the right fit.
Don’t Take Chances With Your Freedom and Future!
The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney has a team of skilled and knowledgeable assault and battery attorneys ready to fight for your rights and defend you against the serious consequences of the crime.
A homicide attorney can assist you in defending against various charges brought against you for various violent crimes.
Regardless of your circumstances, you are not alone in your fight. If you or someone you love is facing criminal charges, time is of the essence.
Contact the Law Offices of Christopher Chaney today for a free consultation.
