Jail or Prison Time
If you are charged with assault and/or battery, your whole life can change instantly. Not only will your character be put in question, but this charge can forever impact your future—personally as well as professionally. That is why if you are facing assault and battery charges, you need to reach out to an experienced Riverside assault and battery lawyer as soon as possible. These legal professionals are ready to get to work figuring out your possible defenses and doing everything they can to overcome these charges.
Many individuals assume that assault and battery are interchangeable crimes since they are often charged together. However, in California, assault and battery are treated as two separate convictions. Consequently, each of these offenses can result in severe penalties.
For these reasons, if you have been charged with one or both of these crimes, you should contact a knowledgeable Riverside assault and battery lawyer as soon as possible. These attorneys can promptly get to work fighting these charges and trying to get them dismissed or reduced.
While the terms assault and battery are generally used together, they are, in fact, two separate crimes:
California defines assault as an unlawful attempt to commit a violent injury to another person, coupled with a present ability. This means that an individual can be charged with assault even if they do not actually follow through with the violent crime, as long as the prosecutor can show the following:
When it comes to battery, the state defines it as a willful and unlawful use of violence or force on another person. Or, more specifically, battery is the violence itself. However, generally, when a person attempts to hurt another individual and succeeds, they are often charged with both assault and battery. This is because while an individual may assault another person without committing battery, a battery typically cannot happen without assault.
If you have been charged with assault or battery in Riverside, you should immediately reach out to a skilled and knowledgeable Riverside assault and battery attorney. These attorneys can evaluate if the claims against you have any merit and help you assert any available defenses you may have to the charges brought against you.
In addition, these criminal defense lawyers can also represent you in the courtroom and guide you through this entire legal process, ensuring to fight for your rights every step of the way.
Alejandro handled my criminal case. I was looking at a lot of time and he fought for me for over a year and a half and got me the best possible outcome. He was always honest and upfront about everything. Even after my criminal case was over he would still check on me just to see how I was doing. ( still does ) He was an absolute godsend and always encouraged me to not give up and keep going. Couldn’t ask for a better lawyer.
The penalties you may face for an assault and battery charge in California will often depend on the circumstances of what happened.
For instance, a simple battery can result in an individual being charged with a misdemeanor. The possible penalties for this crime include probation, six months in county jail, and/or a fine of up to $2,000. In comparison, a simple assault charge in California is also a misdemeanor, with penalties including up to six months in county jail and/or a fine not to exceed $1,000.
However, if you commit a battery where you inflict serious injury, also known as an aggravated battery, you can face more stringent penalties. Yet, because aggravated battery is a wobbler crime in California, it can mean a person may be charged with either a misdemeanor or a felony. As a result, depending on the circumstances, the punishment can range from one year in county jail to four years in prison.
If you are being accused of assault or battery in Riverside, it may be in your best interest to contact an experienced Riverside assault and battery attorney as soon as possible. You need to remember that the consequences you are facing for being charged with these crimes are far-reaching and can affect not only your ability to get hired but even your ability to rent a home. That is why you want legal professionals fighting on your side and taking on this legal battle on your behalf.
The accused is taken into custody. Police will ask basic discovery questions like name and address to identify a person, then pivot to more specific questions related to the incident.
You have the right to remain silent to avoid disclosing evidence that could potentially be self-incriminating, as well as the right to an attorney to defend you in court.
The police will take you in for booking — Police will fingerprint you and get and updated photograph for their records. After, you’ll be given a chance to contact your criminal defense lawyer.
The arraignment is the final date for you to decide how you’re going to plea. If you plead guilty, the case is set for a sentencing date. If you plead not guilty, your attorney will prepare for trial.
In the discovery stage, you’ll get to see exactly what evidence the prosecution has against you. This is when your attorney can make additional requests for evidence if need be and strengthen your defense.
Accepting the plea bargain is the last chance to plead guilty before the trial. Reduced charges may be presented to quickly settle the case and avoid trial.
The prosecutor presents the case to the jury. Any evidence or witness statements are shared at at this time. Afterward, it’s your lawyers turn to take the stands and share your side of the story. The jury will make a final verdict.
At sentencing, the Judge must decide the appropriate legal penalty for the crime you were found guilty of. Decisions are based on the advised penalties for the specific charges in question.
Jail or Prison Time
Substantial Fines
Lengthy Probation
License Suspension
Mandatory Education
If you were accused of battery in Riverside, you should have a strong legal team on your side to avoid a conviction. These attorneys can help you not only build a strong defense but they can also ensure you receive a fair trial. Plus, your chance of receiving a reduction or dismissal of your charges will likely increase if you seek help from an experienced assault and battery lawyer.
There are numerous defenses to an assault and battery charge, including self-defense, defense to others, and even misidentification. However, the best way to determine what defenses may apply to your case is to reach out to an experienced assault and battery lawyer who can review your charges, determine which defenses may apply, and aggressively fight for justice on your behalf.
The district attorney is building their case against you right now. The Prosecutor will not take your charges lightly — Will you?