Due to the violent nature of assault crimes, local authorities take these cases very seriously. If you have been accused of or charged with this crime, it is vital to seek legal representation from a skilled Costa Mesa assault lawyer.
Our highly-regarded criminal defense attorneys at The Law Office of Scott D. Henry have over 40 years of experience representing those who face serious charges. Our legal team understands how the outcome of your case could directly impact your future, so we are dedicated to doing everything within our power to help you achieve a positive result.
California Penal Code 240 PC defines assault as the unlawful attempt to commit a violent injury to another person. Some common instances of these crimes include domestic violence, sexual assault, assault on a police officer, assault with a deadly weapon, and child abuse. This crime can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the nature and seriousness of the alleged crime. A skilled attorney in Costa Mesa could help someone navigate the legal intricacies of their assault case.
California Penal Code 245 PC defines assault with a deadly weapon (ADW) as attacking or attempting to attack another person with a weapon that will likely cause great bodily harm. ADW can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony and does not need to specifically involve a firearm. The use of knives, baseball bats, rocks, or other dangerous objects may constitute assault with a deadly weapon. For example, someone could be charged with ADW after trying to stab another person with a broken bottle.
To increase the chances of a positive resolution in an assault case, it is imperative to retain a Costa Mesa attorney who can aggressively fight the charges against you. Several effective defenses could be appropriate to pursue. Viable arguments include a lack of intent, self-defense, the defense of others, insufficient evidence, false accusation, and mistaken identity.
The appropriate defense will depend on the circumstances of your case. Our experienced legal team could investigate the alleged offense and analyze evidence to determine the most suitable and persuasive defense strategy in your case.
Because of the violent nature of these crimes, prosecutors aggressively pursue charges and fight for convictions. Punishment for a misdemeanor simple assault conviction includes up to six months in jail, up to $1,000 in fines, and probation. Assault on a police officer carries penalties of up to one year in jail and fines of up to $2,000. A felony assault with a deadly weapon conviction includes penalties of up to four years in prison and fines of up to $10,000.
Additionally, a conviction will result in a permanent criminal record, making it challenging to find employment, housing, or obtain certain licensing. It is essential to hire an experienced attorney in Costa Mesa who could skillfully negotiate to have your assault charges dropped or reduced, and therefore, minimize penalties.
If you are being investigated for or have been charged with assault, every moment counts. It is essential to be proactive and discuss your situation immediately with a reputable Costa Mesa assault lawyer.
Our attorneys at the Law Office of Scott D. Henry have dedicated their careers to fighting zealously to defend the rights of others. We utilize our team to meticulously investigate the alleged incident and obtain evidence supporting your defense. Scott and his team could negotiate skillfully on your behalf to have the charges dropped or reduced. Please contact our office today so we can immediately begin taking steps to protect your freedom.
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