Due to their violent nature, assault charges are taken very seriously by law enforcement and prosecutors. If you have been charged with this crime, it is essential to have a skilled Redlands assault lawyer who could aggressively fight the charges against you.
At The Law Office of Scott D. Henry, our attorneys have over 40 years of combined defense experience. We have in-depth knowledge of how these cases are investigated and prosecuted in the area. Our legal team understands all that is at stake and we are dedicated to doing everything within our power to help you receive a positive outcome. We could aggressively advocate on your behalf to make sure your rights and best interests are protected.
Assault Crimes in Redlands
Assault is defined in California Penal Code 240 PC as an “unlawful attempt to commit a violent injury on the person of another.” Some examples of this crime include:
- Domestic Violence
- Assault on a police officer
- Assault with a deadly weapon
- Child abuse
- Sexual assault
In California, assault is a “wobbler,” which means it can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony. The penalties someone may face for their specific assault charges depend on the severity of the case. Still, jail time and significant fines are possible in most situations. A Redlands lawyer could help someone prepare for the legal process based on their specific assault charges.
Assault on a Police Officer
Under California Penal Code 241 PC, it is a crime to commit an assault on a peace officer. Peace officer is a broad term that includes:
- Police officers
- California highway patrol officers
- EMTs or paramedics
- Firefighters
- Lifeguards
- Animal control officer
- Search and rescue member
- Doctors or nurses providing medical care
Penalties for a conviction include up to one year in jail, probation, and a fine of up to $2,000.
The Difference Between Assault and Battery
Many individuals are familiar with the use of the term “assault and battery” to describe a single crime, but in California, they are considered two distinctly different offenses. An assault is an attempt to cause physical harm by using force or violence. There does not need to be contact for an assault to take place. A battery is an act of force or violence that occurs against another individual. Injuries do not need to be present for a battery to occur. An attorney in Redlands could help you prepare a defense if you have been accused of either assault or battery.
Potential Defenses
Assault charges can cause severe long-term effects on your way of life, so you need a Redlands attorney who can defend the charges against you skillfully. Numerous persuasive and strong defenses could be pursued by one of our legal professionals. Some of these include but are not limited to:
- Not intending to commit the alleged assault
- Acting in self-defense or the defense of others
- Insufficient evidence
- Being falsely accused
- Mistaken identity
All cases are unique. An appropriate defense will depend on the circumstances of your case. Our seasoned attorneys could carefully analyze the facts to determine the most effective case-specific defense strategy.
Consult with a Redlands Assault Attorney Today
Due to the seriousness of these allegations, it is best to seek legal representation from a skilled Redlands assault lawyer as soon as possible. At the Law Office of Scott D. Henry, we have dedicated our careers to fighting for individuals facing serious criminal charges. We have compiled a team of investigators who could leave no stone unturned while obtaining evidence supporting your defense. Scott Henry and his team could carefully analyze the evidence, present it to law enforcement or prosecutors, and negotiate skillfully on your behalf to have the charges dropped or reduced. Contact our firm today for a free consultation.