California has some of the toughest laws and penalties for assault crimes. Due to the violent nature of assault, all allegations are pursued diligently by law enforcement. If you are being investigated or charged with this crime, it is crucial to act immediately and contact a San Bernardino assault lawyer.
At the Law Office of Scott D. Henry, our skilled criminal defense attorneys have extensive experience fighting against violent crime charges. Our proactive and aggressive approach has earned us a reputation for winning cases that were previously deemed “unwinnable.” With over forty years of combined assault defense experience, we could provide you with superior legal representation during this challenging situation and fight tirelessly to get you the most favorable outcome possible.
How is Assault Defined?
In California, the crime of assault is addressed in Penal Code 240 PC. It is defined as any unlawful intentional attempt to injure another individual. It is important to note that no contact or injuries need to occur for an assault to take place. To combat the incidents of violent crime in this area, local law enforcement pursues potential incidents of assault zealously. Common assault offenses include battery, assault with a deadly weapon, domestic battery, sexual battery, battery on a police officer, and aggravated battery.
Penalties for Assault Convictions
Assault is considered a “wobbler,” which means these crimes can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony. Penalties for a simple assault conviction include up to six months in jail, up to six months of probation, and fines of up to $1,000. Penalties for an aggravated assault conviction include up to four years in state prison and fines of up to $10,000. One of our skilled attorneys in San Bernardino could help you avoid or minimize the potential penalties associated with an assault charge by defending you in court.
What is Aggravated Battery?
California Penal Code 243(d) PC states that it is unlawful to commit any battery that causes serious bodily injury to another individual. To be convicted, prosecutors must prove that:
- The defendant willfully touched another person in a harmful and threatening manner.
- The victim suffered serious bodily injury as a result of the contact.
- The defendant did not act in self-defense or the defense of others.
Serious bodily injuries refer to serious impairment of an individual’s physical condition. Some examples include a concussion, broken bones, impairment of an organ or body part, and a loss of consciousness. Due to the seriousness of aggravated battery, penalties for a conviction are harsh. You can receive up to one year in jail for a misdemeanor charge and fines of up to $1,000. For a felony aggravated battery charge, you may receive up to four years in prison. If you are facing an aggravated battery, a San Bernardino lawyer could help build a defense for your assault case.
An Experienced San Bernardino Assault Attorney Can Help
At the Law Office of Scott D. Henry, we understand what is at stake when facing allegations of assault. Your freedom and future depend on your case’s outcome, so it is crucial to obtain superior legal representation to aggressively defend you.
If you face these charges, we urge you to contact our San Bernardino assault lawyers today. Our experienced litigators are committed to providing you with an aggressive and effective defense while supporting you throughout the entire process. Contact our office today for a free case analysis.