Santa Maria Assault & Battery Defense
Representing Clients Accused of Violent Crimes
If you were arrested for assault, battery, or both, you could be facing jail time, prison time, fines, a permanent criminal record, and other penalties. At Stein-Conaway Law Firm, P.C., we understand that you’re worried about how these accusations can impact your future and we are here to fight for you in court and support you every step of the way.
With more than 110 years of combined criminal defense experience, our Santa Maria assault and battery attorneys have won many complex cases both before trial and at trial and are prepared to fight aggressively to protect your rights. If you’re ready to discuss your criminal defense options with skilled assault and battery lawyers, call our law office for a free initial consultation.
What Are Assault & Battery Charges in California?
Assault and battery are two distinct criminal offenses, though they are related and are often charged together. It’s essential to understand how each criminal act is defined by California law before the legal process begins.
Misdemeanor Assault: According to California Penal Code Section 240, a misdemeanor assault involves an attempt to inflict physical harm without causing an injury, such as raising a fist or other acts of physical aggression. You could be charged with assault even if you did not make actual physical contact. It’s enough if it’s clear you could harm the alleged victim, meaning they had reason to believe they were in immediate danger. A conviction can lead to up to six months in county jail and fines of up to $1,000. Community service and a term of probation can be sentencing options.
Felony Assault: If any weapon were involved or the alleged assault caused the alleged victim serious harm, the charge would typically be charged as a felony, which carries more severe penalties, including prison time, significant fines, and possibly a strike on your record.
Misdemeanor Battery: A misdemeanor conviction for simple battery, an unwanted harmful or offensive touching that does not include severe injuries, may bring a penalty up to six months in county jail and court fines. The court may also impose probation and community service. Unlike assault, battery involves actual physical contact rather than attempted contact or threats of imminent bodily harm. In fact, assault is considered to be attempted battery.
Battery Causing Serious Injury: If the harm caused to the alleged victim is serious, the charge would typically be charged as a felony, which carries more severe penalties, including possibly prison time, significant fines, and possibly a strike on your record. Some examples of battery include slapping, punching, spitting on, pushing, or throwing an object at someone.
Even if you didn’t make contact with the other person, or if you made contact but no serious injury occurs, or you could still be prosecuted for assault or battery and the consequences of an assault or battery conviction can be significant. That is why having an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side is critical from the earliest stages of your case. Call our Santa Maria office today to learn how an experienced criminal defense attorney will defend you from assault and battery charges.
What Criminal Penalties Do You Face If Convicted?
The potential penalties for assault and battery charges in California span a wide range that could include community service and probation or years in jail or prison. This is because both assault and battery may be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the specific circumstances. Generally, the more harm you caused or could have caused the victim, the more severe your penalties will be if you’re convicted of the crime.
For example, simple assault is a misdemeanor charge that can result in up to six months in county jail. If you’re accused of using a deadly weapon or causing serious physical harm to the victim, you could be charged with aggravated assault. Depending on the details of your criminal charge, this could be a misdemeanor or a felony offense.
Misdemeanor assault charges of this kind can result in up to one year in county jail, while felony assault could lead to up to four years in state prison or to even more prison time if certain sentencing enhancements are filed in your case.
Simple battery often involves harmful or offensive touching that does not result in serious bodily injury for the victim. This is typically charged as a misdemeanor offense and punished by up to six months in jail. If the victim suffered severe physical injuries, you could be charged with Battery Causing Serious Bodily Injury. In many cases, this is charged a felony, which could be punished by up to four years in prison or to even more prison time if certain sentencing enhancements are filed in your case. A felony conviction can also impact your employment opportunities, professional licenses, immigration status, and civil rights.
Whether you’re charged with aggravated assault, domestic violence, simple battery, or related offenses, you’ll need an aggressive defense to protect you from potential penalties like jail or prison time, court fines and other penalties. Our skilled assault and battery defense lawyers have extensive experience defending clients from misdemeanor and felony charges. Call us today for guidance with the complex legal process you’re facing after an arrest.
How Can Our Criminal Defense Lawyers Defend You from Assault and Battery Charges in Santa Maria, California?
If you’re worried about your assault or battery case and want the best outcome, you should contact experienced assault and battery defense lawyers who have a proven track record of winning cases involving these charges. Their knowledge of numerous valid defense options can help you reduce or avoid jail or prison time by pursuing every available legal defense to show reasonable doubt in court.
Some potential defense options that assault and battery defense attorneys may use include:
- Lack of intent
- Accident
- Self-defense
- Defense of another
- False allegations
- Mistaken identity
- Insufficient evidence of guilt
Your lawyer can also argue certain details specific to your case to seek to reduce the charges. For example, they might get a felony reduced to a misdemeanor if they can prove you didn’t use a deadly weapon. To learn more about the defense option that may be right for your case, call our office for a free consultation.
Why Should You Call Our Santa Maria Assault & Battery Defense Attorneys to Defend You?
If you have been arrested or are facing criminal charges in Santa Maria, California, it’s important to speak with a criminal defense attorney right away. Early involvement allows your lawyer to review the circumstances, preserve evidence, and begin developing a strategy aimed at achieving the best possible outcome in your case. At Stein-Conaway Law Firm, P.C., we have helped many clients challenge serious charges and work toward outcomes that avoid jail or prison time, protect their freedom, their future, and their peace of mind.
We understand that not every arrest tells the full story. You may feel that what you’re accused of is inaccurate, unfair, or does not reflect what actually happened. Our experienced criminal defense attorneys take those concerns seriously and are committed to examining the facts, identifying weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and advocating for you—sometimes even before formal court proceedings begin when we are contacted early enough. If charges have been filed and you need help showing that you were wrongfully accused, acted in self-defense, or if you made mistake and are in need of help, we encourage you to reach out. Call 805-439-6069 to schedule a free initial consultation with our trusted Santa Maria criminal defense attorneys.
