California Assault and Battery
What is assault and battery in California?
- Assault and battery charges can range from something as simple as a battery from a fistfight to more serious charges such as battery on a police office or assault with a deadly weapon.
- Assault is defined by California law as: “an unlawful attempt, coupled with a present ability, to commit a violent injury on the person of another.”
o Categories of assault charges are: Assault, Assault on a police officer, Assault with a deadly weapon and Assault with a firearm. - Battery is defined by California law as: “any willful and unlawful use of force or violence upon the person of another.”
o Categories of battery charges are: Battery, Battery with injury, and Battery on a police officer. - Domestic Violence is also included under the umbrella of assault and battery. Violations of protective orders can trigger a domestic violence charge.
- Assault and Battery in the California Codes
- Legal penalties vary with the severity of the offense. Most assault and battery charges will carry significant penalties including fines, probation/parole, jail or prison time, court-ordered anger management or counseling, community service and forfeiture of your right to own a gun.
- Domestic violence charges and/or convictions will likely include protective orders, that will restrict your ability to see your partner or family.
- The criminal record that accompanies an assault and battery charge also may make it difficult for you to seek employment, and will influence any future interactions with the criminal justice system.
- Assault and battery is a violent crime that has serious criminal justice consequences.
- Don’t risk it! If you, a family member, or friend is facing an assault and battery charge, it is best to contact a criminal defense attorney. .
- For the best assault and battery defense in Los Angeles, contact The Law Offices of Erik S. Lewin.
