Assault and battery are serious criminal charges in Southern California and throughout the U.S. If you've been charged with assault or battery, you will benefit from representation by an experienced and knowledgeable criminal defense attorney.

An Attempt vs. Contact

Assault and battery are not a single crime; they're two separate offenses. Sometimes an individual is charged with both, but you can also be charged with just one or the other. Here's the difference:

• Assault is an attempt to touch or hit another person without his or her consent. Threatening someone with violence is also a form of assault.
• Battery is the actual touching or hitting, of whatever degree or severity, with or without an object.

Misdemeanor and Felony Charges Are Possible

Both assault and battery can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony. Thus, the possible penalties for assault and battery are somewhat wide-ranging, from six months in jail and a $1,000 fine to far more.

An individual who is accused of assault or battery offenses may also have to face a civil lawsuit.

Increased Penalties

In addition, assault and/or battery charges can be added to other charges. For example, assault with a deadly weapon (e.g., gun, fist, car), aggravated assault, assault on a police officer, and aggravated battery all have greatly increased penalties.

Any criminal charge can be defended against. There may be extenuating reasons for an assault or battery, such as self-defense or defending someone else or property. As your defense criminal lawyer, Anna Yum can work within the criminal justice system to perhaps reach a plea agreement, an alternative sentence, or a diversion, and she will represent you at a trial when a trial is in your best interest.

Contact Anna R. Yum, Assault and Battery Defense Attorney

As a highly experienced criminal defense lawyer and former deputy district attorney, Anna Yum provides the level of legal skill and experience that will protect your legal rights. Contact a Criminal Lawyer in San Diego to discuss your circumstances in a private, no-commitment consultation.