When to Hire a Lawyer for an Assault and Battery Charge
The court system treats violent crime charges very seriously. Even a misdemeanor conviction can have serious consequences, such as fines and/or restitution payments and up to one year in jail. Plus, it can have long-term consequences insofar as your ability to get a job.
Felony convictions for assault and battery are, of course, more serious, with the potential for up to 10 years behind bars and even higher fines.
A violent crime conviction can also impact your ability to keep or purchase firearms. It is against the law to own firearms after a felony conviction. You can face additional charges if you are found with a firearm after a felony conviction.
A lawyer can work to reduce the charges against you or even eliminate them completely. He or she can also make sure your rights are protected at trial. You’re less likely to be taken seriously if you choose to represent yourself, as opposed to hiring a lawyer to defend you.
Additionally, the court may order probation or direct you to attend anger management classes after a violent crime conviction.
How Much You Can Expect to Pay for a Criminal Defense Lawyer
Criminal defense lawyers can charge anywhere from $150 to $700 an hour for their time. It is not unheard of for legal bills to run close to $10,000 or more. Some lawyers also require a retainer before they begin working on your case.
You may be able to work out a payment plan with your lawyer to get the defense you deserve. Talk to our lawyers at the Simmrin Law Group today.
Building a Defense to Assault and Battery Charges
Our team at the Simmrin Law Group understands how to handle your legal needs after you are charged with assault or battery. We’ll get to work right away by:
Supporting You During Legal Interviews
We’re here to support you during your deposition and while you are providing trial testimony.
Keep in mind that the prosecution is not your friend. They are primarily motivated with securing a conviction and will use the things you say against you.
That’s why you need a good attorney by your side who can properly prepare for questioning.
Assisting During Your Bail Hearing
Sometimes, you are offered bail after an assault or battery arrest. Bail is a payment made to the court system that lets you stay out of jail. We can work to ensure you receive a low bail payment, if applicable.
Performing Our Own Investigation
The police are most interested in gathering evidence against you. We are most interested in gathering evidence in your favor that can get your charges reduced or even tossed out.
We’ll conduct our own investigation into what actually happened and will do all we can to gather evidence to support your side of the story.
When applicable, our team can work to show that you acted in self-defense and did not intend to harm the other person.
Assault and Battery Charges in El Monte
Assault and battery are considered violent crimes; however, these charges are not used to prosecute the same actions.
Assault Charges
Assault charges are levied if someone is accused of:
- Willfully using force against another person OR
- Committing an act that would result in force being used against another person
You do not necessarily have to touch another person to face an assault conviction in El Monte. Merely intending to touch someone in a harmful or offensive way can lead to assault charges in the state of California.
Many assault charges in El Monte are considered “wobblers.” This means that they are treated as either misdemeanors or felonies. The Simmrin Law Group is here to help you handle any assault charges against you.
Battery Charges
Reach out to our violent crimes lawyers in El Monte today if you are being accused of battery. While many people associate assault with battery charges, battery is not the same as assault. Individuals can face battery charges if they touch someone else in a way that is harmful or offensive.
Note that you have to actually touch someone to face battery charges. This sets battery accusations apart from assault allegations.
Talk to an El Monte Assault and Battery Lawyer Today
Don’t let an assault and battery charge ruin your life. Let the Simmrin Law Group help by providing you with the strong defense you need to give you the best chance at getting your charges dismissed or even thrown out entirely.
Contact us today for a free consultation by calling (310) 896-2723. You can also fill out our online contact form.