Individuals who are accused of battery in Long Beach can face a number of serious charges. The state of California treats battery as a violent crime. Convictions can lead to lengthy periods of incarceration and high fines.
You can get help handling accusations of battery by contacting a battery defense lawyer in Long Beach today. You can get immediate legal advice from the professionals at the Simmrin Law Group. Let us start working on your defense by reaching out to us immediately after you face a battery charge.
Types of Battery in Long Beach
The state of California uses Penal Code 243 to define battery. PC 243 actually covers several different types of battery. Each type of battery can be punished in different ways if you are convicted. You may face charges for:
Simple Battery
Simple battery is a misdemeanor charge that applies if you use force on another person without a lawful reason for your actions. You can be charged with simple battery even if you just push or shove someone. Note that you must make physical contact of some kind to be charged with simple battery, setting this charge apart from assault.
Battery on a Peace Officer / Battery on a Police Officer
You can be charged with battery on a peace or police officer if you harm a:
- Police Officer
- Emergency Medical Technician
- Lifeguard
- Firefighter
- Traffic Officer
- Animal Control Officer
These individuals must be engaging in their duties at the time of the assault for this charge to apply.
Aggravated Battery / Battery Causing Serious Bodily Injury
The charge of aggravated battery can apply if you cause a serious bodily injury to another person. Serious injuries impair another person’s physical condition. Examples of serious injuries can include:
- Broken Bones
- Concussions
- Disfigurement
Domestic Battery
Individuals can be charged with domestic battery if they harm their:
- Current or Former Spouse
- Current or Former Fiancé or Fiancée
- Current or Former Boyfriend or Girlfriend
You can also face charges for harming someone you are cohabitating with or the parent of your child.
You can reach out to our team of criminal defense lawyers in Long Beach if you are facing charges for any kind of battery.
For a free legal consultation with a lawyer serving Long Beach, call (310) 896-2723
Penalties for Battery Convictions in Long Beach
The exact penalties you’ll face if convicted of battery can vary based on the type of battery charge you are facing. Generally, you might expect to face these penalties:
Fines for Battery
- Simple Battery: Up to $2,000
- Battery on a Peace / Police Officer: Up to $10,000
- Aggravated Battery: Up to $10,000
- Domestic Battery: Up to $2,000
Jail Time for Battery
- Simple Battery: Up to 6 Months
- Battery on a Peace / Police Officer: Up to 3 Years
- Aggravated Battery: Up to 4 Years
- Domestic Battery: Up to 1 Year
These penalties can seriously impact your life for years to come. You may also be banned from firearm ownership for a decade. In some cases, the court can even require you to attend anger management classes.
A professional violent crimes lawyer in Long Beach can craft a defense if you are facing battery charges. Let us start going over your case now to make sure you are ready for court.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Me (310) 896-2723
Building a Battery Defense in Long Beach
Some people feel like they have no options if they are charged with battery and that a conviction is a foregone conclusion. In fact, a battery defense lawyer can often help you beat these charges so you can move on with your life.
Your lawyer may be able to help you proving that you were acting in self-defense when you harmed another person. You are legally allowed to protect yourself and other people in the Long Beach area.
You might also be able to show that you accidentally hurt someone. Battery charges should only apply if you intentionally harmed someone without a lawful reason. Accidents should not lead to battery convictions.
Finally, there are some high-risk activities that can lead to injuries. Some sports, like football, are especially dangerous to participants. You should not face a conviction if you harmed someone during the normal course of play.
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Contact a Long Beach Battery Defense Lawyer Now
The penalties for a battery conviction can be harsh. You don’t have to try to stand up for yourself in court, risking a conviction that can lead to fines and jail time. Contact the Simmrin Law Group’s battery defense lawyers in Long Beach to get the help you need today. You can get professional legal advice by completing our online contact form or calling (310) 896-2723.
We offer clients in your situation a FREE case evaluation that you can use today.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form