Assault and Battery

San Diego Criminal Defense Lawyer

Although the terms assault and battery are often used interchangeably and are frequently grouped together, they are two separate criminal offenses. Assault is defined as the threat or attempt of violence or injury on another person, with the apparent ability to carry it out. Battery is the act of violence itself, including the unwanted striking, hitting or touching of another person or of an object intimately associated with the person.

Have you been accused of assault or battery, or both? Your rights and future are on the line. By hiring an experienced criminal defense attorney to defend your rights and represent your interests, you can help ensure that you are treated fairly through the criminal process and that you have the opportunity to avoid a conviction and serious criminal penalties. Superior Law Center represents defendants throughout San Diego County in the face of assault and battery charges, offering the skillful representation of a lawyer with over a decade of experience in this field. We welcome you to contact our firm today for a consultation regarding your case.

Felony Assault and Battery Charges

Depending on the case, assault and battery may be charged as felonies or misdemeanors. An assault or battery charge will typically be escalated to a felony if a deadly weapon is used or if the victim is a child or is a law enforcement officer. 

In California, assault and battery are considered violent crimes, and if you face felony charges you may risk getting a strike on your criminal record if you are convicted. A second strike will result in double the normal penalties, and a third strike could land you in prison for life - even if the third offense would normally be punishable by only a short prison sentence! Additionally, because assault and battery are two separate crimes, if you were convicted for both and they were charged as felonies this may count as your first AND second strike, both from the same case.

Arrested or facing criminal charges? Contact a San Diego assault and battery attorney today.