Assault Lawyer California Fighting for Reduced or Dropped Charges
Why You Should Choose Us for Assault Defense
Committed to You
When you hire our defense lawyers, we will dedicate our complete attention to your case. We will honestly identify your best possible outcome, and then we will do whatever it takes to achieve it, even if that means we go all the way to a jury trial.
Record of Success
Our California assault lawyers are very well-regarded in the criminal defense community because our law firm has been on the winning side of numerous high-profile cases over the last decade. Our team brings a wealth of legal knowledge and tried-and-true strategies to the table when representing you in an assault case.
Give Yourself a Fighting Chance Schedule a Consultation Today
If you have been charged with assault, you should seek the assistance of a credible defense attorney as soon as possible. The stakes are too high to leave your case up to a public defender who will try to get you through the system as quickly as possible by advising you to plead guilty. You need a law firm like Law House PC that will really get to know you, carefully study your case, and protect your rights in court. The first step towards hiring our attorneys is to request a consultation with us. We can conduct your initial consultation in person or by video or phone call. You can easily request a consultation by contacting our California assault lawyers online or calling:
Four Types of Assault Charges in California
| Severity | Definition | Penalty | |
| Simple Assault | Typically a Misdemeanor | An attempt to cause harm that doesn't actually result in physical injury. | Up to 6 mo. in jail/up to $1,000 in fines |
| Assault with a Deadly Weapon | Felony or Misdemeanor | Assault involving the use of a deadly weapon or force that would likely result in great bodily injury. | Up to 4 years in jail/up to $10,000 in fines |
| Simple Battery | Typically a Misdemeanor | Intentionally and forcefully or violently making physical contact with someone in an offensive or unwanted way. | Up to 6 mo. in jail/up to $2,000 in fines |
| Aggravated Battery | Felony or Misdemeanor | Battery causing serious bodily injury. | Up to 4 years in jail/up to $10,000 in fines |
If the victim of the assault or battery is a police officer or firefighter, it's a felony charge.
Assault Defense Strategies
There are many strategies our attorneys can take when representing someone charged with assault in California. The strategy we pursue with your case will depend on a variety of factors we will review in your consultation, such as the circumstances leading up to the incident in question and your criminal record. To achieve reduced or even dropped charges, our attorneys can argue:
You are falsely accused.
If there is simply no credence to the criminal charges against you, our attorneys will work tirelessly to collect physical evidence, photo and video evidence, and eyewitness testimonies to prove to a judge or jury that you never assaulted anyone.
You acted in self-defense.
You are always within your rights to defend yourself if you are physically attacked or threatened. If this describes your situation, our California assault lawyers will work with you to build a rock-solid case that physical force was your only recourse to defend yourself.
The incident was accidental.
Intent is the key factor that can differentiate a felony from a misdemeanor. If you caused harm to someone accidentally, you shouldn't face penalties intended for criminals. The attorneys at our law firm can argue in court that the event in question was unintentional and deserving of less severe consequences.
You acted in the "heat of passion."
For example, if you got in a fight with a person after finding them being physically intimate with your spouse, we can argue that you were responding to a "highly provoking act" and help you face less severe assault charges.
California Assault FAQs
What is considered a deadly weapon?
In California, a deadly weapon is an instrument that can cause great bodily injury or death. Along with guns, this can include knives, cars, rocks, and even dogs.
Can an assault conviction be sealed?
Under Senate Bill 731, most types of felony convictions, including violent crimes, can request a cleared record if they served their prison sentence and probation, and have not been re-arrested for two years.
Can an assault conviction lead to deportation?
Yes. Non-citizens who are found guilty of assault, domestic violence, or other violent crimes are subject to deportation. If you are not a U.S. citizen and you are charged with a crime in California, you should consult with a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible.
Important Distinctions
Misdemeanor Charge vs. Felony Charge
When it comes to assault charges, what distinguishes a misdemeanor charge from a felony charge is the severity of the injuries and the circumstances of the incident. Our California assault lawyers can create a compelling, fact-based case on your behalf to prevent unwarranted penalties.
Bodily Injury vs. Serious Bodily Injury
In simple terms, this is the distinction that can determine the severity of the charges. With Law House in your corner, we will work to make sure that the facts aren't misconstrued, and that you aren't held responsible for injuries you did not cause.
Intent
The charges brought against you will be determined in large part by your intent to injure the plaintiff. For example, say another driver runs your car off the road, and a person has to jump out of the way to avoid being struck by your car. You would not likely be found guilty of assaulting the person who had to dodge your vehicle.
Book a Consultation
The criminal defense team at Law House PC is ready to review your case and advise you on the best way to proceed. Our lawyers have offices throughout the state. We also offer remote representation and virtual consultations. You can schedule a conversation with our California assault lawyers right now by contacting us online or calling
We Are Not Afraid of Court
While other lawyers may try to avoid a trial by convincing you to take a quick plea, our California assault lawyers are ready to defend you in front of a jury if that's what it takes to secure your best possible outcome.
Related Crimes
The criminal defense lawyers at Law House provide dedicated representation to clients charged with any type of crime in California. Assault charges, in particular, are often accompanied by or develop into charges for other violent crimes, including:
Domestic Violence
If the alleged victim of an assault is or ever has been in an intimate relationship with the accused, then a domestic violence sentence enhancer can be added to the assault charges. A domestic violence charge greatly increases the severity of the potential penalties and automatically leads to a protective order.
Child Abuse
People found guilty of child abuse face years in prison, thousands of dollars in fines, and the loss of child custody.
Homicide
A victim's death will lead to charges of homicide. California has multiple homicide crimes, including first-degree murder (the most serious), vehicular homicide, and manslaughter. Of course, the penalties for homicide are severe, but the same defenses that apply to assault charges can apply to homicide charges.
