El Segundo Assault & Battery Lawyer

Criminal Defense in El Segundo, Inglewood, Torrance, Culver City, & Surrounding Areas

Assault and battery often fall within the realm of “violent crime” because of their aggression against others. They involve the threat or causation of harm that may or may not cause injury. Thus, they can be serious offenses, carrying negative consequences that can significantly impact your life. 

Regardless of whether you have been charged with assault or battery, hiring a qualified defense lawyer is vital in navigating the charges. Professional knowledge and experience from our criminal defense lawyer at Rollins Law Group can help minimize potential penalties and protect your rights. 

With 25+ years in practice, Attorney Kendric Rollins provides aggressive and thorough representation in helping you seek the best possible outcome for your case.

Schedule a free initial consultation with our Southern California assault and battery attorney. You can reach us online or at (310) 807-2282. 

What Is the Difference Between Assault & Battery?

In California, assault and battery are distinct offenses. 

Under California Penal Code 240 PC, assault is an “unlawful attempt coupled with the present ability to commit violent injury upon another person.” The key concept behind an assault is the “attempt.” You can be charged with assault without ever making physical contact with the alleged victim but only by attempting to do so. 

An example of this type of assault could include throwing a rock at someone without hitting them. 

Battery is a more severe offense as described under California Penal Code 242 PC, which states it is “any willful and unlawful use of force or violence” against another. In this case, if you threw the rock that hit the other person, you would be charged with battery. Essentially, battery occurs when actual physical harm is done to the person.

Different Types of Assault & Battery

Multiple types of assault and battery exist under California law. 

These include:

• Simple assault. This is the least severe type of assault, resulting in a misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in county jail, a fine of up to $1,000, or both. 
• Assault with a deadly weapon. A deadly weapon can be any object, instrument, or weapon used to produce great bodily injury or death. It can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the circumstances. Felonies can bring up to four years in state prison, a fine of up to $10,000, or both.
• Aggravated assault. This is generally an assault that causes serious physical injury. It can also be charged as a misdemeanor or felony. A felony for this offense carries the same penalties as an assault with a deadly weapon. 
• Simple battery. This is the least serious of battery charges and can be based on touching the alleged victim in a rude, angry, or disrespectful manner. It is charged as a misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $2,000. 
• Battery causing serious bodily injury. Also known as aggravated battery, this occurs when the battery results in substantial and consequential injury, such as concussions, deep cuts, broken bones, or anything that requires extensive medical treatment. It can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony. Felonies can carry up to four years in prison, a fine of up to $10,000, or both. 
• Battery on a peace officer. This involves committing battery crimes against law enforcement, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, or other protected officials while they are on duty. Penalties can include up to three years in jail, a fine of up to $10,000, or both. 

Each type of battery charge in California carries unique standards of proof and potential defenses. Therefore, seeking representation from an experienced defense attorney can significantly improve your chances of a more favorable outcome.