Los Angeles Assault & Battery Defense Attorney
Los Angeles Criminal Defense Lawyer Robert M. Bernstein is an experienced and highly skilled trial attorney who can defend clients charged with assault and battery in Los Angeles County, or anywhere in California. Assault and battery are violent crimes which may count as a strike on an individual’s criminal record, meaning enhanced penalties for a second strike and a possibility of life in prison for a third criminal conviction, even when it is not a violent or serious crime.
Assault and battery are two separate criminal charges often grouped together in criminal cases. Assault is the attempt or threat of violence and battery is the actual, intentional touching or hitting of another person, against their will. Robert M. Bernstein is an experienced attorney who is also a former prosecutor. His unique perspective allows him to be more effective in assault and battery cases, he understands what to look for in the prosecuting attorney’s weaknesses and how to anticipate what will be needed to secure an acquittal.
Penalties and Enhancements for Assault and Battery Convictions in California
A penalty for a simple misdemeanor battery conviction may be up to 6 months in county jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000. The penalty for simple misdemeanor assault may be up to 6 months in county jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000. Felony assault and battery are punishable by state prison sentences. In addition, enhancements may add many years on your sentence. An enhancement is an action which results in additional penalties. Some examples are the following:
- Assault / Battery causing great bodily injury (GBI): up to 4 years in state prison.
- Assault with a firearm: 2 to 4 years in state prison, and/or a fine of up to $10,000.
- Assault with a machine gun or semiautomatic weapon: up to 12 years in state prison.
Self defense, mistaken identity and lack of physical evidence are all means to successfully defend assault and battery charges. Attorney Bernstein and his staff will thoroughly review the circumstances of your arrest to determine exactly how to best defend your case. It may be that law enforcement illegally entered your premises or collected evidence in a manner which violates your rights. As an experienced defense lawyer, Robert Bernstein will use this and any other information, evidence or testimony in order to weaken and destroy the prosecution’s case against you.
Contact Los Angeles criminal defense attorney Robert M. Bernstein today!