Walnut Creek Assault & Battery Defense Lawyer 

Aggressive & Skilled Representation for Allegations of Assault and Battery

If you have been charged with assault or battery, you need a skilled and aggressive criminal defense lawyer in Walnut Creek. At The Law Offices of Johnson & Johnson, we provide dedicated representation for clients facing assault and battery charges. We work tirelessly to protect your rights and your future.

Our firm understands that these charges can have a major impact on your life. You may be facing jail time, substantial fines, probation, and a criminal record that can follow you for the rest of your life. These charges can affect your ability to get a job, rent an apartment, obtain a loan, or even find a place to live.

Contact our Walnut Creek Assault & Battery Defense Lawyer to get started on your case today!

What Is Assault & Battery?

Assault and battery are two separate but related crimes. While they are often used interchangeably, they are two distinct charges with different elements. If you are facing either of these charges, it is important that you understand what each charge entails.

Assault occurs when someone threatens to harm another person. It is a crime to threaten to physically harm another person, even if you do not intend to carry out the threat. You may be charged with assault if you threaten to harm another person verbally, with a weapon, or with some other action. It is not necessary for the other person to be harmed, just threatened with harm. Assault is a misdemeanor charge.

Battery occurs when someone actually harms another person. It is a crime to actually harm another person, even if you do not intend to harm them. You may be charged with battery if you physically harm another person, even in a minor way. Battery is a misdemeanor charge.

What Are the Penalties for Assault & Battery?

Assault and battery are both misdemeanor crimes. The penalties for these charges can include:

• Jail time
• Fines
• Probation

If you are convicted of either assault or battery, you may also be required to complete a batterers' program. If you have been convicted of either offense in the past, you may face additional penalties for the new charge.

What Are the Defenses for Assault & Battery?

There are several defenses that can be used to fight assault and battery charges. These include:

• Self-defense. If you are facing an assault charge, you can use the defense of self-defense. This defense is available if you have been threatened with harm by another person and you reasonably believe that you must use force to prevent harm.
• Defense of others. You can use the defense of defense of others if you reasonably believe that another person is being threatened with harm and you use reasonable force to defend that person.
• Defense of property. You can use the defense of defense of property if you reasonably believe that property is being damaged or stolen and you use reasonable force to protect that property.

If you have been charged with assault or battery, you need an attorney who will fight for you. At The Law Offices of Johnson & Johnson, we have been successfully defending clients in Contra Costa County for more than 35 years. We are ready to provide you with the personalized service and attention you deserve.

Contact us online or call us at (925) 900-5330 to schedule your consultation with our experienced assault and battery defense lawyer in Walnut Creek.