Folsom Assault and Battery Lawyers

Rely on Our Experience to Fight Assault and Battery Charges

Assault and battery charges can change your life. No one thinks it will happen to them, but whether you were acting in self-defense or made a mistake and escalated a disagreement, you need a defense attorney to keep one isolated incident from defining your future.

Chris Walsh is a former prosecutor who is ready to put his years of experience to work for you. If you are facing assault and battery charges, don’t hesitate to reach out to Walsh Law for capable criminal defense representation.

Assault and battery charges are extremely serious, so do not wait to get legal advice. Schedule a free initial consultation by contacting us online or calling (916) 610-3558 today.

How Assault and Battery Charges Work in California 

Although assault and battery are similar offenses and often charged together, there are differences that could affect the potential consequences you face. It’s also important to understand the distinction between misdemeanor and felony charges in assault and battery cases. 

Some assault and battery charges are “wobblers,” meaning they can be charged as either misdemeanors or felonies depending on the circumstances and the severity of the allegations. Our Folsom assault and battery lawyers can make sure you fully understand the charges against you and explain your legal options. We are also prepared to fight for reduced charges when possible.

Simple Assault

Assault (California Penal Code Section 240) under California law is an unlawful attempt to intentionally harm someone. Note that actually hurting someone isn’t necessary to be charged with assault. Doing anything that may inflict harm or lead someone to believe they’ll be imminently harmed can be considered assault, even if no one is physically hurt because of your actions.

Simple Battery

Battery (California Penal Code Section 242) is the willful and unlawful use of force or violence against another person. It is the actual touching of another person in a harmful manner, such as striking or shoving someone.

Simple battery without any aggravating factors is typically charged as a misdemeanor. However, the severity of the potential punishments can increase if the battery was against a public service worker, healthcare provider, or an elderly or disabled adult.

Felony Assault

Assault charges can become “aggravated” and elevated to the felony level if someone was seriously injured or died in the alleged incident. Using a deadly weapon, such as a firearm, or even just possessing one during the assault can also result in higher “assault with a deadly weapon” charges. In addition, assault on a public official, such as a law enforcement officer or firefighter, comes with increased penalties.  

Penalties for Assault and Battery in California

The consequences you could face for assault and battery charges can vary widely. It all depends on whether someone was hurt (and how badly), if you possessed or used a weapon, and who was involved in the incident.

Simple Assault and Battery

A conviction for simple assault can bring the following penalties:

• Up to six months in jail
• A maximum fine of $1,000
• Probation up to six months

The penalties for a simple battery conviction can lead to:

• Up to six months in jail
• A maximum fine of $2,000
• Probation up to six months

Felony Assault and Battery

Felony aggravated assault can lead to up to four years in prison and thousands of dollars in fines. If you’ve been previously convicted of a violent or serious felony, California’s “three strikes” law means you will likely face substantially higher sentencing. If you are convicted of three violent or serious felonies, you could face 25 years to life in prison.

Facing these penalties can be overwhelming, but do not give up. You likely have paths available to fight the charges with the help of a seasoned criminal defense lawyer. 

Understanding Aggravated Assault Charges in Folsom, CA

Aggravated assault charges in Folsom carry significant weight, with potentially life-altering consequences. Folsom's steadfast dedication to public safety and community well-being means these charges are treated with the utmost seriousness by local authorities, including the Folsom Police Department. If you are facing such allegations, it is essential to grasp the unique aspects of Folsom’s legal framework and how these may shape your case.

Being in close proximity to Sacramento introduces additional nuances to how aggravated assault charges are handled. Regional policies and law enforcement practices can play a role in influencing the outcomes of cases here. Coupled with Folsom’s strong emphasis on maintaining a safe and peaceful environment, individuals accused of violent offenses may experience increased scrutiny. This makes understanding the legal landscape — and securing legal representation — particularly critical.

Local institutions such as the Folsom City Council and the Sacramento County District Attorney's Office are key players in shaping the legal environment. Their initiatives to reduce crime and prioritize public safety often result in stringent enforcement of assault laws. These dynamics highlight the importance of having a defense attorney who deeply understands these local processes and how they affect the handling of your charges.

The emotional and financial strains of aggravated assault charges extend far beyond legal proceedings. Concerns about family, career, and personal reputation can quickly become overwhelming. At Walsh Law, we recognize these challenges and are here to offer both compassionate guidance and an aggressive defense. Leveraging our familiarity with Folsom's courts and legal systems, we create a defense strategy custom-built to your unique circumstances.

Why Should I Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer When Charged with Assault or Battery?

Assault and battery charges can get complicated, especially if there’s conflicting evidence or inconsistent stories. But if the incident ended up with you facing charges, what matters is mitigating the consequences you could face and working to get your case resolved or dismissed.

Folsom Assault and Battery Attorney Chris Walsh has handled complex cases like yours and resolved many of them to his clients’ satisfaction. Chris has the experience and know-how to analyze the charges you’re up against, anticipate the other side’s claims, and develop the right defense strategy to fit the circumstances. He has first-hand experience with Folsom’s criminal justice system and a reputation for being a formidable prosecutor turned defender.