Experienced Louisiana Assault And Battery Lawyers
Assault and battery charges can arise in many situations from bar fights to domestic disputes to altercations with strangers. Unfortunately, they can pose severe penalties – a skilled defense attorney can help you fight the charges.
Serving clients in Baton Rouge and all of Louisiana, Damico & Stockstill, Attorneys at Law, is a high-profile criminal defense law firm. With over 80 years of combined experience, we provide effective and aggressive representation against state and federal charges. Call for a free consultation.
What Is Battery?
Battery is the intentional and unlawful use of physical force against another person, resulting in harmful or offensive contact. The intent behind the action and the contact itself are vital elements in establishing a battery charge.
There are three classes of battery:
- Aggravated battery: This involves serious bodily injury or the use of a deadly weapon.
- Second-degree battery: This type of battery causes serious bodily injury as defined in the statute.
- Simple battery: It involves minor physical contact or injury.
If you or someone you know is facing battery allegations, a criminal defense lawyer can help you address these serious matters.
What Is Assault?
Assault is intentionally causing another person to fear imminent bodily harm. Unlike battery, assault does not require physical contact; the intent to instill fear is a key element in proving an assault charge.
There are various types of assault, including domestic, verbal or simple assault, and aggravated assault or assault with a deadly weapon.
Penalties And Sentencing For Assault And Battery
Under the state laws of Louisiana, the penalties for battery include:
- Aggravated battery: Imprisonment up to 10 years, with or without hard labor and fines of up to $5,000.
- Second-degree battery: Imprisonment up to eight years, with or without hard labor and fines up to $2,000.
- Simple battery: Imprisonment up to six months and fines up to $1,000.
For assault, the charges will depend on the type of charge. For example, simple assault can result in jail time of up to 90 days and fines of up to $200. In aggravated assault cases, the jail time can increase to six months and fines approaching $1,000 and Aggravated Assault with a Firearm can carry a sentence of up to ten years.
Get Experienced Legal Guidance At Your Disposal
At Damico & Stockstill, Attorneys at Law, we leverage our trial experience and case representation skills to provide detailed defense strategies to our Baton Rouge and Louisiana clients. Call 225-377-4964 today and schedule a free consultation.