Jefferson Parish Assault & Battery Lawyer
Professional Assault & Battery Lawyers Serving Jefferson Parish, Louisiana
Both assault and battery charges in Jefferson Parish, and throughout Louisiana, can be classified as either a misdemeanor or a felony. The charges laid will greatly depend on the circumstances of a specific case. Assault and battery charges are often laid at the same time by law enforcement and the prosecution, but the two offenses are different from each other. If you were arrested for either assault or battery, it is important to take the charges seriously. Our Jefferson Parish assault & battery lawyer will protect your rights throughout every step of the criminal process.
How Do Assault and Battery Differ from Each Other?
State law does define assault and battery in separate statutes, but the two offenses are related and occur at the same time. Assault occurs when a person threatens or takes certain actions to make another person feel as though they will suffer physical harm. Making threats to someone or swinging a fist at them but missing are two common examples of assault.
Battery occurs after assault, once physical contact has been made. Battery typically involves offensive touching or physical harm.
Common Assault Charges in Jefferson Parish
There are many different types of assault charges outlined in state law and they include:
- Simple assault
- Aggravated assault, which is usually simple assault with a dangerous weapon
- Aggravated assault with a firearm
- Aggravated assault on a police officer
- Assault with a motor vehicle
- Assault involving a school teacher
Common Battery Charges in Jefferson Parish
Like assault charges, there are also many different types of battery crimes outlined in state law. They are as follows:
- Simple battery
- Aggravated battery
- Second-degree battery, which occurs when the act results in serious bodily injury
- Aggravated second-degree battery
- Battery of a person in a protected class, which includes the disabled, elderly, police officers, and teachers
Penalties for Assault and Battery Convictions
The penalties for assault and battery charges vary widely. A judge will consider the severity of the victim’s injuries, the events leading up to the alleged crime, the victim’s age, whether a weapon was used, and the motivation of the defendant. Regardless of the prison time and fine you are facing, you may also face other consequences. These include:
- A permanent criminal record that can hinder you from employment, academic, and housing opportunities
- A requirement to complete a counseling course
- Being placed on probation
- Court fees
If the victim decides to take civil action and file a lawsuit, the penalties could be even greater. Our Jefferson Parish criminal attorney can help.
Contact Our Assault and Battery Lawyer in Jefferson Parish Today
Assault and battery charges are very serious but it is important to remain calm. Being charged does not necessarily mean you will be convicted. At the Law Office of Robert S. Toale, our Jefferson Parish assault & battery lawyer can prepare a defense that will protect your rights and your freedom so you have the best chance of obtaining a favorable outcome. Call or text us now at (504) 368-8440 or chat with us online to request a free review of your case.