Assault and Battery Lawyers in Clarksville

Providing Defenses Against Assault and Battery Charges

Everyone loses their cool sometimes, but if this results in physically harming another person, you could be facing criminal assault charges. Whether it was a verbal disagreement gone too far or you had no choice but to act to defend yourself, it’s important to recognize that being charged with any crime is a serious matter. Assault charges, in particular, are classified as violent crimes, which can lead to more serious consequences. Any time you are facing criminal charges, it’s important to discuss your case with an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible to ensure that you have a rigorous defense from start to finish.

If you’ve been charged with assault or battery charges, you need to know what you’re facing and how to defend yourself. Contact our law firm to discuss your charges and what our firm can do to help prepare your defense. We provide free consultations and have years of knowledge and experience working in the criminal court system.

What Are Assault and Battery Charges?

Assault and battery charges are related to either physically trying to cause someone harm or acting in some way that makes them have a reasonable fear for their immediate safety. While the law used to have assault and battery as separate charges, with battery reserved for incidents where someone was physically harmed, they are considered one and the same today. Battery is now included under an assault charge.

Are Assault and Battery Misdemeanor or Felony Crimes?

Assault charges can be either misdemeanors or felonies, and it’s important to know which type you are being charged with to be able to present the right defense. Many assault charges are classified as misdemeanors, particularly if the injuries to the other party weren’t enough to be classified as “serious bodily injury.” Aggravated assault charges are felonies, and there are two main possibilities: reckless aggravated assault and intentional aggravated assault. If you’re not sure what kind of assault charges you are facing, talk to an attorney to get details so you understand what the potential consequences are and what your defense options may be.

What Are the Possible Sentences?

What kind of sentence you may be facing depends on which type of charge you are convicted of. Simple assault charges that are misdemeanors can result in up to 1 year of prison time. You can also be fined up to $2,500. Intentional aggravated assault is a Class C felony, which means you can face up to 15 years in prison. The minimum sentence is 3 years. Reckless aggravated assault is a Class D felony. This carries a minimum prison sentence of 2 years and a maximum of 12 years.

What Are Some Defense Strategies?

If you’re facing assault charges, you may be wondering what the options are for presenting a defense. If there is enough evidence that it’s not prudent to try to argue that you didn’t commit the assault, the main option is generally to try to argue that the assault was in defense. This could be in self-defense if you had reason to think the other party was going to harm you physically. But it can also be in defense of others — such as if you witness someone attacking someone else and you hit them to get them to stop — or in defense of property, such as if the person is attempting to rob you.

Another common option is to try to get a plea deal to a lesser charge. Defense strategies for assault charges can be nuanced and complicated, and no two cases are exactly alike. This is why it’s important to seek legal counsel as you move forward with your case.

If you’re facing criminal charges and feeling scared and overwhelmed, you’re not alone. And Hibbeler & Associates is here to help. We have a team of experienced criminal defense attorneys who know what it means to be fighting for your freedom and how much is at stake. Take the first step by calling our office at 931-236-2711 to set up your appointment.