Assault and Battery Defense in California

Home » Assault and Battery Defense in California

Contact me for a free half-hour consultation regarding any family law or criminal defense matter.

REACH OUT TODAY

If you have been charged with assault or battery in California, you probably have many questions. You may not have intended the assault, or did not realize it had escalated into battery.

Assault and battery are two different crimes. The main difference is assault is an incomplete action and battery is a completed one.

Both assault and battery can be misdemeanors or felonies, at the discretion of the prosecutor.

If you or a loved one is facing charges of assault or battery, or you want to file such charges, I, lawyer Michael MacNeil, am here to help.

Call for a Free Case Evaluation Today

As an experienced criminal defense lawyer in California, I know the laws and, more importantly, the unwritten rules about assault and battery charge defense. I will work with you to get your charges reduced and dismissed if possible.

Defense for Assault and Battery Misdemeanor

Charges in California

If the assault or battery did not cause any physical injury, most likely you will face a misdemeanor charge.

Misdemeanor assault and battery charges in California carry a maximum of 6 months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000 if convicted. Aggravated misdemeanors can mean up to a year in jail and a fine of over $1,000.

The main problem is that these are considered violent crimes, and will show up on your record as such. This can have long-lasting effects, such as when applying for jobs in the future.

I am experienced in dealing with prosecutors and the courts in misdemeanor cases. Assault or battery charges mean you need a California lawyer who will provide you the best defense and answer all your questions.

If you have already been convicted of a misdemeanor, it may be possible to get your charge expunged from your record.

Defense for California Felony Assault and Battery Charges

California is very serious about felony assault and battery. If you threaten someone with a deadly weapon, even if they are not hurt, you may be charged with felony assault. If you injure someone seriously, that can be a felony-level battery charge.

Felony assault or battery also counts as a strike in California’s Three-Strike system. This means if you are charged with a third felony, you will be sentenced to between 25 years to life without parole.

Many possible defenses under California law exist for assault and battery, but you need a lawyer that has many trials and settlements under his belt. Contact my office at (858) 922-7098 or use the online form for a free consultation.

FAQ

Why should I hire a lawyer for a misdemeanor assault or battery charge?

They are considered violent crimes and will remain on your record for life. I will work to get your charges reduced or dropped, or expunged if you already have been convicted.

Can you help my child who has been charged with assault or battery?

Yes. I also specialize in juvenile law. The juvenile law system in California is complicated and very difficult to navigate by yourself. I, Michael MacNeil, will represent your child and fight for the case to remain in juvenile court, which gives them the best advantage.

For the best defense lawyer for assault and battery charges in California, call our office at (858) 922-7098. You can also contact me online. The sooner we start working together, the sooner you can have the most positive outcome for your case.

what people say

Michael was hired on short notice to handle our case and was successful at helping us obtain a permanent restraining order. Michael was thorough and detailed and kept us informed all along the way. We would not hesitate to obtain Michael's services again.
-C A.

Michael was amazing and thorough in all his advise. He told me up front about what he thought the settlement would be and he was spot on!He has the most reasonable fees for the area and provides exceptional service and attention.Go with Michael and you won't regret it!Doctor B
-Prakash B.

Michael MacNeil was able to successfully help us navigate through a family law issue that stumped every other attorney we spoke to. With regards to his ability to secure a move-away order, I am writing this review from Europe where I now live. Thanks Michael!
-Alex M.

Emergency Protective Orders: Should They Be Served in Public?

Man peeping out of a window with the blinds closed

How To Get a Restraining Order: Protection from Civil Harassment

Man drinking without knowledge of a San Diego DUI checkpoint

San Diego DUI Checkpoints: Your Rights and What to Expect

Andrew

19:29 10 Feb 24

I was dealing with a very malicious neighbor who filed baseless lawsuits as harassment to cover up their illegal construction. Michael sucessfully defeated them in court; and was also able to get them to pay my attorney fees, thereby detering further baseless lawsuits. Michael is unique in that he will work with his clients to devise feasible and successful court strategies, is affordable, is unassuming. and gets back to you when you have a question, unlike other attorneys. Michael also has a lot of experience since he spent many years as a deputy district attorney and in private practice dealing with a wide variety of civil and criminal cases. He knows his way around a court room. I was very satisfied with his representation and highly recommend Michael MacNeil if you need smart, effective representation.

Alan Lewis

23:53 20 Oct 23

As a former attorney, I can tell you that Michael is one of the best I've worked with. His advice is spot on, he gets the job done and doesn't overbill. If you're on the fence, this is your sign to hire him.

Angel Rosario

22:39 05 Aug 23

Excellent Attorney. Got my issues settled quickly and fairly!

Jon Clayton

03:59 28 Jan 23

Incredible. He is ethical and honest and what a family law attorney should be. He helped with a contempt issue and was spot on the entire time. He was easy to work with and incredible supportive. I would give him more stars if I could.

Shekia Drake

02:48 13 Jan 23

I cannot brag on Mr. MacNeil enough!! I thank God for him and giving me strength to get through my divorce. It was rough, but Mr. MacNeil gave me reassurance that everything would work out through communication and helping me understand this whole process. He's very honest, fair, and goes above and beyond for his clients. His communication is ON POINT! I was worry-free throughout majority of this process. BTW... I was not paid or begged to write this review. He's just that awesome in my opinion.

Ken Jeters

17:42 06 Jun 22

Mr. Michael MacNeil was my attorney for a very difficult divorce procedure. I could not have found a better attorney to represent me. Mr. MacNeil was exceptional in details, follow through, and outstanding representation in court. His knowledge, honest advisement and professionalism achieved a positive result that I will always owe him my debt of gratitude. I have never worked with a better attorney in my life.

Suzanne Fox

16:54 06 Jun 22

Mr. Michael MacNeil recently handled some family legal matters that were quite extensive. He is one of the most outstanding professionals we have ever worked with. He handled everything in a timely manner with a meticulous attention to details. We had the best representation and advocacy, and because of his outstanding work we had an excellent outcome. We highly recommend him and he is the only one we will use to handle any future legal matters if any arise.