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Assault & Battery

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Assault & Battery Lawyer in Lafayette, LA

Put a Former Prosecutor on Your Side in Lafayette Parish

Assault and battery charges are serious allegations that can have severe consequences, including jail time and hefty fines. If you have been charged with assault or battery, it is crucial to have an experienced criminal defense attorney by your side to protect your rights and defend your case.

At J. Bradley Cockrell Attorney At Law, we understand the complexities of assault and battery cases and are dedicated to providing the best possible defense for our clients in Lafayette, LA, and the surrounding areas. In this article, we will discuss the legal definitions of assault and battery, common defenses used in assault and battery cases, and how our team can assist you in navigating the legal process.

To learn more about your legal options and to schedule your free initial consultation with our Lafayette assault and battery lawyer, contact us at (337) 448-4777.

Difference Between Assault & Battery

Assault and battery are two terms that are often used interchangeably. However, there are some key differences between the two that are important to understand before hiring an attorney.

Assault:

  • Assault is the threat of violence against another person. It does not matter whether or not the person intended to follow through with the threat. It is only necessary that the other person reasonably believed that the threat would be carried out.
  • Assault can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the circumstances of the case. Misdemeanor assault charges are generally brought upon those who threaten violence but do not actually carry it out. Felony charges are generally brought upon those who have actually physically harmed someone with the intent to do so.
  • Assault charges are often brought alongside battery charges. Battery is the actual act of violence against another person.

Battery:

  • Battery is the actual act of violence against another person. It is not necessary that the victim sustain an injury for battery to be charged. Battery can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the circumstances of the case. Misdemeanor battery charges are generally brought upon those who threaten violence but do not actually carry it out. Felony charges are generally brought upon those who have actually physically harmed someone with the intent to do so.
  • Battery is often charged alongside assault charges. Assault is the threat of violence against another person.

Both assault and battery can carry serious penalties, including fines, probation, community service, and even prison time. If you or someone you love has been charged with either assault or battery, it is important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible.

What Is Assault in Louisiana?

Assault is a threat of violence against another person. It does not matter whether or not the person intended to follow through with the threat. It is only necessary that the other person reasonably believed that the threat would be carried out.

Assault can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the circumstances of the case. Misdemeanor assault charges are generally brought upon those who threaten violence but do not actually carry it out. Felony charges are generally brought upon those who have actually physically harmed someone with the intent to do so.

Assault charges are often brought alongside battery charges. Battery is the actual act of violence against another person.

What Is Battery in Louisiana?

Battery is the actual act of violence against another person. It is not necessary that the victim sustain an injury for battery to be charged.

Battery can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the circumstances of the case. Misdemeanor battery charges are generally brought upon those who threaten violence but do not actually carry it out. Felony charges are generally brought upon those who have actually physically harmed someone with the intent to do so.

Battery is often charged alongside assault charges. Assault is the threat of violence against another person.

Penalties for Assault & Battery in Louisiana

The penalties for assault and battery in Louisiana are dependent on the specific circumstances of the case. If an individual has been charged with either of these crimes, it is important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible. Our Lafayette assault and battery attorney is a former prosecutor who has handled hundreds of criminal cases. He knows how the prosecution will try to build their case against you and can work to protect your rights and best interests.

Assault and battery are both crimes of violence, which means that those convicted of either will have to submit to a penalty assessment and will be unable to own firearms. In addition, those convicted of battery will have to register as a violent offender, which will make it more difficult to find housing and employment in the future.

Other penalties for assault and battery include:

  • Fines
  • Probation
  • Community service
  • Prison time

How a Lafayette Assault & Battery Lawyer Can Help

If you have been charged with assault or battery, it is important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible. Our Lafayette assault and battery lawyer is a former prosecutor who has handled hundreds of criminal cases. He knows how the prosecution will try to build their case against you and can work to protect your rights and best interests.

To learn more about your legal options and to schedule your free initial consultation with our Lafayette assault and battery lawyer, contact us at (337) 448-4777.

Commonly Asked Questions

What are the potential consequences of an aggravated assault charge in Lafayette, LA?

In Lafayette, LA, an aggravated assault charge can lead to severe legal consequences, including significant fines, probation, and even imprisonment. The severity of the penalties often depends on the specifics of the case, such as whether a weapon was involved or if the victim sustained injuries. A conviction can also result in a permanent criminal record, which can affect future employment opportunities and housing options.

What defenses are commonly used in aggravated assault cases?

Several defenses can be employed in aggravated assault cases. One common defense is self-defense, where the accused argues that they acted to protect themselves from imminent harm. Another potential defense is the lack of intent to cause harm, which can be crucial in distinguishing between assault and aggravated assault. Additionally, demonstrating that the threat was not credible or that the victim provoked the situation can also serve as defenses.

What should I do immediately after being charged with aggravated assault?

If you have been charged with aggravated assault, it is essential to take immediate action. First, refrain from discussing the case with anyone other than your attorney, as anything you say could be used against you. Next, contact a qualified attorney who can guide you through the legal process and help protect your rights. They will assist you in understanding the charges, potential penalties, and your legal options. Additionally, gathering any evidence or witnesses that can support your case is crucial.

Cases We Handle
Our Winning Streak Getting the Results OUR CLIENTS NEED
  • Drug Distribution

    Defendant was arrested and charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana as well as Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

  • DWI

    Defendant stopped at 3:00 am for red light violation and arrested for operating under the influence.

  • 2nd Degree Battery

    Defendant was charged with 2nd degree battery for attacking the complainant with a metal pipe at a construction site.

  • Attempted 2nd Degree Murder

    Defendant was accused of hiring someone to kill his ex-wife. Defendant’s ex-wife was shot by the individual that broke into her home.

  • OWI

    Defendant was charged with OWI after blood test results showed a .34 blood alcohol level.

  • Computer Aided Solicitation

    The defendant was charged with using his computer to entice a person under the age of 18 to engage in sexual conduct.

  • Possession With Intent to Distribute Cocaine

    Defendant was charged with possession with intent to distribute cocaine.

  • Indecent Behavior With a Juvenile

    Defendant was charged with indecent behavior with a juvenile when his girlfriend’s 8-year-old daughter made allegations against the defendant.

  • Indecent Behavior With a Juvenile

    Defendant was charged with indecent behavior with a juvenile when his girlfriend’s 8-year-old daughter made allegations against the defendant.

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