Orange County Assault Attorney
Strong Legal Protection When It Matters Most
Assault crimes involve the attempt of illegal violence against a person but do not need not necessarily include physical contact. The court will assess the aspects surrounding your case when seeking to determine a conviction, but you should know that things are not guaranteed to be balanced from the beginning. Prosecutors often work alongside investigators to tilt evidence in their favor, making it easier for them to get a conviction.
If convicted of assault, you could be punished through:
- Years in prison
- Fines paid to the state
- Restitution paid to the victim
- Weapon rights removal
Assault charges can escalate for a variety of reasons. For example, when a deadly weapon is involved in an assault, the charges will automatically be increased to aggravated assault. A conviction for aggravated assault can include a mandatory four-year prison sentence. To keep yourself from being slammed with heavy penalties, you have to put your case in front of a reputable defense lawyer.
Don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with The Law Offices of Jacqueline Goodman.
Commonly Asked Questions
Why is it important to act quickly after being charged with assault in Orange County?
It is important to act quickly because the prosecution will be building their case against you from the start. By securing a defense attorney early, you can begin preparing your defense, gathering evidence, and formulating a strategy to counter the charges. Prompt action can also help protect your rights and improve the chances of a favorable outcome.
How can a defense attorney help with assault charges in Orange County?
A defense attorney can provide crucial legal protection by challenging the evidence, negotiating with prosecutors, and representing your interests in court. Given that prosecutors may work to tilt evidence in their favor, having a reputable defense lawyer can help ensure that your side of the story is heard and that you receive a fair trial.
Renowned Success Rate
Criminal cases are often complicated. There are two sides to every story, and it is important that the court sees the situation clearly. We can help defend you in your criminal case and make sure your perspective is heard.
ASSAULT CHARGES & YOUR FAMILY LIFE
Violent charges are one of the most devastating things that a person can face. With such charges, you face the risk of possible jail time and the expense of high fines, not to mention the bad name you gain just from the accusations. There is also the damaging effect that assault charges can have on your family life as well. You could lose child custody rights due to an assault or domestic violence conviction. If you want to stay with your child, then you must do all you can to defend against your charges.
ARE ASSAULT & BATTERY THE SAME THING?
Many people believe that assault and battery are one and the same, when in fact they are two distinct crimes under California law. Assault happens when a person performs an act that is likely to result in the application of force to another person, or when they threaten to use force against a victim. There doesn’t have to be an actual injury for someone to be charged with assault. On the other hand, the use of force or violence must be present to file a battery charge. Some attorneys describe assault as “attempted battery” and battery as “completed assault”.
Orange County assault attorney Jacqueline Goodman is standing by to hear from people in situations just like yours. If you are staring down assault charges, then you should pick up the phone and call 714-879-5770 at once.
Degrees of Assault Charges in California
If you have been arrested for any sort of crime, you likely realize that your future is at stake. Whether law enforcement believes you to be guilty of petty theft crimes, computer fraud or even murder; choosing to hire a criminal defense attorney is the most important step for you to make. Criminal charges, no matter the severity can have a life-altering effect on your life, whether it means having to come up with extreme fines to the court, or spending months on probation and even years behind bars; it is worth fighting if it means saving your future.
When dealing with assault charges, there are generally four different degrees for these charges that determine the severity of the crime and the subsequent consequences with the law:
First-Degree Assault
First-degree assault is the most severe of the four. This means that the person responsible for the actions is being accused of a felony charge. The first degree is the category for which suspects not only intended to cause extreme harm to the victim but were also successful in doing so. This includes any disfiguring as well as threatening others with a deadly weapon with the intent to kill or cause serious harm, and actually hurting them. Even within the category of first-degree assault charges, there is still going be a difference between aggravated and mitigated charges to determine the level of severity. For example, an aggregated assault is believed to be the most severe and more often involves the use of a deadly weapon. Under this category also fall sexual relations with underage children, among others. Mitigated generally means that there is less severe force, etc. While there is no set in stone consequences, as each case is unique, those convicted of first-degree assault may spend between 10-16 years in prison.
Second-Degree Assault
Second-degree assault is the next level down, though it is still considered a felony charge. Those accused of this level of crime generally fall under the category of having caused some level of harm to another person using a dangerous weapon, even if their actions were reckless as opposed to intentional. A person with any intent to cause harm falls under this category if they actually did commit an act leading to injury. Drugging people without consent, hindering law enforcement officials, and others fall under this category as well. As stated, every case is unique though the consequences may be between 5 and 8 years in prison.
Third-Degree Assault
Third-degree assault is much less serious as the court then considers it to be first-degree misdemeanor charges as opposed to a felony. If the accused either knowingly or recklessly caused some form of harm to another person it may fall under this category. Those who are convicted of this category of crime will generally spend an average of 2 years in prison.
Fourth-Degree Assault
Fourth-degree assault is considered to be anything that does not fall under the first three categories and can result in a variety of different consequences as determined by the court. No matter the situation you are in, if you have been accused of any category of assault charges, do not hesitate in contacting a trusted and experienced Orange County assault attorney at The Law Offices of Jacqueline Goodman; we will fight aggressively for you!
Understanding Assault Charges in Orange County
Living in Orange County, you are likely familiar with the bustling communities of Anaheim, Santa Ana, and Irvine. However, with the vibrant lifestyle comes the unfortunate reality of legal issues such as assault. The Orange County District Attorney’s Office is known for its rigorous prosecution of violent crimes, making it crucial for residents to understand the local legal landscape.
Assault charges in Orange County can stem from various situations, including disputes that escalate or incidents involving weapons. The local law enforcement agencies, such as the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, are diligent in their investigations, often working closely with prosecutors to build a strong case against the accused. This can be a significant pain point for residents who find themselves facing these serious charges.
At The Law Offices of Jacqueline Goodman, we understand the unique challenges that Orange County residents face when dealing with aggravated assault charges. We are familiar with the local court systems, including the Superior Court of California, County of Orange, and we know how to navigate the complexities of these cases. Our goal is to provide you with a robust defense strategy that takes into account the specific nuances of the local legal environment.
Whether you are in Fullerton, Huntington Beach, or any other part of Orange County, our team can help you address the legal challenges you face. We know that being charged with aggravated assault can be overwhelming, but with the right legal support, you can work towards a favorable outcome. Don’t let the aggressive tactics of local prosecutors and law enforcement agencies dictate your future. Reach out to us for a consultation and let us help you protect your rights.
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CONTACT THE LAW OFFICES OF JACQUELINE GOODMAN TODAY
Attorney Jacqueline Goodman has extensive training and a strong background in handling criminal cases. In fact, she is solely dedicated to criminal defense and has earned her Board Certification in Criminal Law. She believes with earnest that bad things happen to good people and that everyone deserves to have a voice that reflects who they are during criminal proceedings.
When you need defense against assault charges, choose only Orange County assault defense Attorney Goodman to represent you. Call 714-879-5770 right away.