Battery Attorney in Los Angeles

Defending Against Battery Charges in California

If you have been accused of battery, it can be a daunting and stressful experience. An experienced battery attorney in Los Angeles from Stein & Markus can provide the support and guidance you need during this challenging time. Our team is committed to defending your rights, offering comprehensive counsel, and working tirelessly to challenge the allegations against you. We understand the gravity of your situation and are dedicated to providing compassionate, effective legal representation to help you navigate the complexities of the legal system.

Charged with battery? Protect your future! Contact us now at (562) 512-7030 for a free consultation and let our experienced battery attorneys in Los Angeles fight for you.

What Is Criminal Battery in Los Angeles?

In Los Angeles, criminal battery is defined as any willful and unlawful use of force or violence upon another person. It is important to note that the force does not need to cause injury or harm—just the mere touching can be considered battery if it was done in a harmful or offensive manner. 

To secure a conviction for battery, the prosecution must prove each of the following elements beyond a reasonable doubt:

• Unlawful Physical Contact: The state must prove that you touched another person in a harmful or offensive manner. This is a broad category that can include pushing, shoving, hitting, or even spitting on another person.
• Willful Act: The state must prove that you acted with a willful intent to commit the battery. This means that you intended to touch the other person, not that you intended to cause them harm. This is a crucial distinction from an accident or a misunderstanding.
• Lack of Consent: The state must prove that the physical contact occurred without the victim's consent.

The prosecution's case often relies on the testimony of the alleged victim, other witnesses, and complex forensic evidence. As a seasoned Los Angeles battery lawyer, we will challenge the government's evidence at every turn, scrutinizing the methods used to collect and analyze the evidence and questioning the credibility of their witnesses.

If convicted, the penalties can range from fines to imprisonment, depending on the severity of the incident and prior criminal history. Consulting with a battery lawyer in Los Angeles immediately after your arrest can make a significant impact on your case outcome.

What are the Potential Penalties for a Battery Conviction in California?

Los Angeles law takes battery offenses very seriously, and the penalties for a conviction can be severe. The specific consequences depend largely on the circumstances of each case, such as the severity of the action, the harm caused, and any previous criminal record. Working with a battery lawyer in Los Angeles can help you pursue reduced or alternative sentencing.

• Simple Battery (Penal Code 242 PC): This is a misdemeanor. The penalties can include a fine of up to $2,000, a jail term of up to six months, and a period of probation.
• Aggravated Battery (Penal Code § 243(d)): This is a more serious offense. A battery becomes "aggravated" if it causes serious bodily injury. This is a "wobbler" offense, meaning it can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony. A felony conviction can result in a state prison sentence of up to four years. If the victim suffers great bodily injury, an additional and consecutive prison sentence can be added.
• Battery with a Deadly Weapon (Penal Code § 243(c)): This is a specific type of aggravated battery that is considered a felony. A conviction can result in a state prison sentence of two, three, or four years.
• Domestic Battery (Penal Code § 243(e)(1)): If the alleged victim is a family member, a spouse, or a person with whom the defendant has a child in common, the battery charge can be filed as a domestic violence offense, which carries its own set of serious penalties. A conviction can result in a jail term of up to one year, a fine of up to $2,000, and mandatory participation in a batterer's intervention program.
• Assault with a Deadly Weapon (Penal Code § 245): This is a separate charge for an unlawful attempt to commit a battery with a deadly weapon. It is a "wobbler" offense and is often charged alongside a battery.

Furthermore, battery against special victims such as police officers, firefighters, or healthcare providers can also result in heightened sentencing.

It is crucial to understand that these potential penalties can have long-term impacts on your personal and professional life. Legal representation from a seasoned Los Angeles battery attorney is, therefore, critical to ensure the best possible defense is put forward.

How a Battery Conviction Can Impact Your Future in Los Angeles

A battery conviction can have serious, long-lasting consequences that extend beyond legal penalties. 

Here is how it can affect your life, according to experienced battery lawyers in Los Angeles:

• Criminal Record – A conviction will appear on background checks, making it difficult to secure jobs, housing, or professional licenses.
• Jail Time & Fines – Depending on the severity of the charge, you could face months or years in jail, along with substantial fines.
• Firearm Restrictions – A battery conviction may result in losing your right to own or possess firearms.
• Immigration Consequences – Non-citizens convicted of battery may face deportation or denial of visa renewals.
• Restraining Orders & Child Custody Issues – The court may issue a restraining order, limiting your freedom and affecting your parental rights.

In a competitive urban environment like Los Angeles, a criminal conviction can create barriers to building a stable and successful future. Many local employers conduct comprehensive background checks, and both public and private housing authorities often evaluate criminal history as part of the application process. 

A battery conviction could also impact your ability to attend major events or access certain city programs and benefits. Additionally, if you are pursuing or currently hold a position in industries regulated by the City of Los Angeles—such as healthcare or childcare—a conviction may limit your career advancement. Our battery lawyers in Los Angeles work to minimize both direct penalties and less visible, but equally damaging, collateral effects of a battery conviction in Los Angeles.