Santa Ana Assault Attorney

About Assault

Per our state's legal code, "An assault is an unlawful attempt, coupled with a present ability, to commit a violent injury on the person of another." By "present ability" is meant that you had the capability of violently injuring another person. Although it is frequently combined with the charge of battery, it is a distinct crime by itself. With assault, you need not have had direct physical contact with another in order to be charged.

Assault charges range from simple assault, which is charged as misdemeanor, up to aggravated assault with a deadly weapon which is a felony. It can also be part of domestic violence charges or certain sex crimes. Depending on the circumstances of the crime you are accused of, penalties include a permanent criminal record, large fines, time served in either jail or prison, probation, parole, being barred from certain employment opportunities and lifetime revocation of your driver's license.

Representation by Mr. Schaffer from our firm gives you the advantage of having your case defended by a seasoned Santa Ana criminal defense lawyer who spent 18 years as an Orange County Deputy District Attorney. This experience allows our firm to better predict and understand the evidence against you and how your case will be prosecuted. Based on this knowledge, we are able to take criminal defense actions towards the best outcome possible for your individual situation.

Assault Penalties

Simple assault can be penalized by fines up to $1,000 and a maximum jail sentence of 6 months. If you are charged with assault with a deadly weapon, with or without a firearm, the penalties can be fines up to $10,000 and a term in state prison of up to 4 years. When the crime is done on school grounds, against a driver of public transportation or in other circumstances, the sentences against you can be elevated. An assault charge can come under California's three strikes law, resulting in lengthy terms of imprisonment with mandatory amounts of time that must be served in full.

Assault charges frequently stem from misunderstandings or exaggerated statements. Thorough investigation can reveal the truth as to what occurred and be the key to a successful defense of your case.

If you are charged with any assault crime, contact a Santa Ana assault attorney from our firm to see how these charges can be effectively defended.