Smyrna Assault and Battery Lawyer

Assault and Battery

Trusted Assault and Battery Attorney in Smyrna, GA

Assault and battery are two separate charges in Georgia, but they are often brought together. Whether you’re facing simple assault or aggravated battery charges, you need a skilled Smyrna assault and battery lawyer to defend your case.

Trust The Law Office of Lawrence J. Zimmerman

Here at The Law Office of Lawrence J. Zimmerman, we have a reputation for treating every client with respect and personal care. Our lead attorney, Lawrence J. Zimmerman, has been selected for several prestigious awards. He also provides trusted legal analysis for major news programs. However, it’s not just his reputation among his peers that sets him apart. Mr. Zimmerman has the experience and legal instincts required to provide robust legal representation. Contact us today.

Why Hire an Assault and Battery Lawyer?

The rate of assault in Smyrna, GA is 7.748 per 1,000 residents, making it a uniquely dangerous city compared to others in Georgia. If you’re facing charges for a violent crime, you’re certainly not alone. Fortunately, you can hire an assault and battery lawyer to represent you in court and handle all the details of your case. Your lawyer can:

• Explain the relevant assault laws.
• Analyze the prosecution’s case against you, looking for weaknesses.
• Gather evidence and interview witnesses to support your case.
• Provide you with an effective criminal defense strategy.
• Negotiate a plea deal on your behalf (if you decide to do so).
• Represent you at the Smyrna Municipal Court or the State Court of Cobb County.

Working with an experienced attorney is the most effective way to seek a positive outcome in your case.

What Are Assault and Battery Charges?

Assault involves either:

• Attempting to commit a violent injury to another person
• Putting them in a position where they could reasonably assume that they would be injured in such a manner

You don’t have to come into physical contact with someone to violate Georgia assault laws. Menacing words can be enough to land you an assault charge.

Battery involves actual physical contact with another person. That contact could be designed to cause physical harm, or it could be insulting or provoking in nature.

Simple vs. Aggravated Assault and Battery

Aggravated assault charges could be pursued if you:

• Used a deadly weapon in the commission of an assault.
• Assaulted someone with the intention to murder, rape, or rob them.

Shooting a firearm from within a motor vehicle toward a person is also considered aggravated assault.

Aggravated battery involves intentionally and maliciously causing someone to be severely injured, as would be the case if your battery caused the loss of a limb or serious disfigurement. Serious disfigurement can be any physical alteration to another person’s body, including visible scars or broken bones that alter one’s appearance.

Potential Defenses Against Assault and Battery Charges

Your attorney’s primary goal in an assault and battery case is to look for weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and come up with a means of effectively defending you against the charges. Potential defenses for your assault and battery case could include:

• Self-defense
• Defense of others
• Lack of intent
• Mistaken identity
• False accusations

Your attorney can analyze the specifics of your case. Then, they can come up with an effective defense strategy that shows either actual innocence or a justification for your actions. In some situations, the most effective defense strategy may be to try to prove lesser included charges, such as simple assault instead of assault and battery. The goal in these cases may be to reduce your charges from felony to misdemeanor offenses, or your legal representative may try to minimize your sentencing.

FAQs

How Much Does a Lawyer Cost for Assault and Battery?

How much a lawyer costs for assault and battery varies on an individual basis. Cases that are uniquely complex and require a lot of time tend to cost more than relatively simple ones, which can be resolved easily through early plea negotiations or a pretrial motion to dismiss. If your case goes to trial, you can expect it to cost more to resolve, and experienced attorneys tend to cost more than those who have just started to practice.

Can Battery Charges Be Dropped in Georgia?

Battery charges can be dropped in Georgia, but it’s at the discretion of the prosecution. If your attorney can get key evidence for the prosecution excluded by showing that it was collected via unconstitutional means, that can create a situation in which your case could be dismissed. The alleged victim in a battery case cannot drop the charges, although they can refuse to cooperate.

How Serious Is a Battery Charge in GA?

A battery charge in Georgia is quite serious. Even a simple battery charge can leave you facing up to 12 months in jail and fines of up to $1,000. Aggravated battery occurs when an attack:

• Causes serious, permanent harm, disfigurement, or the loss of a body part.
• Involves a deadly weapon.

If you’re charged with this offense, it’s considered a felony, and the punishment is up to 20 years in prison.

Do I Need a Lawyer for Assault and Battery Charges?

You need a lawyer for assault and battery charges. Courts take these cases very seriously, and you could face significant jail or prison time. Hiring a Smyrna assault and battery attorney is the most effective way to encourage a positive outcome in your case. Your lawyer can:

• Leverage their knowledge of local laws and court systems.
• Come up with an effective defense strategy.
• Offer you informed advice about when to take a plea bargain vs. going to court.

Your Smyrna Assault and Battery Lawyer

If you’re facing assault and battery charges in Georgia, you need to take the situation seriously and hire a Smyrna assault and battery lawyer who can help. The team here at The Law Office of Lawrence J. Zimmerman has what it takes to provide you with a robust defense. Our lead attorney, Lawrence J. Zimmerman, has been representing clients facing serious criminal charges for over 25 years. He can help you, too. Contact our office today to schedule an initial consultation.