Assault and Battery Crimes

The Louisiana Department of Corrections reports that a large majority of inmates in state correctional facilities have been sentenced for violent offenses. The terms assault and battery cover several criminal charges in Louisiana with a wide range of penalties and outcomes. Individuals who put their hands on another person or who try to threaten harm to another person can face criminal charges under Louisiana’s criminal statutes.

Even if you did not mean to hurt someone or scare them, it is possible that you could still be arrested for assault or battery. Penalties vary but will typically come with some potential time behind bars and fines.

An assault and battery criminal defense attorney will evaluate your case and determine the most effective defense strategy so you can secure the best possible outcome under the circumstances. Depending on the case facts, it could be possible to lessen your charges or have your charges dropped. Innocent people do get brought into the justice system through incomplete investigations and false accusations.

At the Law Offices of Philip B. Adams, LLC, our skilled and competent assault and battery criminal defense attorney has represented many individuals charged with the most serious crimes.

For more information, contact the Law Offices of Philip B. Adams.

Louisiana Assault

Assault happens when a person puts someone in reasonable fear of being battered. Thus, charges can occur without any physical contact with another party, and there are several levels and types of Louisiana assault charges. Also, certain protected groups who are threatened, such as teachers or peace officers performing their jobs, can impact penalties, raising the severity.

Here are some sample assault charges:

Simple Assault

Threatening harm to another party without a weapon. Simple assault is a misdemeanor and may result in up to three months in jail and/or fines as high as $200.

Aggravated Assault

Threatening harm to another party with a weapon. Aggravated assault may result in up to six months in prison and/or fines as high as $1,000.

Aggravated Assault with a Gun

Threatening to harm another party with a gun accompanied by the discharge of the gun. Aggravated assault with a gun is a felony that may result in up to 10 years in prison and/or fines as high as $10,000.

Drive-By-Shooting Assault

Threatening to harm another party in an automobile and with a gun. Drive-by-shooting assault is a felony that may result in a required minimum of one year in prison to as many as five years in prison.

Louisiana Battery

Battery happens when a person intentionally uses force to touch another party and hurt them. Battery can also be the administration of poisonous substances with the intent to harm. Due to the physical contact defining battery, these charges are typically more serious than assault. The identity of the individual, how extensive their injuries are, and if there was a weapon used will all be primary factors in determining penalties.

The following types of sample battery charges exist in Louisiana:

Simple Battery

When someone is harmed without the use of a weapon and suffers minor injuries. Simple battery is a misdemeanor that may result in up to six months in prison and/or fines as high as $1,000.

Second-Degree Battery

When someone is harmed without the use of a weapon and suffers serious injuries. Second-degree battery, a felony, may result in up to eight years in prison and/or fines as high as $2,000.

Aggravated Battery

When someone is harmed with a weapon. Aggravated battery, a felony, may result in up to 10 years in prison and/or fines as high as $5,000.

Second-Degree Aggravated Battery

When someone is harmed with a weapon and suffers serious injuries. Second-degree aggravated battery, a felony, may result in up to 15 years in prison and/or fines as high as $10,000.

Call An Experienced Louisiana Assault and Battery Defense Attorney Today

Protecting your rights and freedoms from the most grievous penalties when you have been charged with a violent crime like assault or battery in Louisiana is the top priority of Attorney Adams.

If you were charged with an assault or battery crime in Louisiana, you need a committed and experienced assault and battery criminal defense attorney on your side. Contact the Law Offices of Philip B. Adams today for a case evaluation.