Assault and battery are two terms that are often used interchangeably but they shouldn’t be. They are two separate terms with different definitions. In most cases, the two charges coincide but not always. In Illinois. Assault is considered the “conduct which places another in reasonable apprehension of receiving a battery.” This means a person has the intention to or threatens to inflict harm on another person. The battery, on the other hand, is the actual act of inflicting bodily harm on another person. If you are charged with assault and battery, the prosecution may attempt to add additional charges or elevate the charges.
An attorney at Okabe & Haushalter may be able to help you if you have been arrested on assault and battery charges or aggravated assault charges in Chicago or the surrounding areas. By reviewing your particular situation and case, we can determine how to effectively defend your case.
Self-defense, provocation by the alleged victim, mistaken identity, accidental contact and mutual combat may all be an explanation of why you were thought to have committed assault and/or battery, and your lawyer can utilize these defenses in court to help prove that you are not guilty.
A Simple assault is considered a Class C misdemeanor which carries potential penalties of 30 days in jail, a $1,500 fine or both. In some cases, you may be sentenced to complete between 30 and 120 hours of community service. Aggravated assault is more complex depending on how the prosecutor charged the offense as either a Class A misdemeanor or a Class 4 felony. For a Class A misdemeanor, defendants may face up to one year in prison, a $2,500 fine or both. Class 4 felony charges can lead to one to three years in prison, a $25,000 fine or both. The penalties are drastically different and it is important to know what you are facing by consulting an assault and battery attorney. The battery also has additional penalties that can be added on top of assault penalties. The battery is considered a Class A misdemeanor and aggravated battery is a Class 3 felony. Class 3 felonies can result in a two to five year prison sentence.
At our firm, we have the experience and the dedication to represent clients who have been charged with assault and battery in Southern California. When you work with an attorney at our firm, know that we are fighting zealously to protect your rights – and that we will not give up. We will utilize our experience and our resources in investigating your charges and defending your case in court.
Contact Okabe & Haushalter today to learn how we can defend you against assault or battery charges in the Chicago area!
The Chicago assault and battery attorneys at Okabe & Haushalter are ready to fight tooth and nail for you. You have most likely heard of our firm from our television appearances, newspaper articles and other media from the national and international covered cases we have handled.
High-profile criminal defense cases deserve major league legal representation. The quality of your legal counsel can often make the difference between maintaining or losing your freedom. Do not take chances when it comes to choosing the right lawyer. To learn more about how our team of criminal defense attorneys can help, contact the legal team at Okabe & Haushalter and schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.
