Van Nuys Assault and Battery Defense Attorney

Assault and battery charges carry serious penalties. If convicted, you could face long-lasting consequences. However, accusations are not convictions. With the right legal defense, it’s possible to protect your rights and record.

As an experienced assault and battery attorney, Justin E. Sterling has spent over two decades defending clients against violent crime charges throughout Los Angeles County. Whether this is your first arrest or you’ve been through the system before, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney who will take your case seriously from the start. Contact the Law Offices of Justin E. Sterling today to begin building your defense.

What Is Assault and Battery in California?

In the California criminal justice system, assault and battery are two separate offenses. Assault is an unlawful attempt (and the ability) to inflict a violent injury on another person. No actual contact is required—just the intent and ability to follow through with the threat of force.

Battery is the purposeful and unlawful use of force or violence against another person. Even minor or indirect physical contact, like a shove or slap, can lead to a battery charge.

You can be charged with assault, battery, or both, regardless of whether the other person was injured. Prosecutors may file assault and battery charges as misdemeanors or felonies, depending on the specific circumstances. Serious criminal law cases, like those involving deadly weapons or severe injury, may be charged as aggravated assault.

Common Assault and Battery Cases We Handle in Van Nuys

The Law Offices of Justin E. Sterling has extensive experience defending against a wide range of assault and battery charges in state and federal courts, including:

• Bar fights or public altercations – Charges can arise from heated arguments that escalate, especially when alcohol and crowds are involved.
• Domestic disputes – These cases involve spouses, partners, or family members and often overlap with California’s domestic violence laws.
• Road rage incidents – Physical confrontations that begin as traffic disputes can result in serious criminal charges, especially if weapons or injuries are involved.
• Assault on a peace officer – Violence against law enforcement is prosecuted aggressively and carries enhanced penalties.
• Battery resulting in serious bodily injury – When the alleged victim suffers significant injuries, prosecutors can seek felony charges.
• Use of deadly weapons – Deadly weapons can enhance assault and battery charges. Even everyday objects can be deadly weapons if they’re used in a threatening or harmful way.
• Self-defense situations – Sometimes, people are arrested for defending themselves. If the police misinterpret the facts at the scene, they could face unwarranted charges.

Why Choose The Law Offices of Justin E. Sterling?

When you’re facing criminal charges, you need a criminal defense lawyer in Van Nuys who knows how to protect your future. With over two decades of exclusive focus on criminal defense, Justin E. Sterling offers extensive experience and a reputation for favorable outcomes.

Our law firm begins each case by digging into the evidence, finding weaknesses in the prosecution’s story, and building a strong defense strategy. Our goal in criminal defense cases is to position you for the best possible outcome before the trial ever begins.

The Law Offices of Justin E. Sterling know the local courthouses and how prosecutors handle these cases. We also understand what judges expect in court. That knowledge helps us build effective strategies for each client, no matter which courthouse they appear in.

Whether we’re negotiating a favorable resolution or taking your case to trial, we’ll approach every decision with your long-term interests in mind. We’re known for our strong advocacy, especially in high-stakes or complex cases. When your freedom is on the line, our Van Nuys criminal defense attorney is in your corner.

Defending Against Assault and Battery Charges

No two assault or battery cases are the same. The right defense strategy depends on the specific facts: who was involved, what happened, what evidence exists, and how law enforcement handled the situation.

Common defenses include:

• Self-defense or defense of others – You have a legal right to protect yourself or someone else from harm.
• Lack of intent – There was no willful act or intent to cause harm.
• False accusations or mistaken identity – The incident may have been misreported, or the wrong person may have been identified.
• Insufficient evidence – The prosecution cannot meet its burden of proof.

We conduct an independent investigation first. That includes reviewing surveillance footage, interviewing witnesses, getting background information on the alleged victim, and challenging inaccuracies.

When we’re involved early on, we’re often able to reduce charges and pursue diversion programs. In some cases, we may be able to get the charges dismissed entirely. The sooner we get involved, the more options you have.

The Legal Process in an Assault and Battery Case

Here’s a general overview of how these cases move through the system:

• Arrest or citation – You may be arrested on the spot or receive a notice to appear in court.
• Arraignment – This is your first court appearance, where the charges are formally read, and you enter a plea.
• Pretrial motions and discovery – Your attorney reviews the evidence and builds your case. They may file motions to suppress or dismiss evidence.
• Plea negotiations – Many cases are resolved through negotiated agreements.
• Trial – If no agreement can be reached, your case goes to trial. A judge or jury will decide the outcome.

In some cases, our Van Nuys criminal attorney can intervene before formal charges are filed or pursue alternative resolutions, especially in first-time misdemeanor cases.

Penalties for Assault and Battery Convictions

A conviction for misdemeanor assault in California can lead to up to a year in jail, court fines, and probation. Misdemeanor battery carries similar penalties and may also include mandatory anger management classes as part of sentencing.

Felony cases have significantly harsher consequences. Battery causing serious bodily injury is a felony and can result in up to four years in state prison. Assault with a deadly weapon or battery against a peace officer or other protected individual also leads to felony charges and prison time.

Beyond jail and fines, a conviction may impact your life in other ways. You could face a restraining order, lose your job, have trouble securing housing, or experience immigration consequences. If you hold a professional license, you may be subject to disciplinary action or suspension.

Protect Your Rights with a Strong Defense

If you’re facing criminal charges, an assault and battery defense lawyer in Van Nuys can help. Call the Law Offices of Justin E. Sterling today to get started with a free case review.