If you’re dealing with a battery charge in California, you’re probably scouring the internet, trying to figure out what your options are and how to avoid jail time and fines. The best way to accomplish this is by speaking with Chambers Law Firm. Schedule a risk-free initial consultation by calling 714-760-4088 or emailing dchambers@clfca.com.
In the meantime, learn more about battery laws in California by reading the following information.
California Penal Code Section 242 indicates: “A battery is any willful and unlawful use of force or violence upon the person of another.”
Penal Codes 240–248 detail the laws and punishments of both assault and battery crimes in California.
Battery can be charged as either a felony or misdemeanor offense, depending on a wide range of factors. Depending on the nature and severity of the crime committed, if convicted, defendants can expect to have to pay fines and/or serve prison time.
Information about fines
The amounts of fines can vary from $250-$10,000. Some defendants may also be required to submit payments of up to $5,000 to battered women’s shelters. If the defendant already makes child support or restitution payments to the victim of the battery, and being required to make additional payments would prevent the defendant from faithfully paying these preexisting commitments, the defendant may be exempted from paying them.
Prison time requirements
Prison time may vary from one to nine years, depending on the severity of the crime and the circumstances around it. For example, if the battery was committed against an elder or dependent adult, the defendant may be required to serve prison time for up to a year and/or have to pay a fine of as much as $2,000. Depending on the offense, convicted defendants may have to go to either county or state prison.
Requisite counseling
Court-mandated counseling may be imposed as well, especially for minor defendants.
Destruction of weapons
If a battery has been committed with a deadly weapon or instrument, the court may order it to be confiscated and destroyed. Vehicles may also be required to be surrendered to the sheriff and sold if one was used during the execution of a battery offense.
California battery law is complicated
As you can see, California law contains many nuances and conditions that may be applied to certain situations. That’s why it’s important to have a criminal defense lawyer who knows all the ins-and-outs of battery law—Chambers Law Firm. Southern California’s top criminal defense attorney and founder of Chambers Law Firm is Dan Chambers. He will take your case incredibly seriously, working hard to provide you the best defense and avoid jail time and fines whenever possible.
Call 714-760-4088, email dchambers@clfca.com, or send him a message online by clicking CONTACT above to set up a free initial consultation today. He’ll offer you specific legal advice, start developing a superb defense strategy, and always be available to answer any questions or concerns throughout your case.
