Assault Defense Attorney in Santa Cruz, California

If you’ve been accused of assault, you know how serious it can be. Depending on the surrounding circumstances, a defendant convicted of assault may face lengthy imprisonment, massive fines, restitution to the victim, a criminal record, and other life-changing consequences. If you are under investigation for an assault offense, you need to retain an aggressive and skilled California criminal defense attorney to help build your defense.

At the Law Offices of Andrew C. Janecki, I’m dedicated to providing experienced guidance and reliable representation to clients facing assault charges. As your legal counsel, I can thoroughly investigate all the facts surrounding your case and strategize an effective defense in pursuit of the best possible outcome for your case. I will fight aggressively to defend your rights and seek to dispute the accusations against you.

My firm—the Law Offices of Andrew C. Janecki—proudly represents clients across Santa Cruz, Palo Alto, San Jose, San Francisco, and Berkeley, California.

Defining Assault

Under California law, assault can be described as an unlawful attempt to commit a violent injury on another person. In California, assault is categorized into the basic kind of assault (sometimes referred to as ‘simple assault’), felony assault, and assault and battery. Depending on the nature and seriousness of the offense, the defendant could be facing misdemeanor or felony charges.

Essentially, assault involves attempting or threatening to inflict physical injury on another person. Some common examples of the basic kind of assault include:

• Taking a swing at a person during a fierce argument

• Threatening to hit someone with an object

Felony Assault (Assault with a Deadly Weapon)

In more serious cases involving a deadly weapon, a defendant may be charged with felony assault. This involves assault committed using a deadly weapon such as a knife or gun or with sufficient force, which is likely to cause great bodily injury to the victim. Some common examples of felony assault include:

• Firing a gun at another person

• Trying to stab someone

• Ordering your dog to attack or bite someone

Assault & Battery (Simple Battery)

Under California law, “assault and battery”—simply referred to as battery—can be described as any willful and unlawful use of force or violence upon another person. Once an assault crime is completed, it becomes a battery offense. Some common examples of battery include:

• Striking someone with a fist during an argument

• Shoving or pushing another person

• Hitting someone with a small object

If you or someone you know has recently been charged with an assault crime, it is crucial that you reach out to a knowledgeable assault defense attorney as soon as possible.

Possible Penalties

The consequences of a criminal conviction can be devastating, and it is natural for you to feel unsure of your next steps. If convicted of assault in California, the potential penalties and consequences may include:

• Massive fines

• Prison sentences (ranging from months or years)

• Restitution to the victim

• A criminal record

• Loss of your rights to possess, carry, or own a firearm or gun

• Increased difficulty in securing housing, employment, or public benefits

• Difficulties in securing certain financial loans

• Loss of voting rights

• Increased difficulty in traveling abroad

A skilled California assault defense attorney can offer you the knowledgeable guidance and aggressive representation you need at every phase of the legal process.

Work With a Skilled Criminal Defense Attorney

The outcome of your assault case can have a significant, immediate, and life-long impact on your freedom and future. Trying to defend those allegations without experienced representation can increase your risks of receiving the maximum penalties. You need to retain a highly-skilled criminal defense attorney as soon as possible to outline your defense strategy and help fight your charges.

At the Law Offices of Andrew C. Janecki, I have the experience and resources to represent and defend individuals accused of assault crimes. I’m ready to help you navigate the California criminal justice system and represent you diligently at every stage of the legal proceedings. I will fight vigorously to protect your legal rights and attempt to keep your record clean.