A Gwinnett County Assault And Battery Lawyer Will Fight For You
There are very few types of crime more aggressively pursued by prosecutors than violent offenses. If you are facing assault or battery charges in Gwinnett County, Winters Law, LLC is here to help. These charges can affect your life, livelihood, and freedom if you are ultimately convicted. Let a Gwinnett County assault and battery lawyer help you navigate the system and fight back.
What Is Assault Under Georgia Law?
Assault in Georgia does not necessarily involve physical contact. Under O.C.G.A. § 16-5-20, assault happens when a person either attempts to commit a violent injury to someone else or commits an act that places another person in reasonable apprehension of immediately being harmed. What sets this charge apart from battery is the threat of physical harm, not the act of harming someone directly.
State law separates assault into two categories: simple and aggravated. The penalties associated with each offense differ, as do the elements needed to prove this crime.
Simple Assault
Simple assault is typically charged as a misdemeanor. This offense involves attempting to cause violent injury or putting someone in fear of immediate bodily harm without the use of a weapon or severe force. Examples of simple assault include threatening someone during an argument, throwing a punch and missing, or verbally threatening physical harm while making a menacing gesture.
Though it may seem minor, a misdemeanor conviction can still lead to jail time, fines, and a criminal record. In cases involving victims like family members or pregnant women, the charge may be treated as a “misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature,” which can lead to even steeper penalties.
Aggravated Assault
Aggravated assault is a felony in Georgia and carries much more serious consequences. Under the law, a person commits aggravated assault when they assault another:
- With intent to murder, rape, or rob
- With a deadly weapon or any object that, when used offensively, can cause serious bodily injury
- By strangulation or by discharging a firearm from a vehicle
Aggravated assault charges are common in cases involving certain dangerous weapons, but they can also arise from attacks like choking someone. The penalties associated with an aggravated assault conviction range from one to 20 years in prison, depending on the specifics of the case.
It is also important to mention that there are sentence enhancements for aggravated assault in certain cases. A sentence enhancement is an additional penalty that can be added to a person’s sentence because of certain circumstances surrounding the crime. They exist to punish more serious or dangerous conduct and to discourage people from committing crimes under those circumstances.
For instance, in Georgia, if you commit aggravated assault when the victim is over 65 years of age, you face additional penalties. In Georgia, aggravated assault against someone who is 65 or older can result in three to 20 years in prison if the person is convicted. For example, if someone uses a deadly weapon to assault a 70-year-old, this harsher penalty could apply. The law is meant to give extra protection to older adults. It recognizes that older victims may be more vulnerable to serious harm.
Similarly, if you commit aggravated assault against a public safety officer, the penalties are harsher. In Georgia, aggravated assault against a public safety officer while they are doing their job can result in five to 20 years in prison, depending on how the assault was committed. If a firearm is discharged by someone 17 or older, the sentence is 10 to 20 years, with a mandatory minimum of 10 years in most cases. For example, if someone knowingly shoots at a police officer who is responding to a call, this law could apply. If the assault does not involve a firearm but involves a weapon or other object, the person can face five to 20 years in prison. The law gives public safety officers additional protection because they can face serious risks while carrying out their official duties.
Vehicular Assault
Georgia does not have a specific crime called “vehicular assault.” Instead, an assault involving a vehicle may fall under Georgia’s aggravated assault law, depending on how the vehicle was used and the circumstances of the incident. Under O.C.G.A. § 16-5-21, aggravated assault can occur when a person uses a deadly weapon or another object that is likely to cause serious bodily injury.
Suppose someone intentionally drives a vehicle toward someone to scare them. This could be considered an assault involving an object capable of causing serious injury. Being hit with a car can cause great bodily injury or death. The key issue would be whether the driver acted intentionally and whether the vehicle was used in a way that could cause serious bodily harm.
What Is Battery Under Georgia Law?
While assault involves the threat of harm, battery in Georgia involves physical contact with another person. Under the law, battery involves either intentionally making physical contact of an insulting or provoking nature or intentionally causing physical harm to another person.
Touching someone in anger, slapping, shoving, or hitting another person can result in battery charges, even in situations where it does not cause serious pain. Prosecutors have the power to bring assault charges even when the contact did not result in an injury.
As with assault, battery is broken into two categories: simple battery and aggravated battery. The difference between the two depends on the extent of the alleged victim’s injuries as well as other factors.
Simple Battery
Simple battery is generally treated as a misdemeanor. The state can bring this charge when someone causes physical harm that is not considered serious or makes contact in a way that is intended to provoke or insult. It is the most basic type of battery charge, and it carries the lowest penalties.
Aggravated Battery
Aggravated battery is a felony, and it is charged when certain aggravating factors are present. The offense involves maliciously causing bodily harm by depriving the victim of a body part, rendering a body part useless, or seriously disfiguring their body. This charge is common in cases involving broken bones, permanent injuries, or the use of weapons. A conviction for aggravated battery can lead to as much as 20 years in a Georgia prison.
Family Violence and Enhanced Penalties
In Georgia, assault and battery involving individuals in a domestic relationship may be charged under the state’s Family Violence Act. While many people assume that domestic violence is limited to current or former spouses, the reality is that the law applies to a wide range of family relationships. This includes:
- Spouses
- Former spouses
- Romantic partners
- Co-parents
- Roommates
- Children
- Siblings
Family violence battery becomes a felony on a second conviction, even if the underlying act would otherwise be considered a misdemeanor. Judges may also issue protective orders and require counseling or anger management programs as part of sentencing.
Potential Consequences of a Conviction
Whether you’re charged with simple assault or aggravated battery, the consequences of a conviction can be severe and far-reaching. They may include:
- Incarceration
- Significant monetary fines
- Probation or parole
- Community service
- Mandatory anger management
Not all the consequences of a conviction are handed down directly by a judge. You will also have to deal with the collateral consequences of a criminal record if you are found guilty of assault or battery. You may find it difficult to maintain employment or suitable housing with a criminal record. A conviction for a violent crime can also impact your ability to maintain a professional license or even interfere with your immigration status. Given the steep consequences, it is crucial that you seek help from a Gwinnett County assault and battery attorney right away.
The Role of a Gwinnett County Assault and Battery Lawyer
When dealing with charges for assault or battery in Gwinnett County, one of the most important steps you can take is hiring an experienced Gwinnett County assault and battery lawyer. Your attorney can handle every aspect of your case, from reviewing the police report to advocating for you at trial. Our team will review the facts of the case and help you develop the strongest possible defense strategy.
We can also deal with the state on your behalf, whether it is addressing motions in court or negotiating a potential plea agreement. In the end, our guidance is most valuable if your case goes to trial. We can help you avoid the kind of mistakes that could bring your case to a disappointing end.
Defense Strategies
If you’ve been charged with assault or battery, it is imperative that you build a viable defense with the help of your attorney. Our firm can evaluate the facts of your case and advise you of your options. Some common strategies include:
Self-Defense
One of the most frequently used and effective defenses is self-defense. If you were threatened or attacked and used reasonable force to protect yourself, your actions may be legally justified. The specific facts of the situation, including who started the confrontation and the level of force used, can be important in determining whether self-defense applies. The key is proving that you reasonably believed force was necessary to prevent harm to yourself.
Defense of Others
Similar to self-defense, this strategy applies when you act to protect another person from immediate harm. As long as your intervention was reasonable and proportionate to the threat, it may serve as a valid defense.
Lack of Intent
Assault and battery charges require intent to harm or provoke. If the contact was accidental or there was no intention to cause fear or injury, the prosecution may not be able to prove its case.
Lack of Evidence
There are times when the best approach is to argue that the state has not proven your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The prosecutors have a high burden of proof they have to meet, and your attorney can highlight all the areas where they have fallen short.
Talk To A Gwinnett County Assault And Battery Lawyer At Winters Law, LLC About Your Charges
Assault and battery charges in Gwinnett County should never be taken lightly. Even a misdemeanor conviction can follow you for life, and felony charges can carry years in prison and devastating collateral consequences. If you or someone you care about is charged, don’t wait. Contact a Gwinnett County assault and battery lawyer from Winters Law, LLC as soon as possible to get the support of an advocate who will aggressively fight for you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are some common defenses to assault and battery charges?
Common defenses include self-defense, defense of others, mutual combat, lack of intent, mistaken identity, and false accusations. In some cases, there may also be questions about whether the alleged victim’s injuries were actually caused by the defendant. Your attorney will evaluate which strategy applies based on the facts of your case.
Should I speak to the police or investigators?
You should always exercise your right to remain silent until you have spoken to an attorney. Anything you say can be used against you and may harm your defense. Even if you believe you can explain the situation or clear up a misunderstanding, it is best to speak with an attorney first.
What is the process for getting a case dropped or dismissed?
Your Gwinnett County assault and battery lawyer may file motions to suppress evidence, challenge the validity of the charges, or negotiate with the prosecutor. If key evidence is excluded or the state’s case is weak, charges may be dismissed or reduced.
Can I get a diversion program or deferred sentencing?
In some cases, you may qualify for pretrial diversion or conditional discharge programs that can lead to dismissal of charges upon completion of certain requirements. Not everyone qualifies for these programs, and an attorney can review your case and help determine whether you may be eligible.
How soon should I hire an attorney after an arrest?
Immediately. The earlier you get legal representation, the better your chances of identifying legal defenses, preserving evidence, and negotiating favorable outcomes before charges escalate.
Can I be charged with assault in Georgia if I never touched the other person?
Yes, you can be charged with assault in Georgia if you never touched the other person. Neither aggravated nor simple assault requires physical contact. People often think of assault as physical contact, but that is battery, not assault.
Under O.C.G.A. § 16-5-20, simple assault occurs when someone attempts to commit a violent injury or commits an act that places another person in reasonable apprehension of immediately receiving violent injury. Aggravated assault, under O.C.G.A. § 16-5-21, is more serious and may involve an assault committed with intent to murder, rape, or rob, or an assault involving a deadly weapon or object likely to cause serious bodily injury. Certain forms also involve strangulation or firearms. Because aggravated assault is based on assault, physical contact is not required.
What if I did not commit assault or battery and the accusations are fake?
If you were falsely accused, you have the right to defend yourself. In this situation, it is paramount to have an attorney on your side. He or she will investigate what happened, challenge the allegations, review available evidence, and identify inconsistencies in witness statements. Evidence such as text messages, videos, photographs, or witness testimony may help support your side of the story.
What if the alleged victim changes their mind?
Even if the alleged victim no longer wants to pursue the case, criminal charges may continue. This is because the prosecutor decides whether to proceed. The alleged victim still has a responsibility to participate legally. However, if the victim’s unwillingness to participate significantly affects the case, the prosecutor could drop the charges or negotiate the penalties down.