Lake Charles Assault and Battery Lawyer
Contact the firm today at 1-833-SUDDUTH for an appointment
Whether you’re being charged on a misdemeanor or a felony level, an assault or battery charge can ruin your reputation and haunt you for years to come. Though assault and battery charges are some of the most common charges, each case is unique. The severity of the charge can depend on a variety of things: whether or not a weapon was used, as well as the degree of the alleged victim’s injuries
What`s The Difference Between Assault and Battery?
Assault and battery are usually closely associated with one another, but actually carry different definitions. Assault is the intention or threat to harm or batter someone; whereas, battery is when harm is actually inflicted upon somebody. Depending on the specific circumstances of a case, both assault and battery may be charged in connection with the same incident; however, one charge may be dropped when a plea bargain is reached or if the facts of the case make it clear that only one offense was committed.
So what is it that makes an assault or battery charge a misdemeanor or a felony?
According to the Louisiana Law, there are different levels of assault and battery. In the case of assault (again, the intention or threat of a battery), there are several types of assaults that fall under the assault statue.
While we never guarantee outcomes, because each case is so different and unique, we have seen much success over time in aggressively defending our clients. Those results include lesser jail sentences, probation in lieu of jail time, reduced conditions and time on probation, deferred adjudication and diversion of charges, and even outright dismissal of charges. Outcomes cannot be guaranteed by anyone, but at Sudduth and Associates, we pride ourselves on guaranteeing to our clients our heart, our passion, and our every effort.
Having the experienced team of paralegals, investigators, and attorneys in Lake Charles at Sudduth & Associates, LLC on your side is invaluable to you receiving the best possible outcome. Call us today to see how we can help you level the playing field to get the best possible outcome in your case!
The Advantage of a Former Prosecutor on Your Side
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If having someone on your side that gives a 110% and delivers a quality product is important, then James Sudduth III comes with my highest personal recommendation.
“If having someone on your side that gives a 110% and delivers a quality product is important, then James Sudduth III comes with my highest personal recommendation.”
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If you're looking for an attorney to fight for you, call James.
“Throughout the entire ordeal, James could not have been more professional, courteous and knowledgeable regarding my employment issue. He was prompt with his responses and could not have shown more compassion for the issue.”
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They truly care about the legal issues I face, and aren't just 'going through the motions.'
“James & his caring team of professionals are a cut above the rest. They truly care about the legal issues I face, and aren't just 'going through the motions.' It's been a tremendous help during this transitional period in my life to have Jame”
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His passion for helping people sets him apart from any other attorney in this area.
“Smart, driven, direct, passionate. Amazing man, which makes him an amazing attorney. Treated me and my family as if we were a part of his. I am forever grateful for the hard work and dedication he put into my case.”
Commons Charges of Assault
Some of the most commons charges of assault are:
- Simple Assault—assault committed without a dangerous weapon
- Penalty: Maximum fines of up to $200 and/or maximum jail time of six months, or both;
- Aggravated Assault—assault committed with a dangerous weapon
- Penalty: Maximum fines up to $1,000 and/or maximum jail time of six months, or both;
- Aggravated Assault with a Firearm—assault committed with a firearm (committed when there is a discharge from a firearm)
- Penalty: Maximum fines up to $10,000 and/or maximum jail time of ten years, or both.
- Battery, on the other hand, may carry more severe consequences because it actually involves force or contact. Like assault, battery has an array of charges that fall under its statute; however, some of the most common charges of battery are:
- Simple Battery— defined as “battery committed without the consent of the victim”
- Penalty: Maximum fines up to $1,000 and/or maximum jail time of six months, or both;
- Aggravated Battery—battery committed with a dangerous weapon
- Penalty: Maximum fines up to $5,000 and/or maximum jail time of ten years, or both;
- Second Degree Battery—battery committed by an alleged offender where intentional bodily injuries are inflicted
- Penalty: Maximum fines up to $2,000 and/or maximum jail time of five years, or both;
- Aggravated Second Degree Battery—battery committed by an alleged offender where intentional bodily injuries are inflicted with the use of a dangerous weapon
- Penalty: Maximum fines up to $10,000 and/or maximum jail time of fifteen years, or both.
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