Bellflower Assault Lawyer

Bellflower Assault Attorney

Assault and battery are often charged together, but it is important to recognize that a defendant does not have to physically strike another person to be charged with assault. A Bellflower assault lawyer can provide you with legal representation that can help you formulate legal defenses to a charge of assault. A legal advocate can stand up for your legal rights and advocate for you throughout every phase of a criminal prosecution.

The attorneys at Gibbons & Gibbons have years of experience representing clients in criminal cases. We understand how to strategize with defendants, analyze evidence, and file motions to suppress that can weaken the state’s case against you. We are here to help you as you proceed to defend yourself against prosecutors and the district attorney’s office.

Simple Assault and Aggravated Assault

Assault charges may arise from issues related to conflicts in public places, domestic violence, disorderly conduct, and road rage. Many criminal defendants are charged with simple assault for making verbal threats or causing non-serious physical injuries. Aggravated assault, however, is a more serious charge that is often associated with a defendant using a deadly weapon when committing an assault.

The legal definition of assault is an intentional act that causes another person to experience a reasonable apprehension of imminent bodily contact. No physical contact is necessary for an assault charge under California law. The threat of harm is the core act associated with assault charges. Battery is a charge associated with the intentional and unlawful application of force upon another individual.

Assault is often confused with battery. Assault is the verbal or physical threat of violence, while battery is the physical commission of carrying out that threat. In 2022, the assault and battery arrest rates increased 21.3 percent and 11.2 percent, respectively. In 2023, the assault and battery arrest rate increased 12.0 percent. California is among the top ten states with the highest violent crime rates in the United States.

How an Assault Lawyer Can Help You

An assault lawyer in Bellflower will scrutinize the evidence that prosecutors plan to use against you in their case. An attorney will search for weaknesses in the documentary evidence. The most common forms of documentary evidence in criminal cases include police reports, witness testimony, as well as surveillance footage and officer bodycam footage.

Criminal defense lawyers also form legal defenses. Common defenses to assault charges include self-defense, wrongful accusations, mistaken identity, and lack of intent. The defense team will also present additional evidence that contradicts the arguments put forth by the state.

Negotiating with prosecutors is also a critical component of effective legal defense. It may be possible to negotiate for a reduced sentence or less serious charges, but the defendant often has to enter a plea bargain to take advantage of negotiations. If your case goes to trial, a criminal defense lawyer will cross-examine witnesses, present legal arguments on your behalf, and protect your interests in court.

Hire an Assault Lawyer

An assault lawyer can provide you with the resources you need to formulate legal defenses and analyze the evidence the state plans to use in its case-in-chief. If you are facing assault charges in Bellflower, then you need to hire an assault lawyer so you can begin protecting your legal rights. A skilled criminal defense attorney will work with you throughout the course of the attorney-client relationship to ensure that you are aware of the status of your case.

The city of Bellflower has a higher crime rate than approximately eighty-three percent of communities in California. Common areas associated with crime include the intersection of Artesia Boulevard and SR-91, as well as commercial zones in the city. Also, areas around Bellflower Boulevard, Flower Street, and Ramona Street have high crime rates.

Joseph Gibbons has practiced law for decades in California, and he earned his law degree from Pacific Coast University School of Law. He was honored as the attorney of the year by the City of La Mirada, and he was named attorney of the year by the Southeast District Bar Association.

Marc Gibbons represents individuals who have been charged with criminal offenses in federal and state courts. He is a member of the California Attorneys for Criminal Justice and the California DUI Lawyers Association. He is also a board member of the Southeast District Bar Association.

FAQs

What Should I Do If I Am Accused of Assault?

The first thing you should do if you are accused of assault is not speak to law enforcement officers without having legal representation. You should ask to have your attorney present for any questioning regarding the charges filed against you. Also, you can invoke your right to remain silent, and you should do so if you have not retained a criminal defense lawyer to protect your freedom and liberty.

What Should I Do If There Is a Warrant Issued for My Arrest?

What you should do if there is a warrant issued for your arrest is to retain a criminal defense attorney immediately. An arrest warrant permits law enforcement authorities to arrest you and take you into custody. A skilled criminal defense attorney can scrutinize the arrest warrant and determine if any legal defects are present on the face of the warrant.

What Happens at My First Court Appearance?

Under California law, your first court appearance is generally an arraignment where you must appear before a judge. The judge will read the charges filed against you and inform you of your legal rights. Also, you will be asked if you wish to enter a plea, but do not enter a guilty plea or no contest plea without first retaining and consulting with a criminal defense attorney in Bellflower.

What Happens After My First Court Appearance?

What happens after the first court appearance is that the case enters a pre-trial period during which your criminal defense attorney will hire expert witnesses, scrutinize evidence, and take other steps to develop legal defenses relevant to your case. The prosecutor must provide your attorney with evidence the state possesses regarding the charges filed against you. This is called the discovery phase.

Bellflower Assault Lawyer

The criminal defense attorneys at Gibbons & Gibbons have more than sixty years of combined experience representing clients in criminal defense cases. You do not have to handle your criminal case alone. Our team can provide you with the resources you need to ensure that you are able to enforce and protect your legal rights.

If you are seeking an assault lawyer in Bellflower, then contact us today to schedule a free consultation. The attorneys at Gibbons & Gibbons will analyze documentary evidence, review the facts of your case, and assess which legal defenses may apply to your case. You are not alone, and we can help you take the next step in obtaining legal representation.