An assault charge can lead to jail time, fines, restraining orders, immigration consequences, and a permanent criminal record. LA prosecutors often rely on:
- Rushed police judgments
- One-sided statements
- Misidentification
- Missing body cam or unreliable video
- Overcharging to force a plea
Our job is to expose these weaknesses and fight for a dismissal, reduction, or not-guilty verdict.
What Counts as Assault in California
California law separates assault from battery:
- Assault (PC §240): The attempt to use force — no physical contact required.
- Battery (PC §242): Any unwanted or offensive touching.
Most cases start as misdemeanors, but prosecutors can elevate them to felonies if they allege weapons, serious injury, or protected victims such as peace officers or medical personnel.
Common Assault Charges We Defend
- Assault with a Deadly Weapon (PC §245)
- Domestic Battery (PC §243(e)(1))
- Sexual Battery (PC §243.4)
- Battery on a Peace Officer (PC §243(b), §243(c)(2))
- Battery Causing Serious Injury (PC §243(d))
Penalties for Assault in Los Angeles
Penalties vary based on severity and whether the case is charged as a misdemeanor or felony:
- Simple Assault (PC 240): Up to 6 months in jail and $1,000 fine
- Battery (PC 242): Up to 6 months in jail
- Assault with a Deadly Weapon:
- Misdemeanor: Up to 1 year in county jail
- Felony: 2, 3, or 4 years in state prison and potential “strike” under California’s Three Strikes Law
- Aggravated Assault / GBI: Felony charges with significant prison exposure
Longer-Term Consequences Can Include:
- Probation, parole, and stay-away orders
- Mandatory counseling or intervention programs
- Permanent loss of firearm rights
- Immigration issues, including deportation
- Professional licensing problems
- A criminal record is visible to employers and landlords
Early intervention is essential to avoid or reduce these consequences.
Why Choose Michael & Associates?
We’re a white-glove criminal defense firm built exclusively on senior-level trial attorneys. That means:
- Experienced attorneys only — no junior lawyers
- Deep knowledge of LA courts, judges, and prosecutors
- Low caseloads, allowing us to examine every detail
- Five-star service with fast responses and clear updates
- Fixed pricing after your free consultation — no billable-hour games
- A results-driven approach focused on dismissals and reductions
- We defend cases at every courthouse, including Metro (DTLA), Airport (LAX), Van Nuys, Compton, Long Beach, Pasadena, Inglewood, East LA, Glendale, and Burbank.
How We Beat Assault Charges in Los Angeles
We build leverage by challenging every flaw in the prosecution’s case:
- Self-defense or defense of others
- False or exaggerated allegations
- Missing or unreliable evidence
- Inconsistent police reports
- Body-cam and surveillance footage that contradicts the accusation
- Illegal stops or arrests without probable cause
- Overcharging that inflates the severity of the case
These strategies frequently lead to dismissals, reduced charges, diversion, or no-jail resolutions.
What to Expect When You Hire Us
Our process is quick and straightforward, and our free case reviews are available with no commitment.
- Free consultation with a senior attorney
- Immediate review of police reports, video, and witness statements
- Independent investigation into what really happened
- Strategic motions to suppress evidence or challenge the arrest
- Aggressive negotiation or trial-ready defense
- Clear communication throughout your entire case
We also assist with bail, protective orders, and emergency legal guidance.
Sources: The information on this page was verified through Michael & Associates research, California Penal Code Chapter 9: Assault and Battery [§ 240 - 248], LAPD End-of-Year 2024 report, Los Angeles Superior Court – Criminal Division, Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, LASD (Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department), California Courts Self-Help Center, California Criminal Law: Procedure and Practice, California Guide to Criminal Evidence
