“Assault” and “battery” are two terms often confused for each other. That’s due in part because if charged with one, you are often charged with the other as well. Both of them can have long-lasting impacts on your future, so they aren’t charges to take lightly. Don’t assume these charges will blow over or that a judge will see you are innocent when they hear your side of the story. It’s in your best interest to work with an experienced assault and battery lawyer in Minnesota to help you get the best possible outcome for your case.
Are You Charged With Assault, Battery, or Both?
First, it’s important to understand what charges you are facing, exactly. This will have an effect on how you move forward with your defense. At their most basic, we can define these two charges as:
- Assault: A threat of harm happened
- Battery: Physical harm actually occurred
According to Minnesota state law, there are different levels of assault and battery chargesdepending on the circumstances of the incident. That’s why these two charges often go together. Many people will threaten to act before they actually do. Both are crimes, but one can carry more severe punishments than the other. Battery charges can result in one year in jail and a $1,000 fine.
If found guilty of aggravated battery, the more severe charge, you could be facing up to 15 years in jail and a $10,000 fine. The charge can also prevent you from obtaining certain types of employment in the future. It will also prevent you from owning firearms, even for hunting. You get a label as a violent offender within the court system and it can limit where you live in the future as well.
What Happens After Charges Happen
Once arrested, it’s important that you ask to speak to a lawyer as soon as possible. Your Minnesota assault lawyer will be able to ensure that you don’t incriminate yourself during questioning by the police. Even questions that seem innocent could come back to haunt you during a trial. Be polite to the police and try to remain as calm as possible, but ask to speak to a lawyer. Politely decline to answer any of their questions until your lawyer is present.
It’s important that you stay away from any of the parties making accusations against you once you leave jail. Continue going to work or school, but do not speak to anyone about the case. Discussing details of the case with others can come back to haunt you in a trial. Follow your lawyer’s advice and be honest with your legal team every step of the way. This will help them build the strongest case in your defense.
What’s the Best Defense Option for a Battery Charge?
Battery charges can arise from many situations, including domestic violence, bar fights, or even road rage incidents. Sometimes, though, innocent people can face charges of battery. They may be falsely accused or may have been defending themselves from an attack. A lawyer can help you determine how best to defend yourself against the battery charges. Even if the incident did occur, there may be extenuating circumstances that could help reduce the amount of jail time you could face. Building a strong defense can help you attain the best possible outcome and start getting your life back to normal.
Are you currently facing battery charges in Minnesota? Speak to the experienced team at Anderson Law Firm. We want to learn more about the charges and help you determine the best next steps to take to get the best possible outcome in your case. Our team offers free consultations to those facing assault and battery charges. Get in touch with us today to schedule yours.
DISCLAIMER: The information contained in this article does not constitute an attorney-client relationship. Please contact attorney Kirk Anderson for an initial consultation.