If you are charged with assault and battery it’s important to understand a few things. In addition to the situation that resulted in your charges, focus on the potential penalties and the best way to avoid the most serious consequences.
It’s important to note that no two assault and battery cases are the same, with some straightforward and others full of complex details that complicate the legal process.
Regardless of the circumstances surrounding your situation, an assault and battery conviction can change your life in many ways. This is why the right defense strategy is so important.
- Self-defense: This is the most common defense strategy in an assault and battery, and it entails proving that you were defending yourself from the other person. You must attempt to show: a threat of force or harm, no reasonable chance of escaping the situation and no provocation on your end.
- Defense of others: Just as there are times when you have to defend yourself, you may need to do the same of others. The primary thing to remember here is that the other person must have a perceived fear of harm. You must be able to show that you had reasonable grounds for taking action.
- Defense of property: There are times when people take physical action in an attempt to protect their property, such as if someone robs them. Generally speaking, if someone has stolen property directly from you, such as grabbing your wallet while walking down the street, you may have the right to use force as a means of recovering it.
It’s good to know that there is more than one type of assault and battery defense strategy. Conversely, since you only get one chance to defend yourself in court and show your side of the story, you must make the right decision the first time around.
Choosing an assault and battery defense strategy starts with knowing your exact charges and why they came about. When you understand this, it’s easier to decide which of the above, or a combination of several, makes the most sense for you.
You have legal rights, and if you’re charged with assault and battery you’ll find yourself having to protect them time after time.
