Anderson Assault and Battery Lawyer Aggressively Fighting For Your Freedom
Battery is one of the most common violent crimes committed in the state of Indiana. Because it is a violent crime, authorities aggressively prosecute defendants who are accused of battery. If you are facing battery charges, it’s in your best interest to seek legal representation from an experienced attorney who is committed to protecting your rights. Contact the assault and battery attorneys at Beeman Heifner Benge P.A. as soon as possible to discuss your legal options.
What is Assault and Battery in Anderson?
Some states classify assault and battery as two separate crimes, but in Indiana, all crimes that involve physically violent assaults are considered battery. The state of Indiana defines battery as the crime of knowingly or intentionally touching another person in a rude or angry manner. You can be charged with battery for hitting, slapping, punching, pushing, kicking, or elbowing someone else. You can also face battery charges for throwing something at another person, including bodily fluids.
It’s important to note that you can face battery charges even if the victim is not physically injured. It doesn’t matter whether or not you actually harmed the victim—all that it matters is you intended on making physical contact with the victim in a rude or angry manner. However, the charges are enhanced in cases where the victim was injured, which means you could face more serious penalties for causing harm.
What Are the Penalties For Assault and Battery?
The penalties for a battery conviction will vary depending on the nature of the crime. Simple battery is a class B misdemeanor, which carries a maximum of 180 days in jail and $1,000 in fines. If the victim suffers mild injuries, the crime becomes a class A misdemeanor, which can lead to up to one year in jail and $1,000 in fines.
Some battery crimes are felonies. Battery is charged as a Level 6 felony in certain cases, including those where the victim is moderately injured, a minor, or an endangered adult. A Level 6 felony battery conviction can lead to up to 2.5 years of prison in addition to substantial fines.
The crime becomes a Level 5 felony in certain cases, including those where the victim is seriously injured, the defendant used a weapon when committing the crime, or the victim was pregnant at the time the crime was committed. A conviction for this crime can lead to up to six years in prison and thousands of dollars in fines.
Some battery crimes are classified as Level 4, Level 3, and Level 2 felonies. The most severe battery offense, which is Level 2 felony battery, can lead to up to 40 years in prison.
How Can An Attorney Fight Assault and Battery Charges in Anderson?
Being convicted of battery can completely disrupt your life. Fortunately, it is possible to fight battery charges with the help of the knowledgeable assault and battery lawyers at Beeman Heifner Benge P.A.
Our criminal defense attorneys will carefully analyze the details of your case to determine the best way to fight your charges. Many battery cases hinge on the defendant’s intent. The prosecutor cannot convict you for this crime unless they can prove that you knowingly or intentionally made physical contact with the victim. In some cases, we are able to poke holes in the prosecutor’s case by proving you did not knowingly or intentionally commit this crime.
Don’t give up hope even if the prosecutor has a strong case against you. In cases like these, an attorney can still assist by aggressively negotiating with the prosecutor for reduced charges. For example, if you are charged with felony battery, our attorneys may be able to reduce your charges to misdemeanor battery. Reducing your charges will help you avoid some of the many serious penalties associated with a battery conviction.
Every second counts in a criminal case. If you are facing battery charges, reach out to our attorneys as soon as possible to discuss your case.
Schedule Your Consultation With Our Assault and Battery Attorneys in Anderson
Have you been charged with battery in Indiana? If so, seek legal representation from the skilled criminal defense attorneys at Beeman Heifner Benge P.A. Our attorneys are committed to helping the accused protect their rights and fight for their freedom.
Learn more about your legal options and how we can help you reach the best possible outcome in your case during your case evaluation. To schedule your consultation, call (765) 234-8024 or fill out the form on this website.