Spokane Assault & Battery Attorneys

Aggressive Defense for Violent Crime Charges

Assault and battery are two of the most common violent crimes in Washington. They are also two of the most misunderstood. Many people think that assault and battery are the same thing, but they are not. In fact, you can be charged with assault without ever touching another person.

At Phelps & Associates, our Spokane assault and battery lawyers have a comprehensive understanding of these charges. We know how to build a strong defense on your behalf and will work tirelessly to protect your rights. If you have been charged with assault or battery, we can help.

Call our office today at (509) 620-0606 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced assault and battery defense attorneys in Spokane.

What Is Assault?

Assault is defined as intentionally causing another person to fear that they will be harmed. It is important to note that assault does not require any physical contact. In fact, you can be charged with assault even if you never touch another person.

For example, if you raise your fist at someone and they believe that you are going to hit them, you can be charged with assault. The key element in an assault charge is that the victim fears that they will be harmed.

There are two types of assault in Washington: simple assault and aggravated assault.

Simple Assault

Simple assault is a gross misdemeanor in Washington. You can be charged with simple assault if you intentionally cause another person to fear that they will be harmed. You can also be charged with simple assault if you intentionally touch another person and that person does not consent to the contact.

Simple assault is punishable by up to 364 days in jail and a fine of up to $5,000. If you have no prior criminal history, you may be eligible for a deferred sentence. This means that you will not be convicted of the crime if you successfully complete probation.

Aggravated Assault

You can be charged with aggravated assault if you intentionally cause another person to fear that they will be seriously injured and you use a deadly weapon. You can also be charged with aggravated assault if you intentionally cause another person to fear that they will be seriously injured and you assault a police officer, firefighter, or other protected person.

Aggravated assault is a class B felony in Washington. It is punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $20,000. If you have no prior criminal history, you may be eligible for a first-time offender waiver. This means that you will not be convicted of the crime if you successfully complete probation.

What Is Battery?

Battery is defined as intentionally touching another person without their consent. It is important to note that battery does not require any physical injury. In fact, you can be charged with battery even if the victim is not injured.

For example, if you intentionally touch another person in a way that is offensive or harmful, you can be charged with battery. The key element in a battery charge is that the victim does not consent to the contact.

There are two types of battery in Washington: simple battery and aggravated battery.

Simple Battery

Simple battery is a gross misdemeanor in Washington. You can be charged with simple battery if you intentionally touch another person without their consent. Simple battery is punishable by up to 364 days in jail and a fine of up to $5,000. If you have no prior criminal history, you may be eligible for a deferred sentence.

Aggravated Battery

You can be charged with aggravated battery if you intentionally touch another person without their consent and you cause them substantial bodily harm. You can also be charged with aggravated battery if you intentionally touch another person without their consent and you assault a police officer, firefighter, or other protected person.

Aggravated battery is a class B felony in Washington. It is punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $20,000. If you have no prior criminal history, you may be eligible for a first-time offender waiver.

Defenses to Assault & Battery Charges

There are several defenses to assault and battery charges in Washington. The best defense for your case will depend on the specific circumstances of your case. Our Spokane assault and battery defense attorneys will thoroughly review the evidence against you and develop a strong defense strategy on your behalf.

Some of the most common defenses to assault and battery charges include:

• Self-defense: You can use reasonable force to defend yourself or another person from imminent harm. If you were acting in self-defense, you may be able to avoid a conviction.
• Consent: You cannot be convicted of battery if the victim consented to the contact. For example, if you were playing a contact sport and the victim consented to the contact, you may be able to avoid a conviction.
• False accusations: Unfortunately, many people are falsely accused of assault and battery. If the victim has a motive to lie, we may be able to prove that the accusations are false.

How Our Assault & Battery Defense Attorneys Can Help

Being charged with assault or battery is a serious matter. A conviction can result in a lengthy prison sentence, a permanent criminal record, and other severe consequences. If you have been charged with assault or battery, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side.

At Phelps & Associates, our Spokane assault and battery defense lawyers have extensive experience defending clients against these charges. We know what it takes to win in the courtroom and will aggressively defend your rights every step of the way. We will work tirelessly to get your charges reduced or dismissed and will fight to protect your future.

Schedule a Consultation Today

If you have been charged with assault or battery, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side. At Phelps & Associates, our Spokane assault and battery lawyers have a comprehensive understanding of these charges. We will thoroughly review the evidence against you and develop a strong defense strategy on your behalf. Our team will fight aggressively to protect your rights and your future.

Call our office today at (509) 620-0606 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced assault and battery attorneys in Spokane.