Savannah GA Battery Lawyer

Battery in Georgia

 

The crimes of battery and assault are frequently intertwined, but in the state of Georgia battery and assault are two separate charges. Assault involves the intention to commit an act of violence against another, and/or creating circumstances that allow for the expectation of violently induced injury. Battery, on the other hand, is the physical act of committing an act of violence against another party.

 

There are two different levels of battery charges in Georgia. The less severe variety is simple battery, and this is a misdemeanor. This charge is leveled against people who actually make contact with another person without causing very serious harm. The charge of misdemeanor simple battery carries with it a fine of up to $1,000 and jail time of up to twelve months. The exact sentence is at the discretion of the presiding judge, who will take all of the extenuating circumstances under consideration. Clearly, if it is your first offense, or the events leading up to the instance of battery shed the incident in a particular light, one may gain some degree of leniency. This is one of the reasons why it is so very important to retain a good criminal defense lawyer who understands exactly how to present your side of the story to the judge.

 

The other type of battery charge in Georgia is aggravated battery, which is a felony. Charges of aggravated battery are lodged when an individual violently attacks another and causes significant physical injury and/or disfigurement. This is a serious crime that can result in up to twenty years in prison, so it is not something that should be taken lightly. The severity of the punishment is even more harsh under certain circumstances, such as the commission of battery against an individual who is sixty-five-years-old or older, or if the aggravated battery is deemed an act of domestic violence.

 

It is always necessary to consult with a Georgia criminal defense lawyer as soon as you can when you are charged with the crime of battery. There is a great deal of subjective reasoning involved in leveling these charges, and the accused have the right to a presumption of innocence until they are proven guilty, so there is a lot that your attorney can do to mitigate your exposure to potential jail time and hefty fines.

 

If you are charged with battery, then contact a seasoned Savannah defense lawyer immediately.