Redwood City Assault Defense Lawyer

Were you charged with assault in Redwood City, California? You don’t want a criminal conviction on your record.

You deserve an aggressive criminal defense attorney who believes in you, knows the justice system, and dedicates the time and resources necessary to build the best possible defense.

That’s why Ahmed & Sukaram, Attorneys at Law should be your first call after you’re arrested at (650) 299-0500. We have a team you can count on to fight for your freedom.

Since 2005, we have helped countless individuals accused of simple and aggravated assault, domestic violence, sexual assault, and other crimes successfully avoid jail time, hefty fines, and loss of other freedoms that come with criminal convictions. We’ve established a trusted reputation as the go-to firm in the Bay Area when you are facing high-stakes criminal charges.

To schedule a free consultation with a Redwood City assault defense lawyer, call or contact us online today.

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How Ahmed & Sukaram, Attorneys at Law Can Help With an Assault Charge in Redwood City, CA

Getting arrested for a crime is scary, no matter what the charges. We’ll jump into action right away to start working on a strategy for your defense. Our experience and ability to successfully defend our clients against assault and other criminal charges is well known and has garnered us recognition from numerous respected organizations.

Members of our legal team include:

A CA State Bar Certified Specialist in Criminal Law
Nationally published authors in key criminal defense topics
A Super Lawyers Rising Star
American Society of Legal Advocates Top 40 Under 40

We bring over 30 years of combined legal experience to your case.

When you hire our Redwood City criminal defense attorneys to handle your case, we’ll:

Analyze the evidence and look for all possible defenses to your assault charge
Listen to you and interview witnesses – we want to hear your story, not just the district attorney’s side
Give you honest advice about your options
Negotiate with the prosecutor’s office for reduced or dropped charges
Fiercely defend you in court if going to trial is necessary

We’ll never stop thinking about your case and how we can do right by you. You can count on us to always keep you updated about your case, give straightforward answers to your questions, and do everything we can to get you the best possible result. Call our Redwood City, California law office today for a free and confidential case evaluation.

What Is Assault in California?

Under California Penal Code 240, assault is an unlawful attempt, along with a present ability, to violently injure another person. The definition may surprise some people, as it does not require physical contact.

The above definition generally applies to simple assault, but there are many other charges involving assault, such as:

Assault with intent to commit a felony
Assault with intent to commit murder
Assault with a deadly weapon
Assault on a public official
Assault with caustic chemicals
Assault by means likely to produce great bodily injury

You could also be sued in a civil lawsuit for assault. That would be a separate case and could potentially subject you to a judgment requiring you to pay monetary damages to the plaintiff (the alleged victim).

Assault is often charged in connection with other crimes, such as:

Robbery
Theft
Kidnapping
Domestic violence
Sexual assault
Carjacking
Drug crimes
Disturbing the peace
Criminal threats (formerly called terroristic threats)
Stalking
Battery

One altercation can result in numerous charges. We have years of experience successfully negotiating with prosecutors to get charges dropped or reduced.

What’s the Difference Between Assault and Battery?

The above definition of assault may surprise some people. Many people use the term assault when they mean battery.

Battery is an unlawful or willful use of force or violence against another person. As noted above, assault is an attempt to injure another person that is possible of being carried out. Battery, on the other hand, is the actual use of force or violence against someone.

It’s understandable why assault and battery are often discussed together, but they are two different crimes.

What Are the Penalties for Assault in California?

Assault and battery charges are complex, and it is not easy to know what penalties you could face without knowing the specifics of your case. Simple assault is typically charged as a misdemeanor. But depending on the circumstances of the alleged assault, you could be charged with felony assault. This is generally in cases of assault with a deadly weapon or assault in connection with more serious crimes.

Prosecutors have a lot of discretion, and many assault charges discussed above are “wobblers,” which means they can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony.

That said, simple misdemeanor assault generally carries possible penalties of:

Summary probation
Up to six months in county jail
Up to a $1,000 fine

There are enhanced penalties for assaulting certain individuals, including:

Firefighters
Police
Medical providers
Jurors
School employees
Process servers
Traffic officers
Animal control officers
Search and rescue members
Public transportation providers

An assault conviction on any of these could result in up to one year in jail and up to a $2,000 fine.

If you’re charged with felony assault or aggravated assault, you could face:

Up to four years in state prison
A fine of up to $10,000

Because assault is often tacked on to other criminal charges, it’s important to understand the whole picture of your case. That’s why it’s a good idea to call us as soon as possible if you’re arrested or being investigated for assault.

What Are Other Consequences of an Assault Conviction in California?

Criminal convictions threaten more than time behind bars and fines. That’s why we take every criminal charge seriously and defend our clients as if they were our own family.

Collateral consequences of an assault conviction include:

Losing your right to own a firearm
Damage to your reputation
Being banned from seeing your children
Losing your job or trouble getting hired
Trouble renting or buying a home

Nobody wants a criminal record. Our Redwood City assault defense attorneys will do everything we can to make sure your freedom isn’t compromised. We’re successful because of our training, hard work, and passionate belief that everyone deserves zealous legal representation.

How Can I Defend Myself Against an Assault Charge in Redwood City?

Since it doesn’t require physical contact, it’s relatively easy to get slapped with an assault charge. But there are several possible defenses to an assault charge.

Some defenses are procedural, and others relate to the facts of the case. We look at all possible angles, and we do not miss a detail. If evidence was illegally obtained, we’ll fight to get it thrown out. We’ll do the work to whittle down the prosecution’s case as much as possible.

Some common defenses to assault include:

You were wrongly identified as the person who committed the assault
You acted in self-defense or in defense of others
You didn’t have the “present ability” to injure the other person
Your actions were accidental or misunderstood by the alleged victim
Your arrest was unlawful due to police misconduct
Your constitutional rights were violated

We have enough experience to know when things don’t add up. We hold the prosecution’s feet to the fire, and they often recognize when they simply don’t have the evidence to support a conviction. They are under a lot of pressure for convictions, so charges can be steeper than what they know they can prove.

What Should I Do if I’m Charged with Assault in California?

The first thing you should do is call a reputable attorney, and do not talk to anyone without your lawyer present. A criminal charge does not have to ruin your life. But getting the right attorney on your side can make or break your case and your future.

If you are charged with assault (or any crime, for that matter):

Assert your right to legal counsel
Do not answer questions from the police or talk to the district attorney without an attorney
Don’t discuss your case—your charges, your potential defenses, or your thoughts about your chances of conviction—with anyone
Do not attempt to talk to anyone who may be a witness in your case
Do not attempt to contact the alleged victim

The best thing you can do is call an experienced Redwood City criminal defense lawyer as soon as you are arrested for assault. We offer free consultations, so you have nothing to lose by contacting us today to see if we are a good match for your case.

Schedule a Free Case Evaluation with a Redwood City Assault Defense Lawyer

Are you facing assault charges in Redwood City, CA? When your freedom and reputation are at risk, don’t wait. Call Ahmed & Sukaram, Attorneys at Law right now to let us start fighting for you. We bring more than three decades of combined experience, a true passion for protecting your rights and fighting for your freedom, and an honest, no-nonsense approach.

Put your mind at ease and call our Redwood City assault defense attorneys today. Initial consultations are free, so call now.

You can also contact an assault defense lawyer in San Jose.