The California Penal Code defines and sets forth the punishments for the crimes of assault and battery.  A battery is a willful and unlawful use of force or violence against another person, while an assault is an unlawful attempt to commit a violent injury against another person.

Charges of assault and battery often result after a physical altercation or fight.  Other situations that may yield assault and battery charges include road rage incidents and domestic disputes that involve violence.

The police officer responsible for investigating the incident and filing a report may not have asked you for your side of the story, and the report may reflect only one version. You may have to testify in court so that the judge or jury hears your version of the incident.

If you have been charged with assault and battery in San Mateo County or Santa Clara County and want to know how to best proceed, I welcome your questions.  Please contact me online, or call me at (650) 679-9040 for a consultation.