Defending People Accused of Violent Crimes
I'm Jim Pokorny, a San Diego attorney with more than 30 years of criminal defense experience. Over this time, I've defended many individuals against assault, battery and other violent crime charges. To discuss your rights and options with an experienced lawyer, contact me for a free phone consultation.
Understanding the Charges Against You
Assault and battery are among the most common violent crime charges. In order to prove assault in California, the government must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant made a threat that caused another person to fear imminent physical harm. To prove battery, the government must prove the defendant actually struck or made unwanted, offensive contact with someone.
While the charge of assault is often brought in conjunction with battery, assault can also be brought as a single charge, which means you can be charged with a violent crime even if you aren't accused of physically striking someone.
Common situations that result in assault and battery charges include alcohol-related bar fights and long-term personal conflicts. In many cases, both sides to an altercation will be charged with a crime. Allegations of assault and battery against a spouse, boyfriend or girlfriend can lead to domestic violence charges.
Helping Clients Fight a Range of Consequences
Some assault charges carry more significant consequences. This is particularly the case when someone is accused of assault with a firearm or other deadly weapon. Similarly, robbery, which is defined as the use or threat of force in order to take someone's property, is also a felony.
I can defend people against the full range of assault and related violent crime charges in California. If you've been charged with one of these serious crimes, don't hesitate to contact me.
