Little Rock Assault & Battery Lawyer

Little Rock, AR Assault and Battery Attorney

Facing criminal charges of any kind can be intimidating, as there is often a significant amount at risk. When these charges involve violent crimes such as assault and battery, the pressure increases. Having an assault or battery charge on your record can impact your entire life. The consequences for these offenses reach far beyond the punishments that the court assigns.

Even the accusation of assault or battery can be harmful. Many people lose their jobs and have a tough time finding a new one. Convicted offenders may be denied housing, lose custody of their children, and face additional challenges in their day-to-day lives.

Because there is so much at risk, it is important to find a qualified Little Rock criminal defense lawyer to represent you in your case. Our team of assault attorneys at Kevin Lemley Law Partners is here to help you navigate your criminal defense case.

Kevin Lemley Law Partners: Little Rock Assault and Battery Attorneys

Our team has over 50 years of combined experience in the legal sector. For much of this time, we have helped individuals and families who have been wrongfully accused of a crime or taken advantage of by the legal system. Our vast experience in this field gives our clients an advantage when navigating the complicated criminal defense sector.

We fight diligently for our clients to give them the very best chance of avoiding serious charges. Our assault and battery attorneys understand that these cases have a lot of nuances. Your side of the story is just as important as anyone else’s. We take the time to listen to your experiences so that we can develop a strong case in your favor. No other Little Rock assault and battery lawyers offer this level of personal service and care.

When you need a Little Rock criminal lawyer, look no further than the qualified team at Kevin Lemley Law Partners.

What Is Assault and Battery?

Although many people have heard the terms “assault” and “battery,” few understand what they really mean. It is crucial that you understand these charges if you have been accused of them. Understanding the charges and consequences allows you to make educated, informed decisions regarding your future.

Assault and battery occur when one person makes illegal physical contact with another person, causing injuries or physical harm. Because this is a relatively broad definition, many different offenses can fall under this category.

Assault and battery is considered a “wobbler” offense, because it can be a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the situation. The first factor that the court will assess is the offender’s mental state. They will assess whether:

• The offender acted purposefully.
• The offender knew that their actions would lead to physical harm.
• The offender behaved recklessly.
• The offender was negligent.

It is possible for more than one of these to be true. Understanding the offender’s mental state will help the court determine how severe the charges should be. They will, however, consider the level of harm inflicted on the victim by the offender. The consequences will be more severe if the offender caused significant or extensive bodily harm than if they caused minor injuries.

Finally, the court will consider whether the offender used a deadly or dangerous weapon during the offense. If the offender used a deadly weapon, such as a gun or knife, the consequences will increase because the risk has increased.

Why Do I Need an Assault and Battery Lawyer in Little Rock, AR?

Although some legal scenarios allow defendants to represent themselves, assault and battery is not one of them. These are serious charges that can have a lasting effect on your life. You may lose key privileges and rights and face serving time in jail or prison if you lose your claim. This is not the time to try to represent yourself, as you will likely lose and risk full punishment.

In criminal cases, the state will provide a criminal defense lawyer if you cannot afford one. These public defenders are often overwhelmed with cases. They lack the time and energy to properly build a defense for each client. Because of this, using a public defender gives you a high chance of losing your claim and facing consequences.

By hiring a private attorney from an experienced firm, you give yourself the best chance of winning your claim or reducing your charges. Our team at Kevin Lemley Law Partners offers personalized care for each client. We take the time to understand your story so we can build the best possible defense for your situation.

What Is the Punishment for Assault and Battery in Arkansas?

The punishment that you receive if convicted of assault and battery will depend upon your unique situation and the offense. Assault and battery charges are split into three categories: first-degree, second-degree, and third-degree battery.

Third-degree assault and battery encompass situations in which recklessness or neglect, rather than malice, drove the crime. A third-degree assault and battery charge is a Class A misdemeanor, which can lead to up to one year in jail and a fine of $2,500.

Second-degree assault and battery include situations with increased risk. Serious injuries, especially to children or the elderly, as well as the use of lethal weapons, can all result in a charge ranging from third to second degree. A second-degree assault and battery charge is a Class C or D felony. Both carry a $10,000 fine. There is a 10-year prison sentence for Class C and a 6-year prison sentence for Class D.

First-degree assault and battery are the most serious of these cases. They involve situations in which the offender caused serious physical harm, committed a felony along with the assault, or involved other mitigating factors. First-degree assault constitutes a Class B or Class Y felony. This comes with a $15,000 fine and between 5 and 40 years in prison.

Contact Kevin Lemley Law Partners Today

If you are facing assault and battery charges in Arkansas, it is important to get experienced legal representation right away. Contact Kevin Lemley Law Partners online to learn more.