Assault and Battery Attorney in Baton Rouge

Facing assault and battery charges in Baton Rouge? It's more serious than you might think. These charges aren't just common—they come with heavy consequences. In Louisiana, nearly 78% of convictions for violent crimes result in jail time.

So whether you think you're guilty or not, the state is likely to push for tough penalties. That's why getting a Baton Rouge criminal defense attorney on your side is crucial. Having a good criminal defense lawyer can make all the difference. That’s where our team of assault and battery attorneys at Rozas can step in. Reach out to a Baton Rouge defense law firm to discuss your case and explore your options. With the right legal advice, you can fight back and protect your future.

What is Assault & Battery in Baton Rouge?

In Baton Rouge, many people think "assault and battery" is one crime, but actually, Louisiana law treats them as two different things. Understanding the difference between assault and battery is important because it affects how these actions are dealt with legally in Baton Rouge, making sure people know exactly what they're facing or accusing.

What Is Considered Assault in Louisiana?

Assault, in its simplest form, involves someone trying to or threatening to make physical contact with another person, such as raising a fist without actually striking. It's essentially an attempt to commit battery or an action that intentionally makes someone else reasonably afraid they're about to be hit.

Example 1: Imagine someone pretending to throw a punch by making a fist and swinging it close to someone's face without hitting them. This is assault because it scares the other person, making them think they’re about to get hit.

Example 2: Another example is if someone points an unloaded gun at someone else. Even though the gun won’t fire, just the act of pointing it in a threatening way can make someone scared of being hurt.

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What is Considered a Battery in Louisiana?

According to Louisiana law (La. R. S. 14:33), battery is defined as the "intentional use of force or violence upon the person of another." Simply put, if someone purposely attacks another, causing physical injury, it's classified as battery.

Example 1: Consider a scenario where an individual punches another, making contact, and causing harm. This action constitutes battery because it goes beyond threatening harm and results in actual physical injury.

Example 2: In another situation, if someone slips a harmful substance into another's drink, causing them harm, this too is considered battery. It's the intentional infliction of harm, whether through direct physical contact or other means.

What’s The Difference Between An Assault Charge and A Battery Charge in Louisiana?

The difference between assault and battery essentially comes down to saying or indicating that you'll do something harmful and actually doing it. However, both are taken seriously in the eyes of Louisiana law.

Penalties of Assault & Battery in Louisiana

In Louisiana, how severely you're punished for assault or battery depends a lot on two things: whether someone was seriously hurt and if a dangerous weapon was used. For the less serious cases, like simple battery where no one is badly hurt and no weapons are involved, someone might get up to six months in jail.

However, for more serious situations, like if someone uses a weapon and really hurts someone else on purpose, they could face up to 15 years in prison. Assault charges usually have lighter penalties, but if someone uses a gun during the assault, the punishment could be more severe, even more than for a simple battery.

Types of Defenses

When facing assault and battery charges, the situation often boils down to "he said, she said" scenarios, making it challenging for the prosecution to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

One defense strategy hinges on this difficulty, arguing there's insufficient evidence to conclusively say you committed the crime.

Beyond this, there are also affirmative defenses. An affirmative defense acknowledges the act but argues there was a valid reason for it, essentially saying you were justified in your actions. This approach can significantly impact the case's outcome, providing a way to argue for your actions under the law.

Understanding Your Right to Self-Defense

Self-defense is a common defense against assault and battery charges, allowing you to protect yourself if threatened. The important part is that any defensive force must be reasonable and match the level of threat. The law also supports your right to stand your ground, meaning you're not required to retreat from a threat before defending yourself.

So, in court, the legality of your actions isn't judged on whether you could have avoided the conflict but on whether your response was appropriate. This principle underscores your right to protect yourself without the obligation to flee.

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Protecting Others: The Principle of Defense of Others

The "defense of others" principle is similar to self-defense, allowing you to protect someone under threat as if you were defending yourself. If it looks like the person being attacked could rightfully use force in their defense, you're permitted to do so for them.

This rule is grounded in the concept that you can step in to help someone unable to defend themselves at that moment, acting as they would if they could. It emphasizes the value of helping and safeguarding others in dangerous situations.

The Right to Defense of Property

Just like defending yourself or others, you have the right to protect your property too. If someone tries to break into your home or damage your things, you're allowed to take action to stop them.

This rule acknowledges the importance of keeping your property safe and secure from illegal actions or damage, allowing you to legally safeguard your belongings and space from intrusion or harm.

Understanding the Aggressor Provision: Limits on Self-Defense Claims

The "aggressor provision" restricts claiming self-defense if you initiated the conflict, except if you clearly attempt to end it and withdraw. If you retreat and are then attacked, you can claim self-defense.

Essentially, if you start a fight but then step back and the other person still attacks you, you're allowed to defend yourself. This rule underlines the possibility of disengaging from a conflict you began and defending yourself if attacked again.

What to Do If You Have Been Charged With Assault and Battery?

If you've been charged with assault and battery in Baton Rouge, it's natural to feel overwhelmed and uncertain about what comes next. However, taking the right steps can significantly impact the outcome of your case. It's essential to approach the situation with a clear plan to protect your rights and future. Here's a list of actions you should consider:

  1. Stay Calm and Compliant: Avoid making any situation worse by remaining calm and cooperating with law enforcement at the time of arrest.
  2. Exercise Your Right to Remain Silent: Politely decline to discuss your case without an attorney present, as anything you say can be used against you.

Document Everything: Write down your account of events and any interactions with law enforcement, and gather any evidence that could support your case, including photographs and witness contact information.

How An Assault and Battery Attorney Can Help You

An assault and battery attorney can be a crucial ally when you're facing criminal charges in Baton Rouge, offering the guidance and knowledge needed to navigate the legal challenges ahead. These professionals not only understand the complexities of the law but also how to apply it effectively to protect your interests. Here are key ways they can assist you:

  • Legal Guidance: They provide a deep understanding of criminal law, helping to craft a strong defense strategy.
  • Negotiation Skills: An attorney can negotiate with prosecutors to potentially reduce charges or penalties.
  • Prepare for Your Defense: Work with your attorney to prepare your defense, including gathering evidence, identifying potential witnesses, and strategizing for court appearances.
  • Court Representation: They will advocate for you in court, aiming to achieve the best possible outcome for your case.

Meet Our Assault & Battery Lawyers in Baton Rouge

David Joseph Rozas
Founder
Rachel Chappell Chauvin
Partner/Senior Immigration Law Attorney
Shea R. Smith
Supervising Criminal Law Attorney
Britton Evers
Senior Family Law Attorney
Eric H. Hayes
Attorney at Law
Keith Mikesell
Attorney at Law
Caitlin T. Fowlkes
Attorney at Law
Lane Simon
Attorney at Law
Stephen Stanford
Attorney at Law
Mary-Grace Pollet
Attorney at Law
Matthew Rozas
Operations Chief
Danira Piedra
Office Manager
Eva Gonzalez
Human Resources
Marco Jerezano
Client Relations Supervisor
Elizabeth Figueroa
Billing Supervisor
Diego Tangarife
USCIS Supervisor
Emily Valdez
Legal Assistant
Pamela Bueso
Bond and Paroles Department (Detained)
Ana McDonald
Legal Assistant
Cristel Gamarra
Litigation Supervisor
Andrea Mazzoni
Legal Assistant
Brenda Valdez
USCIS Legal Assistant
Kate Simoneaux Martinez
USCIS Legal Assistant
Lisette Morales
Family Legal Assistant
Karla Renee McNabb
Legal Assistant

Contact An Assault and Battery Attorney Near Baton Rouge

If you or someone you know has been charged with assault and battery near Baton Rouge, it's time to take action to protect your future. Contacting Rozas should be your next step. As dedicated criminal defense attorneys with specific knowledge, we are committed to being the team that stands by your side to help keep your record clean.

Facing assault and battery charges can be daunting, but with Rozas, you'll find a partner ready to navigate through every challenge, ensuring your rights are defended at every turn. Don't let these charges define your future; reach out to a team that's ready to fight for the best outcome for you

This law firm is amazing! David represented me in my case and he could not have done a better job. The staff is so professional and friendly. Especially Jessica. They make you feel like your case is the most important one they are working. I plan to recommend them to all of my friends and family who may need their services.

Michelle Barron

Attentive, thorough, passionate about justice for immigrants, honest and fair – these are some of the words to describe Rozas and Associates law firm. My boyfriend was detained at Winn Correctional Center in Louisiana in June 2019. We hired Rozas to represent him because of their reputation amongst the detainees in the Center. Rachel Chappell and the rest of the Rozas team worked tirelessly to assist us – and he won full asylum one week ago.

Josie Lalonde

I wanted to apply for my citizenship and Jessica referred me to Rozas and Associates. They made the whole process seem so simple. David and his staff were extremely knowledgeable, not to mention friendly. I highly recommend them for any of your immigration issues.

Janie Garcia

Very good service from all the Rozas & Rozas workers, they help all the immigrants as if they were their family. In my personal experience I have to thank the majority but in my case directly to Tirsa, Danira, Alejandra, Ana and the lawyer Rachel🙏 🙏🏻🙏🏻..Thank you on behalf of my cousin Fidel and the whole family🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

Dunia Rodriguez

Rozas and Associates Law Firm was absolutely amazing handling a case for me. They were very nice and got back to me and whatever I needed. The bond department was on top of everything and managed to get bond for the case. I couldn’t recommend a more better or more reliable group of people to handle immigration cases.

Hannah Castillo

They are the best immigration lawyers. Thanks to the lawyer Rachel my husband won his asylum. They are more than more than recommended, it was a blessing from God that they represent my husband.

Jaqueline Burgos

Jessica and David were amazing! They made me feel like my issue was important, they took the time to explain things to me and prepare me for any outcome, they were always there every time I called them with any questions, and always looked and acted very professional. I highly recommend them! 😊

Stacey Garcia

We couldn't be more happy about choosing this law-firm. We live in Miami and have a friend that needed help with an immigration case. We did a lot of research and called many different firms and decided to go with Rozas and Associates. From the moment we called, Nancy took the time to explain us everything and what our options were, she was very patient and helpful. Once we decided to hire them, Joseph, David and Rachel were assigned to our case. Rachel is THE BEST! She answered our calls always, and whenever she was busy or not available to talk, she always called us back or texted us... every question that we had throughout the process was professionally and patiently answered by her. She's amazing!!!

Dany Thimann

I am so very thankful that I found Rozas & Rozas Law Firm. They were so professional and nice. I was blown away with how fast they got me in and was able to help me with my situation. Corey was so helpful. He felt more like a friend than an attorney but I am so grateful for them during the WHOLE experience and I most definitely will use them if I ever need that law assistance again! Thank you Rozas & Rozas. :)

Trévon Dyson

For all my Latin friends who are going through immigration and legal processes, I recommend this law firm since they are excellent. They defend the Latino community very well. They are very professional and attentive. They respond to you immediately and fight for your case. A thousand thanks to Pamela for being super attentive and Nancy who was exceptional. Also to John Sharby and his colleagues who worked on my wife's case who was in a Louisiana detention center, they are the best. Many thanks to all for their professionalism.

Aidevis Zamora

David is very professional & friendly. Never had to wait for multiple days before he responded to our calls or replied to my emails with an answer to our questions & concerns. Responding in a timely manner made us feel that our needs were not taken lightly. It truly was a really positive experience.

Mirna Sorto

I’m so glad I picked Rozas’ to help me through my divorce. They handled everything so well, quickly, and cost-effectively. In particular, Brandi, who I interacted with the most was beyond amazing. She always responded to messages right away, and not only was efficient but also compassionate in the way that she interacted with me. Definitely recommend!

Mary Allen

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Representation in English & Español

Visit our contact page to submit a form to our law firm to schedule a consultation with an experienced attorney to handle your criminal defense, immigration, or family law needs. English and Spanish-speaking representation is available.