Shreveport Assault & Battery Attorneys

Assault & Battery Charges in Louisiana

Although they are often referred to together, assault and battery are two distinct crimes. In Louisiana, assault is defined as “an attempt to commit a battery, or the intentional placing of another in reasonable apprehension of receiving a battery,” whereas battery is defined as “the intentional use of force or violence upon the person of another; or the intentional administration of a poison or other noxious liquid or substance to another." In other words, assault is the threat of battery, and battery involves actually causing harm to another person.

Both assault and battery are serious criminal offenses with harsh penalties in Louisiana. If you or someone you care about has been charged with assault and/or battery, it is critical that you contact a reputable criminal defense attorney right away. At The Hall Law Firm, our Shreveport assault and battery attorneys have a long, proven track record of success. We have helped countless clients facing serious criminal accusations achieve acquittals, reduced penalties, and other positive outcomes. Learn how our criminal defense team can help you protect your rights, your reputation, and your future today.

There are two types of assault, as defined by Louisiana State law: simple assault and aggravated assault. Simple assault involves any attempt to commit battery or any threat of violence against another person when the other person reasonably believes they are in danger of receiving a battery. Aggravated assault involves the same crime but carried out with the use of a dangerous weapon.

In Louisiana, the penalties for simple assault include:

• Up to 90 days in jail
• Fines up to $200

The penalties for aggravated assault in Louisiana include:

• Up to 6 months imprisonment
• Fines up to $1,000

In either case, those convicted of simple or aggravated assault may also be ordered to complete community service, pay restitution to victims, and be on probation for a period of up to 2 years.

The penalties for an assault conviction depend on various factors, including whether the crime is charged as simple or aggravated assault. Other factors that influence criminal penalties for the crime of assault include the status of the alleged victim as an elderly or disabled individual, law enforcement officer, correctional officer, school employee, healthcare professional, child or adult protective services employee, and other protected groups.

Aggravated assault with a firearm is an assault committed with a firearm, including intentional attempts to make someone afraid for their safety by flashing a gun or threatening to use a gun against them. A conviction for aggravated assault with a firearm carries harsh penalties, including up to $10,000 in fines and up to 10 years imprisonment with or without hard labor.

Often confused with assault, battery involves the actual and intentional use of force or violence on another person, including poisoning. Like aggravated assault, aggravated battery is the same offense committed with a dangerous weapon.

The penalties for simple battery in Louisiana include:

• Up to 6 months in jail
• Up to $1,000 in fines

Meanwhile, aggravated battery carries the following penalties:

• Up to 10 years imprisonment
• Up to $5,000 in fines

Additionally, those convicted of both simple and aggravated battery may be required to pay restitution to victims, complete court-ordered community service, and be on probation for up to 2 years. Depending on whether there are any aggravating factors, an individual convicted of battery could also face enhanced penalties, such as increased jail/prison time and higher fines.

Some factors that may lead to enhanced penalties in simple and aggravated battery cases include:

• Whether the alleged offender has prior convictions for simple and/or aggravated battery
• When the alleged battery results in an injury that requires medical attention
• The status of the victim (military servicemember, veteran, police officer, teacher, dating partner, etc.)
• The age of the victim and whether they are disabled

In any case, a battery conviction has serious consequences and can result in the loss of your freedom, significant financial hardship, irreparable damage to your reputation, and other problems. If you are facing battery charges, it is important that you reach out to an attorney right away who can help you defend your rights and protect your future.

For nearly 50 years, our firm has earned a reputation for being a champion of people’s rights. Our Shreveport assault and battery defense lawyers have extensive experience representing people in and around Caddo Parish who are facing serious criminal accusations. We know just how overwhelming it can be to go up against the criminal justice system—and we are here to help.

As your legal team, we will be there for you every step of the way. We take great pride in offering highly personalized and attentive legal service. Our attorneys remain accessible and available to their clients, working directly with them to develop innovative defense strategies based on the facts of each unique case. When it comes to protecting your rights, you can’t afford to do it alone. Instead, choose a team that will fight for you at every turn; choose The Hall Law Firm.