Arrested for assault or battery in Long Beach? You’re facing serious criminal charges that can result in county jail or state prison time, substantial fines, permanent criminal record, victim restitution, and devastating consequences for your employment, professional licenses, and future. California prosecutes assault and battery aggressively—even misdemeanor convictions carry jail time, probation with strict conditions, and a violent crime stigma that follows you for life.
Attorney Armando Josué Cespedes provides aggressive assault and battery defense throughout Long Beach and Los Angeles County—Long Beach, Downey, Lakewood, Signal Hill, Bellflower, Cerritos, Hawaiian Gardens, Paramount, Norwalk, and every community in the greater Long Beach area. With a perfect 5.0 Avvo rating backed by 34 five-star client reviews and three consecutive Client’s Choice Awards (2023, 2024, 2025), we bring proven expertise to your defense when your freedom is on the line.
Many assault and battery arrests in Long Beach result from bar fights, mutual combat situations, self-defense scenarios, or false accusations by vengeful accusers. We aggressively challenge every charge—exposing false allegations, presenting self-defense evidence, demonstrating lack of intent, and fighting for dismissals, reductions, and acquittals.
Free Confidential Consultation: (888) 315-3326 | Available 24/7 | Hablamos Español
Understanding California Assault and Battery Laws
Assault vs. Battery – Critical Legal Distinctions
Assault: Attempt to commit violent injury on another person
Battery: Actual use of force or violence upon another person
Key Difference: Assault is attempt (doesn’t require actual contact); battery is actual harmful or offensive touching. You can be charged with assault without ever touching someone, or battery without committing assault (surprise attack where victim had no warning).
Penal Code § 240 – Simple Assault
Definition: Unlawful attempt, coupled with present ability, to commit violent injury on another person.
Elements Prosecution Must Prove:
You did an act that by its nature would directly and probably result in application of force to person
You did act willfully
You were aware of facts that would lead reasonable person to realize act would directly and probably result in application of force
You had present ability to apply force
Penalties:
Misdemeanor only
County jail: Up to 6 months
Fines: Up to $1,000
Summary (informal) probation
Examples:
Swinging fist at someone but missing
Throwing object at person (regardless of whether it hits)
Pointing loaded gun at someone
Attempting to hit someone but being restrained
Critical: Assault requires present ability—if you couldn’t actually reach or harm victim (too far away, physical barrier), no assault occurred.
Penal Code § 242 – Simple Battery
Definition: Any willful and unlawful use of force or violence upon another person.
Elements Prosecution Must Prove:
You touched another person
Touching was willful
Touching was harmful or offensive
Penalties:
Misdemeanor
County jail: Up to 6 months
Fines: Up to $2,000
Summary probation
Examples:
Pushing, shoving, slapping
Punching or striking
Spitting on someone
Throwing liquid on someone
Any unwanted harmful or offensive touching
Critical: Battery doesn’t require injury—even slightest offensive touching is sufficient. Even touching someone’s clothing can constitute battery if force transmitted to body.
Penal Code § 245(a)(1) – Assault with Deadly Weapon (ADW)
Definition: Assault upon another person with deadly weapon or by means of force likely to produce great bodily injury.
Elements:
You assaulted someone
Assault committed with deadly weapon OR by means likely to produce great bodily injury
Act done willfully
You were aware of facts that would lead reasonable person to realize act would directly and probably result in application of force
Penalties:
Felony (can be reduced to misdemeanor in some cases—”wobbler”)
State prison: 2, 3, or 4 years
County jail: Up to 1 year (if reduced to misdemeanor)
Fines: Up to $10,000
Strike offense under California’s Three Strikes Law
“Deadly Weapon” Defined:
Any object, instrument, or weapon inherently deadly or dangerous, or used in manner capable of causing or likely to cause death or great bodily injury.
Definition: Battery on peace officer causing injury.
Penalties:
Misdemeanor or felony (wobbler)
Felony: 16 months, 2, or 3 years state prison
Misdemeanor: Up to 1 year county jail
Fines: Up to $10,000
Penal Code § 243(d) – Battery with Serious Bodily Injury
Definition: Battery resulting in serious bodily injury.
“Serious Bodily Injury” Defined: Serious impairment of physical condition, including:
Loss of consciousness
Concussion
Bone fracture
Protracted loss or impairment of function of bodily member or organ
Wound requiring extensive suturing
Serious disfigurement
Penalties:
Misdemeanor or felony (wobbler)
Felony: 2, 3, or 4 years state prison
Misdemeanor: Up to 1 year county jail
Fines: Up to $10,000
Penal Code § 217.1 – Assault on Public Official
Definition: Assault with intent to influence public official’s performance of official duties or in retaliation for duties performed.
Applies to:
Judges, prosecutors, public defenders
Elected officials, government employees
Jurors, witnesses
Penalties:
Felony
State prison: 16 months, 2, or 3 years
If great bodily injury inflicted: Additional 3-6 years
Long Beach Assault and Battery Statistics
According to the California Department of Justice crime statistics[1], violent crime including assault remains significant concern:
Statewide Data:
California reports approximately 150,000+ aggravated assault arrests annually
Simple assault arrests significantly higher
Los Angeles County accounts for substantial portion of assault arrests statewide
Long Beach Crime Data:
According to the Long Beach Police Department[2], the city experiences thousands of assault-related incidents annually:
Long Beach reports thousands of aggravated assaults yearly
Simple assault and battery incidents significantly more common
Common locations: Downtown Long Beach entertainment district, bars, sporting events, residential neighborhoods
Alcohol involved in significant percentage of assault arrests
Common Long Beach Assault and Battery Scenarios:
Bar fights and altercations in downtown Long Beach, Belmont Shore
Road rage incidents on I-405, I-710, Pacific Coast Highway
Sporting events and concert altercations
Neighbor disputes escalating to violence
Mutual combat situations where both parties fight
Self-defense situations mischaracterized as assault
Gang-related violence in certain Long Beach neighborhoods
Severe Penalties for Assault and Battery Convictions
Criminal Court Penalties
Simple Assault (PC § 240):
County jail: Up to 6 months
Fines: Up to $1,000
Probation: 3 years informal probation
Community service
Restitution to victim
Simple Battery (PC § 242):
County jail: Up to 6 months
Fines: Up to $2,000
Probation: 3 years
Anger management classes
Community service
Restitution
Assault with Deadly Weapon (PC § 245(a)(1)):
State prison: 2, 3, or 4 years
Fines: Up to $10,000
Formal (felony) probation possible (conditions include county jail time, search clause, firearms prohibition)
Strike offense (Three Strikes Law consequences)
50% custody credits (serve at least half sentence)
Battery with Serious Bodily Injury (PC § 243(d)):
State prison: 2, 3, or 4 years (felony)
County jail: Up to 1 year (misdemeanor)
Fines: Up to $10,000
Restitution for victim’s medical expenses
Anger management or violence prevention programs
Enhanced Penalties:
Great Bodily Injury Enhancement (PC § 12022.7):
Additional consecutive 3-6 years state prison
Applies when victim suffers significant or substantial physical injury
Separate enhancement added to base sentence
Use of Firearm Enhancement (PC § 12022.5):
Additional 3, 4, or 10 years prison (depending on firearm type)
Consecutive to base sentence
Gang Enhancement (PC § 186.22):
Additional 2, 3, or 4 years prison
Mandatory if assault committed for benefit of criminal street gang
Prior Strike Convictions:
Second strike: Sentence doubled under Three Strikes Law
Third strike: 25 years to life mandatory
Victim Restitution
Mandatory Restitution:
California law requires defendants pay full restitution to victims for economic losses:
Covered Expenses:
Medical bills (emergency room, hospitalization, surgery, ongoing treatment)
Mental health counseling
Lost wages and income
Property damage
Relocation expenses if victim fears for safety
Amount: No limit—restitution can be tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars for serious injuries.
Enforcement: Restitution order enforceable as civil judgment—victim can garnish wages, levy bank accounts, place liens on property.
Professional and Employment Consequences
Background Checks:
Assault and battery convictions appear on all background checks
Violent crime designation particularly damaging
Employers see “assault” or “battery with serious injury”
Job Impact:
Healthcare licenses subject to discipline (nurses, doctors, therapists)
Teaching credentials reviewed and may be revoked
Security clearances denied or revoked
Law enforcement careers impossible
Childcare and eldercare positions disqualified
Government employment affected
Professional Licenses:
According to California licensing boards[3], violent crime convictions trigger license discipline proceedings:
Medical Board of California disciplines doctors
Board of Registered Nursing reviews nurse licenses
Commission on Teacher Credentialing reviews teaching certificates
State Bar reviews attorney licenses
Immigration Consequences
According to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services[4], assault convictions can trigger severe immigration consequences:
Crimes of Moral Turpitude:
Many assault convictions qualify as crimes involving moral turpitude
Deportable offense for non-citizens
Green card revocation
Inadmissibility for re-entry
Aggravated Felonies:
Assault with deadly weapon with sentence over 1 year = aggravated felony
Mandatory deportation
Permanent bar from returning to U.S.
Domestic Violence:
Assault on intimate partner treated as domestic violence
Deportable even as misdemeanor
Naturalization applications denied
Critical: Non-citizens must coordinate criminal defense with immigration attorney to avoid deportation.
Firearm Prohibition
Felony Convictions:
Lifetime prohibition on firearm ownership
Must surrender all firearms
Cannot purchase, possess, or be around firearms
Misdemeanor Convictions:
10-year prohibition for certain violent misdemeanors
Depends on specific circumstances
Protective Orders:
Court may issue protective order prohibiting firearm possession
Federal prohibition under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)
Three Strikes Law
Assault with deadly weapon (PC § 245(a)(1)) is “strike” offense under California’s Three Strikes Law:
First Strike:
Recorded on criminal record
Future felony sentences doubled
Second Strike:
Minimum sentence doubled
Serve 80% of sentence (limited custody credits)
Third Strike:
Mandatory 25 years to life in prison
Applies even if third felony is non-violent
Critical: Single assault conviction can lead to life sentence if later convicted of two more felonies.
The Assault and Battery Arrest Process in Long Beach
Stage 1: The Incident and Police Response
What Happens:
911 Call or Officer Observation:
Victim, witness, or bystander calls 911
Reports fight, assault, disturbance
Long Beach Police Department responds
Officers may witness assault in progress
Police Investigation:
Officers arrive at scene
Separate parties and witnesses
Interview victim, defendant, witnesses
Observe injuries, torn clothing, property damage
Photograph injuries and scene
Collect physical evidence (weapons, torn clothing, broken items)
Review surveillance video if available
Arrest Decision:
Officers arrest if probable cause assault or battery occurred:
Visible injuries to victim
Witness testimony corroborating assault
Defendant’s statements admitting contact
Weapons recovered at scene
Your Critical Rights:
Right to remain silent—DO NOT explain or justify actions to police
Statements used against you at trial
Politely decline to answer questions: “I want to speak with my attorney”
Request attorney immediately
Do NOT admit you struck victim or describe what happened
Document Your Injuries:
If you have injuries (proving self-defense or mutual combat), photograph immediately
Seek medical treatment and obtain records
Tell medical providers you were defending yourself
Stage 2: Arrest and Booking
Transport and Booking:
Handcuffed and transported to Long Beach Police Department or Los Angeles County jail
Booking process: fingerprints, photographs, personal property inventory
Medical screening (crucial—document your injuries proving self-defense)
Held in custody pending arraignment or bail
Bail:
Typical Bail Amounts in Los Angeles County:
Simple assault/battery: $5,000-$20,000
Assault with deadly weapon: $30,000-$100,000
Assault with great bodily injury: $50,000-$250,000
Higher bail if serious injuries, weapons, gang involvement, or prior record
Bail Options:
Post full bail amount (cash or property)
Bail bondsman (10% non-refundable fee)
Own recognizance (OR) release if minor charges, no priors
Bail reduction hearing if bail excessive
Release Conditions:
Stay away from victim
No contact with witnesses
Surrender firearms if required
GPS monitoring in serious cases
Stage 3: Arraignment in Long Beach Court
Long Beach Courthouse:
Los Angeles County Superior Court – Long Beach Courthouse 275 Magnolia Avenue Long Beach, CA 90802 Phone: (562) 491-6230
Arraignment Process (Within 48 Hours if in Custody):
What Happens:
First court appearance
Judge reads charges
Constitutional rights explained
Bail reviewed
Public defender appointed if cannot afford attorney
Plea entered: Not Guilty (never plead guilty at arraignment)
Protective order issued if victim requests
Future court dates set
Charges Filed:
Los Angeles County District Attorney files criminal complaint:
Typically multiple charges filed (assault AND battery)
Enhancement allegations (great bodily injury, weapon use, gang involvement)
Multiple counts if multiple victims
Protective Orders:
Judge may issue criminal protective order:
No contact with victim
Stay away from victim’s home, workplace, vehicle
May include “peaceful contact” exception if relationship requires contact
Stage 4: Preliminary Hearing (Felony Cases)
Purpose: Determine whether probable cause exists to hold you for trial.
What Happens:
Prosecution Presents Evidence:
Victim testimony
Witness testimony
Arresting officer testimony
Photographs of injuries
Medical records
Surveillance video
Physical evidence (weapons, torn clothing)
Defense Strategy:
Cross-examine witnesses aggressively
Expose weaknesses in prosecution case
Lock in witness testimony for trial
Preserve inconsistencies for impeachment
Possible Outcomes:
Held to Answer:
Judge finds probable cause
Case proceeds to trial
Information (formal charging document) filed
Charges Reduced:
Judge reduces felony to misdemeanor
Case transferred to misdemeanor court
Significantly better outcome
Case Dismissed:
Judge finds insufficient probable cause
Rare but possible with weak evidence
Stage 5: Pre-Trial Proceedings
Discovery:
We obtain all prosecution evidence:
Police reports and arrest records
Witness statements
Photographs and videos
Medical records (victim and defendant)
911 call recordings
Surveillance footage
Social media evidence
Our Investigation:
Interview witnesses favorable to defense
Obtain surveillance video prosecution doesn’t have
Photograph scene
Gather character witnesses
Investigate victim’s background (history of violence, prior false allegations)
Hire experts (medical experts, forensic experts, use of force experts)
Pre-Trial Motions:
Motion to Suppress Evidence (PC § 1538.5):
Challenge illegal arrest
Suppress statements obtained in violation of Miranda
Exclude evidence from illegal search
Pitchess Motion (Evidence Code §§ 1043-1045):
Obtain officer’s personnel records
Prior complaints of excessive force, false reports
Impeach officer credibility
Motion to Exclude Evidence:
Challenge unreliable evidence
Exclude prejudicial photos
Limit inflammatory testimony
Motion to Dismiss (PC § 995):
Argue insufficient evidence at preliminary hearing
Challenge legal basis for charges
Plea Negotiations:
We negotiate with Los Angeles County District Attorney:
Present defense evidence
Challenge prosecution’s case
Expose weaknesses
Negotiate for:
Dismissal
Reduction to lesser charges
Reduction from felony to misdemeanor
Probation instead of prison
Minimal jail time
Diversion programs
Stage 6: Trial or Resolution
If Case Goes to Jury Trial:
Trial Process:
Jury selection (critical—exclude jurors biased against defendants)
Opening statements
Prosecution case-in-chief (victim, witnesses, officers, medical experts)
Defense case (your testimony, witnesses, experts, self-defense evidence)
Cross-examination of prosecution witnesses
Closing arguments
Jury instructions
Jury deliberation
Verdict: Guilty or Not Guilty
Key Defense Strategies:
Expose victim’s lies and exaggerations
Present self-defense evidence
Demonstrate lack of intent
Show mutual combat
Create reasonable doubt
If Case Resolves Through Plea:
Plead no contest or guilty to negotiated charges
Sentencing hearing scheduled
Judge imposes sentence per agreement
Powerful Defenses to Assault and Battery Charges
1. Self-Defense
California Law: Right to use reasonable force to defend yourself from imminent harm.
What We Prove:
Elements of Self-Defense:
You reasonably believed you were in imminent danger of suffering bodily injury or being touched unlawfully
You reasonably believed immediate use of force necessary to defend against danger
You used no more force than reasonably necessary to defend against danger
Evidence:
Victim attacked you first
Victim has history of violence
Your injuries prove you were defending yourself
Witnesses saw victim as aggressor
You tried to retreat or avoid confrontation
Victim larger, stronger, or more aggressive
Victim armed (weapon or object)
Critical California Law: No duty to retreat—you can stand your ground and defend yourself even if you could have safely retreated.
Result: Self-defense is complete defense—if jury believes you acted in lawful self-defense, you must be acquitted.
2. Defense of Others
California Law: Right to use reasonable force to defend another person from imminent harm.
What We Prove:
You reasonably believed someone else in imminent danger of bodily injury
You reasonably believed immediate force necessary to defend that person
You used no more force than reasonably necessary
Common Scenarios:
Defending family member from attack
Protecting friend being assaulted
Intervening to stop assault on stranger
Breaking up fight to protect someone
Evidence:
Witnesses corroborate other person being attacked
Video shows you intervened to protect someone
Other person’s injuries show they were victim
Result: Defense of others is complete defense to assault and battery charges.
3. Mutual Combat
What We Prove:
Both parties willingly engaged in fight
No innocent victim
Both parties equally responsible for altercation
Evidence:
Both parties have injuries
Witnesses describe mutual fighting
Both made aggressive statements
Both wanted to fight
Both threw punches
Legal Effect:
Not complete defense but strong mitigation
Shows you weren’t sole aggressor
Creates reasonable doubt about who started fight
Often results in reduced charges or dismissal
Negotiation Value: Mutual combat cases difficult for prosecution—both parties responsible, unclear who was aggressor. Prosecutors often willing to dismiss or reduce charges significantly.
4. Lack of Intent – Accident
Legal Requirement: Assault and battery require willful act.
What We Prove:
Contact was accidental, not intentional
You didn’t willfully strike victim
No intent to harm
Examples:
Stumbling and falling into victim
Gesturing during argument, accidentally striking victim
Reacting to being pushed, accidentally hitting bystander
Throwing object at inanimate target, accidentally hitting person
Evidence:
Your immediate reaction (concern, apology, attempt to help)
Witnesses describe accident
Circumstances show accident
No motive to harm victim
Result: No willful act = no assault or battery = acquittal
5. False Accusations
Common Motivations for False Allegations:
Revenge:
Victim angry about breakup, argument, dispute
Victim wants to “get even” or punish you
Financial Gain:
Victim seeks money through restitution or civil lawsuit
Exaggerates injuries for financial benefit
Third-Party Pressure:
Witness or bystander pressures victim to claim assault
Friends or family encourage victim to file charges
Mistaken Identity:
Victim attacked by someone else
Misidentifies you as attacker
What We Prove:
Victim’s story inconsistent or changing
Physical evidence contradicts victim’s claims
Motive to lie (revenge, money, custody)
No injuries or minimal injuries inconsistent with claimed assault
Witnesses contradict victim
Timeline doesn’t make sense
Evidence:
Text messages showing victim’s hostility or threats
Some assault cases may qualify for pretrial diversion:
Eligibility:
No serious injury to victim
No weapon used
Defendant not on probation/parole
No prior convictions for assault
Victim’s consent may be required
Diversion Terms:
Criminal proceedings suspended
Complete anger management or counseling
Comply with protective order
No new arrests
Community service
Result: Upon successful completion:
Charges dismissed
Arrest deemed never occurred
Can truthfully state never convicted
Deferred Entry of Judgment (DEJ)
Available in some cases:
Enter plea but judgment not entered
Complete probation and programs
If successful, charges dismissed
If unsuccessful, judgment entered and sentenced
Long Beach Court Locations for Assault and Battery Cases
Los Angeles County Superior Court – Long Beach Courthouse
275 Magnolia Avenue Long Beach, CA 90802 Phone: (562) 491-6230
Handles:
Long Beach assault and battery arraignments
Preliminary hearings
Misdemeanor and felony trials
Sentencing hearings
Los Angeles County Superior Court – Governor George Deukmejian Courthouse
275 Magnolia Avenue Long Beach, CA 90802
Handles:
Serious assault cases
Assault with deadly weapon
Great bodily injury cases
Why Choose Tu Defensor Criminalista for Long Beach Assault and Battery Defense
Long Beach Assault and Battery Defense Experience
Local Court Knowledge:
Regular appearances at Long Beach Superior Court
Familiarity with Long Beach judges, prosecutors, court procedures
Knowledge of Los Angeles County District Attorney policies on assault cases
Understanding of Long Beach Police Department investigation procedures
Aggressive Trial Advocacy
Courtroom Skills:
Extensive jury trial experience in assault and battery cases
Skilled cross-examination of victims and witnesses
Compelling presentation of self-defense evidence
Effective expert witness examination
Persuasive closing arguments
Self-Defense Expertise
Protecting Your Rights:
Deep understanding of California self-defense law
Present compelling self-defense evidence
Use of force experts when appropriate
Demonstrate reasonable fear and reasonable force
Challenge prosecution’s characterization of events
Investigation and Evidence Gathering
Comprehensive Defense Investigation:
Interview all witnesses
Obtain surveillance video prosecution doesn’t have
Photograph scene and document evidence
Hire experts (medical, forensic, use of force)
Social media investigation
Background investigation of victim/witnesses
Immigration Consequences Understanding
Protect Non-Citizen Clients:
Coordinate with immigration attorneys
Structure pleas avoiding deportation
Understand crimes of moral turpitude and aggravated felonies
Advise on removal proceedings risk
Proven Track Record
Client Success:
Perfect 5.0 Avvo rating—highest possible attorney rating
34 five-star client reviews
Three consecutive Client’s Choice Awards (2023, 2024, 2025)
Numerous assault and battery dismissals, acquittals, and reductions
Bilingual Legal Services
Complete Spanish Language Representation:
Full legal services in Spanish (Hablamos Español)
Serve Long Beach’s diverse Spanish-speaking community
Court representation and document preparation in Spanish
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I was defending myself?
Self-defense is complete defense to assault and battery. If you reasonably believed you were in imminent danger and used reasonable force to protect yourself, you must be acquitted. We present evidence: your injuries, victim’s history of violence, witnesses who saw victim attack first, your attempts to avoid confrontation. California law doesn’t require you to retreat—you can stand your ground. Self-defense cases often result in dismissals or acquittals.
What if it was a mutual fight and we both threw punches?
Mutual combat significantly strengthens your defense. If both parties willingly fought, no innocent victim exists and prosecution difficult. We present evidence both parties have injuries, witnesses describe mutual fighting, both wanted to fight. Mutual combat cases often dismissed or reduced because unclear who was aggressor and both equally responsible. Prosecutors struggle proving you were sole aggressor when evidence shows mutual combat.
Can assault and battery charges be dismissed?
Yes. We obtain dismissals through: exposing false accusations, presenting self-defense evidence, demonstrating insufficient evidence, challenging illegal arrest, victim recantation, negotiating with prosecutor. Many assault cases dismissed when we aggressively challenge prosecution’s case and present strong defense evidence.
What if there’s video evidence of the fight?
Video evidence cuts both ways. If video shows you were defending yourself or both parties fighting mutually, video helps defense significantly. If video shows you as aggressor, more challenging but not insurmountable—we analyze video frame-by-frame, hire experts, present context video doesn’t show. Even unfavorable video can be challenged through expert testimony, witness testimony explaining what led to recorded events.
Will I go to jail for assault and battery?
Depends on severity of charges and injuries. Simple assault/battery often results in probation without jail for first offenders who complete anger management and pay restitution. Assault with deadly weapon or great bodily injury carries prison exposure but first offenders may receive probation with minimal jail. Serious injuries, weapons, or prior violence makes jail/prison more likely. Aggressive defense can avoid incarceration through dismissal, reduction, or favorable sentencing.
What if the alleged victim was bigger and stronger than me?
This supports self-defense claim. If victim was larger, stronger, or more physically imposing, your reasonable fear justified and force used to defend yourself reasonable. We present evidence of size/strength disparity showing you faced genuine threat and acted reasonably to protect yourself. Disparity in size makes self-defense claim more credible to jury.
Can I be charged with assault even if I never touched anyone?
Yes. Assault is attempt to commit injury, doesn’t require actual contact. If you attempted to strike someone (swung at them, threw object, pointed weapon), assault charge applies even if you missed or were stopped. However, we challenge “present ability” requirement—if you couldn’t actually reach or harm victim, no assault occurred.
What if I’m not a U.S. citizen?
Assault convictions can trigger deportation. Assault with deadly weapon with sentence over 1 year is aggravated felony requiring mandatory deportation. Even misdemeanor assault may be crime of moral turpitude affecting immigration status. We coordinate with immigration attorney to structure plea avoiding deportation—options include fighting for dismissal, negotiating reduction to non-deportable offense, or structuring plea minimizing immigration consequences. Never plead guilty without understanding immigration impact.
What is the difference between assault and battery?
Assault is attempt to injure (doesn’t require contact); battery is actual harmful or offensive touching. You can commit assault without battery (swing at someone, miss) or battery without assault (surprise attack from behind where victim had no warning). Often charged with both—assault for attempt and battery for actual contact.
How do I get assault and battery charges reduced?
We negotiate reductions by: exposing weaknesses in prosecution case, presenting self-defense evidence, demonstrating mutual combat, showing victim’s injuries minimal or exaggerated, victim’s willingness to resolve case, your lack of criminal history, character references. Common reductions: assault with deadly weapon reduced to simple assault/battery, felony reduced to misdemeanor, assault/battery reduced to disturbing the peace (PC § 415). Reductions eliminate strike offenses, reduce prison exposure, minimize immigration consequences.
Contact Tu Defensor Criminalista for Long Beach Assault and Battery Defense
Being arrested for assault or battery is serious—facing jail or prison time, substantial fines, permanent violent crime record, victim restitution potentially tens of thousands of dollars. Whether you acted in self-defense, were falsely accused, or situation was mutual combat, you need immediate, aggressive legal representation.
Assault and battery cases move quickly—arraignment within 48 hours, protective orders issued immediately, prosecution pursuing charges aggressively. Don’t face these charges alone or rely on overworked public defender who may pressure you to plead guilty.
Speak directly with Attorney Armando Josué Cespedes about your Long Beach robbery or theft arrest. Your consultation is completely free and confidential. We’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Long Beach | Downey | Lakewood | Signal Hill | Bellflower | Cerritos | Hawaiian Gardens | Paramount | Norwalk | Carson | Compton | Torrance | All Los Angeles County Communities
Critical Action Items:
Do NOT speak to police without attorney present
Document your injuries immediately with photographs (proves self-defense)
Write down everything you remember while details fresh
Attorney Armando Josué Cespedes is rated 5.0 on Avvo, with 34 five-star reviews from clients praising his dedication, professionalism, and results. Many note how his trial skills and attention to detail led to reduced charges or outright dismissals.
I was arrested for a DUI just recently, since Spanish is my first language, it was important to find a great attorney who was bilingual. Getting your first DUI can...
Armando cespedes went above and beyond for my case. I was very close to getting my license revoked as I am under the age of 21 and received my second...
I was referred to Mr. Cespedes by a family friend who was very pleased with his legal services. Unfortunately, I got a DUI a few months ago and I was...
Armando gets results with your best interest in mind. I was wrongfully being accused of making primal threats. Even though I was innocent, I was aware that the accusations are...
Extremely professional I recently had a brief phone consultation with Mr. Cespedes regarding a longtime friend of mine. Although he was unable to assist him with his legal needs, I...
English
Español de México