Assault

Trial Lawyers Relentlessly Pursuing Justice

How Our Criminal Defense Attorneys Help Clients - Video Poster

Santa Barbara Assault Defense Attorneys

Anyone who has been arrested for a violent crime should be aware that a person is considered innocent until proven guilty. The burden of proof is on the prosecution, which means the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you did assault another person. In the case of aggravated assault, the prosecution must prove that you used a deadly weapon to do so.

If the prosecution proves its case, you could face a long incarceration in jail or state prison, enormous fines, probation, parole, community service, and other serious consequences. An experienced assault defense attorney can evaluate the charges and the prosecution’s case to develop a defense strategy based upon the unique circumstances of your case.

At Lessem, Newstat & Tooson, LLP, we have handled over 200 jury trials and have obtained hundreds of dismissals on behalf of our clients. A criminal defense lawyer at our firm is prepared to fight on your behalf to protect your freedom and future.

Contact a Santa Barbara assault defense attorney for a FREE and confidential case evaluation if you are facing criminal charges.

What is Considered Assault in California?

Under California Penal Code 484, assault is the threat of or attempt to cause physical injury. A charge of assault is concerned solely with the threat. If a person attempts to hit another with a vehicle, this is assault even though the attempt failed and the intended victim was completely unharmed. Battery is charged when the assault is successful and some injury results.

Is Assault a Misdemeanor or a Felony?

Assault may be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony, and both have serious consequences in California:

Simple assault – Under California Penal Code Section 240, simple assault involves an attempt to commit a violent injury on another person. As a misdemeanor, simple assault can be penalized by extensive fines and fees and up to six months in jail. Charges and penalties can be enhanced for defendants with a criminal history.
Assault with a deadly weapon – Under PC 245, assault with a deadly weapon occurred with an individual commits assault with a deadly weapon or with some other means of force that is likely to cause great bodily injury. This charge can be prosecuted as a misdemeanor or felony, and is punishable by longer terms of imprisonment.

Contact Our Firm Today

"*" indicates required fields

First Name*

Last Name*

Phone*

Email*

State*

Are you a new client?*

Message*

Supportive with Clients. Aggressive in Court.

Navigating the legal system can be complicated. To maximize your chance of securing the best outcome possible, it is essential that you reach out to us without delay. When you hire our firm, we will work quickly to gather every detail, examine every piece of evidence, and build a strong case.

We will not hesitate to go toe-to-toe in trial with an insurance company, corporation, prosecutor, or law enforcement officer. Regardless of the type of situation you are involved in, rest assured that we will do everything we can to protect your rights and help you secure the most favorable result possible.

Case Not Filed

Sexual Assault

Electronic Monitoring

Third-Time DUI

Probation

Insurance Fraud & Embezzlement

Case Not Filed

Soliciting a Prostitute

Charges Not Filed

Multiple Counts of Fraud

Lesser Charge

Four Misdemeanor Charges

Dismissed

Operating Without a License

Not Guilty After a Trial

Indecent Exposure

Sealed & Dismissed

DUI

Dismissed

Public Intoxication

View All Results

Meet the Lawyers Fighting for You

The Lessem, Newstat & Tooson Team

Jeremy Lessem

Partner

J. Tooson

Partner

Joshua E. Newstat

In Memoriam (1976 – 2016)

Ricky Worsfold

Associate

Taryn Williams

Associate

Mark D. Lessem

Of Counsel

William C. Makler

Of Counsel

All Attorneys

I owe this team so much and will always be grateful for their work.

Their No. 1 Priority is Achieving Positive Outcomes for Clients

I have nothing but praise.

No Jail Time

We are very pleased and impressed!

I just want to say thank you for your expert handling of my son’s case this summer.

DEFINITELY the best lawyer

Thank you for all the work you put into my case and for believing in me

I will recommend you and your firm to anyone

Having a clean record has allowed me to pursue a successful future

Our Clients Are Our Focus.

When facing complex legal matters, it is not uncommon to encounter an issue that needs immediate attention from your team.

For this reason, we are available to assist our clients 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to ensure any questions or concerns you may have will be addressed immediately. With around the clock service and multiple office locations, clients throughout Southern California can be confident knowing our counsel is available to them whenever and wherever they need it.