Riverside Battery Lawyer
Standing Strong for Your Defense Against Battery Charges in Riverside & San Bernardino
Your Future Is Worth Fighting for After a Battery Accusation
A criminal charge goes beyond legal concerns; it affects many aspects of your life. An accusation of battery presents a direct challenge to your reputation, career, and personal well-being. Charges of violent crimes, such as battery, are often built on assumptions rather than concrete evidence. Police reports often fail to capture the complete picture.
As your Riverside battery lawyer, I dig into the details to uncover the truth. I tear apart the prosecution’s narrative and present your side of the story. With 22 years of experience defending people across the Inland Empire, I know that early intervention can make a decisive difference. I work relentlessly to secure the best possible outcome for you.
Reach out to our Riverside battery defense attorney at 951-686-3457 or schedule an initial consultation through our confidential contact form.
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“Attorney Greg Comings is by far the best lawyer in Riverside County. He handled my case with great experience. Thanks to him and his team I am able to have my freedom and continue with my life. Mr. Comings is a miracle worker and has brought great relief to me and my family. He fights for you and will continue to get you the best outcome regardless of your situation.”
What You Need to Know About Battery Charges in CA
Many people confuse assault and battery, but under California law, they differ significantly. You must distinguish between them, as the defense strategies vary depending on the charge.
Penal Code 242 defines battery as any “willful and unlawful use of force or violence upon the person of another”. The key distinction is physical contact:
- Assault( Penal Code 240) is the attempt to use force.
- Battery is the actual use of force.
You do not need to cause pain or injury to face a battery charge. A shove, a spit, or knocking a phone out of someone’s hand can technically constitute battery if done in an offensive or angry manner. The prosecution must prove you acted willfully — meaning you intended the action, even if you did not intend to break the law.
Types of Battery Cases I Handle
The legal process confuses many people. You likely have urgent concerns about your record and your freedom. Here are direct answers to the issues my clients face most often.
What If I Didn’t Actually Hurt the Person?
You can still face charges. Penal Code 242 requires only the unlawful use of force or violence. The law considers “violence” to include any offensive touching. If you touched someone in a hostile way, the prosecution can file charges, even without visible injuries.
Can I Claim Self-Defense?
Yes. Self-defense is a valid legal argument if you reasonably believed you faced imminent danger of bodily injury and used only the force necessary to stop the threat. As your Riverside battery attorney, I often use this defense to show that my client was not the aggressor.
Is Battery Always a Misdemeanor?
No. While a simple battery is a misdemeanor, “Aggravated Battery” or battery causing serious bodily injury is a “wobbler”. If the injury is severe or if the victim belongs to a protected class (like a police officer), you could face felony charges.
What If the Contact Was Accidental?
Battery requires a “willful” act. If I can show the contact was accidental, for example, you tripped and fell into someone, I can argue that no crime occurred because there was no intent to use force.
