Facing a First-Time Assault and Battery Charge in California? Here’s What You Need to Know
If you’ve been arrested for the first time on an assault or battery charge in California, it’s normal to feel scared, overwhelmed, and unsure of what comes next. Maybe the situation was a misunderstanding, an argument that escalated, or even a case of mistaken identity. Regardless of how it happened, the consequences can be serious — and what you do now can make the difference between a clean record and a criminal conviction that follows you for life.
Under California law, assault (Penal Code § 240 PC) and battery (Penal Code § 242 PC) are separate crimes but often charged together. Assault is the attempt or threat of unlawful force, while battery involves actual physical contact. Even for a first offense, these charges can carry penalties such as jail time, fines, probation, and mandatory anger management or community service. More importantly, they leave you with a criminal record that can affect your job, your reputation, and your future opportunities.
But here’s what most people don’t realize: being arrested for assault and battery — even for the first time — does not automatically mean you will be convicted. Prosecutors must prove every element of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt, and there are often strong defenses available. In fact, many first-time assault and battery cases in California can be reduced, dismissed, or diverted into alternative programs that allow you to avoid a conviction altogether.
At The Law Offices of Arash Hashemi, we have over 20 years of experience defending clients in Los Angeles County against assault and battery charges. Our approach is proactive: we don’t just wait for court dates. We investigate immediately — gathering witness statements, reviewing surveillance footage, and identifying inconsistencies in police reports — to build a strong defense before the case gains momentum.
Some of the strategies we’ve used to help first-time assault and battery clients include:
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Self-defense or defense of others — showing that you acted reasonably to protect yourself or someone else.
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Lack of intent — proving there was no willful attempt to harm, which is required under the law.
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False or exaggerated accusations — challenging the credibility of witnesses or alleged victims.
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Insufficient evidence — highlighting gaps in the prosecution’s case that make it impossible to convict.
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Diversion programs — negotiating for alternatives such as anger management or community service, which can result in dismissal upon completion.
If this is your first time facing criminal charges, you may also be eligible for reduced penalties, diversion programs, or even a complete dismissal if the evidence is weak. But timing matters: the sooner a Los Angeles criminal defense attorney intervenes, the greater your chances of avoiding harsh consequences.
If you’re searching for answers about a first-time assault and battery charge in California, it means you’re worried about protecting your record, your freedom, and your future. We understand how high the stakes are — and we fight every case with the urgency it deserves.
Don’t wait until your arraignment to get help. By then, prosecutors may already have committed to filing charges. Early intervention gives us the chance to negotiate directly with the District Attorney, present favorable evidence, and push for a dismissal or reduction before the case escalates.
Attorney Arash Hashemi is a Los Angeles criminal defense attorney with over 20 years of experience handling assault, battery, and other violent crime cases. He knows how local courts operate, how prosecutors build their cases, and — most importantly — how to protect clients from the lifelong consequences of a first offense.
If you or a loved one is facing a first-time assault and battery charge in California, the most important step you can take is to act quickly. Protect your rights, your record, and your future by contacting our office today for a free, confidential consultation. Attorney Arash Hashemi personally reviews every case — listening to your side of the story, examining the evidence, and developing a defense strategy tailored to your unique situation.
The Law Offices of Arash Hashemi
11845 W Olympic Blvd #520
Los Angeles, CA 90064
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📞 Phone: (310) 448-1529
📧 Email: Contact@hashemilaw.com
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🕒 Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Evening & weekend appointments available by request.
