How to Get Simple Battery Charges Dropped in California
If you’ve been arrested or cited for a simple battery charge in Los Angeles County, your first question is usually: can this be stopped before it turns into a criminal conviction? The answer is yes. In many cases, it’s possible to get charges dropped or reduced early — but only with immediate action, a clear defense strategy, and a Los Angeles criminal defense attorney who understands how local prosecutors handle these cases.
At The Law Offices of Arash Hashemi, we’ve represented clients throughout Los Angeles for more than 20 years in cases involving California simple battery under Penal Code §§ 240, 242, and 243(a). Many of these cases begin with heated arguments, misunderstandings, or one-sided stories. Prosecutors don’t always hear your side of the situation unless someone puts it in front of them right away, which is why we move fast to intervene before the case gains traction.
Under California law, a simple battery charge is defined as the willful and unlawful use of force or violence against another person. This can be anything from a shove or grab to a brief unwanted touch — no visible injury is required. Even without harm, a conviction can still mean jail time, fines, probation, and a permanent record.
Clients often ask us how to get a simple battery charge dropped — and the answer usually comes down to presenting strong evidence early, before the case has momentum. Our defense strategy focuses on undermining the prosecution’s claims at the start, when there’s the best chance of avoiding formal charges or securing a quick dismissal.
When people want to know how to beat a simple battery charge, the most effective approaches often involve showing why the prosecution’s version of events is incomplete or unreliable. For example, many cases arise from mutual combat situations where both parties willingly engaged in a fight, but police reports paint only one person as the aggressor. Demonstrating that you did not start the altercation, or that both sides contributed, can shift the entire case.
Other times, clients acted in self-defense or defense of others. California law allows you to use reasonable force to protect yourself or someone else from harm, but prosecutors don’t always see it that way. We work to uncover facts, witness statements, or video evidence that prove your actions were lawful and necessary.
In some cases, there is no real injury or only minimal contact, such as a shove or a brief unwanted touch. While that technically satisfies the statute, juries and prosecutors alike struggle to treat such incidents as criminal. Showing that no one was seriously harmed can significantly reduce the case’s weight.
Battery charges also often rest on the word of unreliable witnesses or accusers. If a person’s story changes, if they have a motive to exaggerate, or if their testimony doesn’t align with physical evidence, we highlight those weaknesses to undermine the credibility of the case.
Finally, false or exaggerated allegations are more common than people think. Disputes between family members, partners, or coworkers sometimes escalate into claims that don’t match reality. By presenting text messages, recordings, or third-party witnesses, we can often demonstrate that the accusations simply don’t add up.
Over the years, we’ve been successful in persuading prosecutors to reject filing altogether — what’s called a “DA reject.” This is one of the most effective ways to end a case, since it means charges are never filed in the first place. We accomplish this by submitting evidence early, such as surveillance video or witness statements that contradict the police report, making it clear the state cannot prove its case. Even when charges are filed, acting quickly gives us a strong chance to negotiate dismissals or reductions before trial. The earlier we intervene, the greater the opportunity to stop the case and protect your record.
The key is timing. Many people wait until their arraignment to hire a criminal defense attorney, but by then, the case is already moving forward and options are more limited. When you hire us immediately, we contact the prosecutor’s office, provide witness statements, surveillance footage, or other proof that contradicts the police report, and push for dismissal before formal charges are locked in.
Attorney Arash Hashemi understands how assault and simple battery charges are investigated, how prosecutors evaluate them, and how to spot weaknesses in the evidence. We don’t sit back and wait for the first court date — we work to end the case before it starts.
If you’re searching for answers on how to get simple battery charges dropped in California, don’t wait until it’s too late. Early intervention can mean the difference between walking away with your record intact or facing months of stress, legal costs, and lasting consequences. Call our office today for a free, confidential consultation and let us start building your defense immediately.
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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