Some of the most common criminal charges in Louisiana are assault and battery.
The two terms actually carry separate definitions, and need to be understood entirely if you’ve been charged with either (or both) of these crimes.
At Jones Law Partners in Alexandria, Louisiana, our criminal defense attorneys are dedicated to helping you understand your case to the fullest. Assault and battery with a deadly weapon are both serious offenses, and we want to help you preserve your freedom, as well as your reputation.
How is Assault Defined in Louisiana?
In the state of Louisiana, assault is defined as an attempt to commit a battery, or the intentional placing of another in reasonable apprehension of receiving a battery (La. R.S. 14:36).
Therefore, one must know what a battery is to understand an assault.
Battery is defined as the intentional use of force or violence upon the person of another; or the intentional administration of a poison or other noxious liquid or substance to another (La. R.S. 14:33).
As such, assault is not the actual act of striking someone, whether it be with your hands or an implement. It is the engaging in behavior or threats that put another person in reasonable fear that you will intentionally use force or violence against him/her.
This means that whether your words and/or actions cause reasonable fear is often determined from the other person’s point of view.
How is Battery Defined in Louisiana?
Battery is a much more straightforward term in terms of the law in Louisiana.
Battery is the intentional infliction of violence or force against another person. This can constitute striking them with a fist, or harming them with a weapon.
If you’ve been accused or charged with either of these offenses, it’s imperative that you get in touch with our Alexandria-based lawyers at Jones Law Partners today. Obtaining legal help as quickly as possible is of the utmost importance in assault and battery cases.
By doing so, you can help maintain your standing in the community, as well as your innocence.
What is Considered a Dangerous Weapon in Louisiana?
In Louisiana, a dangerous weapon can be just about anything that can be used to cause bodily harm. According to La. R.S. 14:2, it is:
“…any gas, liquid or other substance or instrumentality, which, in the manner used, is calculated or likely to produce death or great bodily harm”
As you can see, a dangerous weapon could include a baseball bat, a firearm, or even a wine bottle. Many items are capable of causing great bodily harm, and as such, there are a number of “dangerous weapons” according to the law.
Why You Need to Contact a Criminal Defense Attorney If You’ve Been Charged with Assault and Battery with a Dangerous Weapon
When you’ve been accused or charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon in the state of Louisiana, it’s crucial that you get in touch with an attorney as quickly as possible.
Our criminal defense attorneys at Jones Law Partners are prepared to assist you with your case. When you hire one of our attorneys, you receive the best representation possible.
We’re dedicated to:
- Building a case that proves your innocence
- Working with you to preserve your reputation in the community
- Helping you keep a normal life throughout the case itself
Contact Jones Law Partners Today
If you need representation due to accusation of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon in Louisiana, get in touch with our Alexandria-based lawyers today. We’re here to help keep your life on the right track, and will work tirelessly to help you with your case. Give us a call today.
