Wichita Assault & Battery Attorney
What Is the Difference Between Assault & Battery?
Many people use the terms “assault” and “battery” interchangeably, but they are actually two distinct crimes in Kansas.
Assault is an attempt to cause physical harm to another person. Battery is the intentional act of physically harming another person.
It is important to understand the difference between these two crimes because the penalties for each are significantly different. If you are facing criminal charges for assault or battery, it is crucial that you know exactly what you are being accused of and what the potential consequences are.
Contact us today to schedule a confidential consultation with our team of Wichita assault & battery attorneys. Give us a call at (316) 665-7227.
What Are the Penalties for Assault?
There are three types of assault charges in Kansas: simple assault, aggravated assault, and domestic violence assault.
- Simple Assault - Simple assault is the least serious form of assault in Kansas. It is a misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.
- Aggravated Assault - Aggravated assault is a more serious crime that involves using a weapon to intentionally cause serious bodily injury to another person. It is a felony punishable by up to 34 months in prison and a fine of up to $300,000.
- Domestic Violence Assault - Domestic violence assault is a form of simple assault that occurs between two people who are in a domestic relationship. In Kansas, a “domestic relationship” may involve a romantic or sexual relationship, a cohabitating relationship, or a parent-child relationship.
Domestic violence assault is a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. However, it is automatically charged as a felony if the defendant has any prior domestic violence convictions or if it is a second offense.
What Are the Penalties for Battery?
Like assault, there are three types of battery charges in Kansas: simple battery, aggravated battery, and domestic violence battery.
- Simple Battery - Simple battery is the least serious form of battery in Kansas. It is a misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.
- Aggravated Battery - Aggravated battery is a more serious crime that involves causing serious bodily harm to another person. It is a felony punishable by up to 34 months in prison and a fine of up to $300,000.
- Domestic Violence Battery - Domestic violence battery is a form of simple battery that occurs between two people who are in a domestic relationship. Like domestic violence assault, domestic violence battery is automatically charged as a felony if the defendant has any prior domestic violence convictions or if it is a second offense.
How Can a Wichita Assault Lawyer Help?
If you are facing criminal charges for assault or battery, you should not attempt to defend yourself in court. An experienced criminal defense lawyer can help you understand the charges against you and your legal options.
There are several possible defenses to assault and battery charges in Kansas. For example, you may be able to argue that you acted in self-defense or that the other person consented to the conduct. An attorney can help you determine the best defense strategy based on the unique circumstances of your case.
If you are convicted of assault or battery, a Wichita assault & battery lawyer can also help you explore your options for appealing the conviction or reducing the sentence.
Discuss Your Case with an Experienced Assault & Battery Lawyer
Being accused of assault or battery can be a life-changing event. If you have been arrested for or charged with assault or battery in Kansas, you need an experienced Wichita assault & battery lawyer from Hulnick, Stang, Gering & Leavitt, P.A. on your side.
Contact us today to schedule a confidential consultation with our team of Wichita assault & battery attorneys. Give us a call at (316) 665-7227.
