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Louisiana Assault and Battery Attorney

Assault and Battery Defense in Shreveport, Bossier City, Monroe, & Ruston, LA

A single altercation can change your life in ways you never anticipated. Assault and battery charges in Louisiana carry penalties ranging from misdemeanor fines to years in state prison, depending on the severity of the alleged conduct and the victim’s injuries.

At The John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm, LLC, we understand the serious consequences you face when accused of violent crimes. Our criminal defense team works to challenge the prosecution’s evidence and protect your rights throughout every stage of the legal process.

What Is the Difference Between Assault and Battery?

Assault and battery are distinct offenses that often occur during the same incident. Under Louisiana law, assault involves the threat of physical violence through words or actions that create a reasonable fear of imminent harm. A person who raises a fist at someone or makes threatening gestures has committed assault, even without physical contact.

Battery occurs when the threatened violence becomes physical through unwanted contact. This contact may result in actual injury or involve offensive touching. According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, violent victimization rates remained stable at 22.5 per 1,000 persons in 2023, highlighting how commonly these charges arise across the country.

Types of Assault and Battery Charges in Louisiana

Louisiana law recognizes multiple categories of assault and battery offenses, each carrying different penalties based on the circumstances involved.

Simple assault: threatening violence without a dangerous weapon, typically a misdemeanor offense
Simple battery: intentional use of force or violence against another person without a weapon
Aggravated assault: assault committed with a dangerous weapon or with intent to commit a felony
Aggravated battery: battery involving a dangerous weapon such as a knife, firearm, or other object capable of causing serious harm
Second-degree battery: battery committed with the intent to inflict serious bodily injury
Battery of protected persons: offenses against elderly individuals, disabled persons, school teachers, or police officers carry enhanced penalties

The classification of your charges depends on factors including the alleged victim’s injuries, whether a weapon was involved, and the victim’s status as a protected person under Louisiana law.

Consequences of an Assault or Battery Conviction

A conviction for assault or battery in Louisiana creates lasting consequences beyond any immediate sentence. You may face substantial fines, court fees, mandatory counseling, probation, or imprisonment. Felony convictions for crimes like aggravated battery can result in up to ten years in state prison.

The collateral effects often prove equally damaging. A criminal record appears on background checks and can limit employment opportunities, housing options, and educational prospects. Victims may also pursue civil lawsuits seeking compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Additionally, protective orders related to domestic violence situations can restrict your ability to possess firearms.

Judges consider multiple factors when determining sentences, including the events leading to the incident, injury severity, weapon involvement, victim characteristics, and any prior criminal history.

Contact John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm for Your Defense

Convictions for violent crimes cannot be expunged under Louisiana law, making effective defense representation essential from the start. Attorney Eric G. Johnson brings more than 30 years of criminal defense experience to every case, developing strategic defenses based on the specific facts of your situation.

We handle assault and battery cases throughout north Louisiana, including Shreveport, Bossier City, Monroe, and Ruston. Schedule your free consultation by contacting our office today to discuss your case and learn how we can fight for you.

Assault and Battery Frequently Asked Questions

What penalties could I face for assault and battery charges in Louisiana?

Penalties for assault and battery in Louisiana depend on the offense classification and circumstances. Simple assault carries up to 90 days in jail and fines up to $200. Simple battery may result in up to six months imprisonment and fines up to $1,000. Aggravated assault involving a dangerous weapon can lead to six months in jail and $1,000 in fines, while aggravated battery convictions carry sentences of up to ten years in prison. Charges involving domestic abuse, elderly victims, or police officers result in enhanced penalties. Any conviction creates a permanent criminal record affecting employment, housing, and other opportunities.

Can I claim self-defense in an assault and battery case in Louisiana?

Self-defense provides a valid legal defense in Louisiana assault and battery cases when specific conditions are met. Louisiana law recognizes your right to use reasonable force against what you reasonably believe to be an imminent threat of unlawful force. Key elements include a reasonable belief of danger, not being the initial aggressor (unless you withdrew from the conflict), and using proportional force to the threat. Louisiana’s stand your ground provisions eliminate the duty to retreat before using force in many circumstances. Successfully asserting self-defense requires substantial evidence and skilled legal representation to establish justification.

Should I accept a plea bargain for my assault and battery charges in Louisiana?

Whether to accept a plea bargain depends on your case circumstances, the evidence against you, and your priorities. While plea agreements often reduce charges or penalties, accepting one means admitting guilt and creating a permanent criminal record. An experienced defense attorney can evaluate evidence strength, identify potential defenses, assess trial success likelihood, and negotiate favorable terms. Consider factors including evidence quality, witness credibility, potential sentencing exposure, employment implications, and the emotional and financial costs of trial. Never accept a plea bargain without thorough consultation with your attorney.