Assault and Battery Lawyer in the Seattle

Assault and battery are considered serious crimes in the state of Washington, and a conviction can have harsh, long-term ramifications including the possibility of serving time in jail. If you face assault and battery charges, an experienced assault and battery lawyer can fight the charge on your behalf, which is your best hope for successfully protecting your freedom and your future. If you face assault charges in the Seattle area, immediately seek representation from experienced Seattle assault and battery attorney Kevin Trombold.

Schedule a free consultation for help today.

ASSAULT AND BATTERY ATTORNEY WITH TWO DECADES OF DEFENSE EXPERIENCE

Seattle attorney Kevin Trombold has more than twenty years of experience representing clients accused of aggravated assault, misdemeanor assault, and similar crimes. Clients often ask, “What constitutes assault?” or “What does assault and battery mean?” State law defines the word “assault” to mean not only physical attack but also threats to harm or injure another. You can be prosecuted for “assaulting” someone you haven’t physically touched. Charges for assault must also be reviewed to determine if the defendant was acting in self-defense or in the defense of his or her home or loved ones.

Seattle Assault and Battery Attorney

WHAT IS A CIVIL ASSAULT CASE?

IIn Washington, a civil assault case arises when a victim injured by an assault seeks civil compensation from the defendant, separate from any criminal assault charge. Civil assault cases allow victims to pursue damages for physical injuries, emotional distress, or mental pain inflicted by the accused. Unlike criminal cases, civil cases focus on compensating the victim rather than determining guilt or innocence. In Washington, assault covers both the threat and use of force, as “battery” is not a separate charge. Consequently, one can be held liable for assault without needing a distinct battery charge.

WHAT IS FELONY ASSAULT? TROMBOLD LAW FIRM EXPLAINS

The state of Washington recognizes four degrees of this crime, and the assault with battery sentence will vary depending on the degree of the charges. Assault in the first degree is a class A felony and considered a serious violent offense. To be charged with a felony for assault in the first degree, you must have:

  • Committed battery and assault with a deadly weapon, firearm or by any means to produce great bodily harm
  • Inflicted great bodily harm
  • Exposed or transmitted someone to poison, HIV virus or another destructive substance

Assault in the second degree is considered to be a class B felony and is a violent offense. You may be charged with assault in the second degree if you:

  • Strangle or suffocate someone
  • Committed assault and battery with intent to inflict substantial bodily harm
  • Intentionally inflict substantial bodily harm to an unborn child by inflicting injury on the mother of the child
  • Strike someone with a deadly weapon
  • Strike someone with the intent to commit a felony
  • Inflict bodily harm which can be considered equivalent to torture

Assault in the third degree is considered to be a class C nonviolent felony. You may be charged with assault in the third degree if you cause bodily harm because of your criminal negligence.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN SOMEONE COMMITS ASSAULT AND BATTERY ON A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER OR CHILD?

There are separate laws regarding assault of a child, which is a felony in Washington. The penalty for assault on a minor will vary depending on the circumstances of the crime.

If you commit assault on an officer, you will face third-degree charges unless the circumstances of your crime warrant first or second degree charges.

WHAT’S MISDEMEANOR ASSAULT?

Misdemeanor assault in Washington, or fourth-degree assault, involves intentional, harmful, or offensive physical contact without significant injury or the use of a weapon. Examples include hitting, spitting, or scratching someone. Misdemeanor assault can lead to up to a year in jail and a $5,000 fine, with possible probation for first-time offenders. Felony assault, however, entails severe bodily harm or weapon use and carries harsher penalties, such as a possible life sentence for repeat offenders. A felony conviction can greatly impact future job and housing opportunities, underscoring the importance of a strong legal defense.

ASSAULT DEFENSES COMMONLY USED BY LAWYERS IN SEATTLE

The prosecutor has points to prove in order to get a conviction. He cannot bring assault charges against you without proof or without evidence. Every assault case must be investigated to determine if the accused person legitimately acted in self-defense or in the defense of his or her family, home, or property. If you have used reasonable force to defend yourself, your family or your property, you cannot be charged with assault.

It’s also possible that you were misidentified or that there was no assault at all and the purported “victim” fabricated the story to the police. This is common in cases of assault and battery with no witness besides the victim. However, if you are found guilty of criminal assault, the victim may also pursue civil damages against you. Because an assault charge can result in both criminal and civil liability, if you face the charge, your first call must be to an experienced criminal defense attorney.

SKILLED SEATTLE ATTORNEYS CAN DEFEND YOU AGAINST THE THREE STRIKES LAW

Washington’s three-strikes law imposes life sentences for individuals with three felony convictions, targeting repeat offenders with harsher penalties. First- and second-degree assault count as strikes under this law. For example, if convicted of first-degree assault with two prior strikes, a life sentence may be imposed. If you or a loved one is facing assault charges, prompt legal representation is crucial. Contact Seattle assault attorney Kevin Trombold for skilled defense, as assault convictions carry serious, life-altering consequences.

GET HELP FROM ONE OF THE TOP LAW FIRMS IN KING COUNTY

If you are facing an assault charge, don’t hesitate to contact a criminal defense attorney right away. Seattle criminal defense attorney Kevin Trombold and his team will quickly begin to investigate assault and battery cases. At Kevin Trombold’s law firm, his team of lawyers is knowledgeable about the laws for battery and assault, and is ready to defend your rights in court. Kevin Trombold has over 20 years of experience, and over that time has built an excellent reputation among judges, peers, and prosecutors in the Seattle area. Some of the practice areas at The Law Offices of Kevin Trombold include assault and battery, theft, fraud, DUI, domestic violence, sex offenses, drug charges, and juvenile crimes.

If you or a loved one is charged with assault and battery in the Seattle area, please contact us by phone at 206-249-9656 to request a free consultation.