Criminal Defense Lawyer Salinas and Monterey

What Are Protected Groups?

In addition to the nature of the offense and degree of injury caused to the alleged victim, California law offers special protections for certain groups of people. Assault and battery on members of these protected groups can result in enhanced penalties.

The protected groups in California include: 

• Assault on a public official – Assaulting a judge, prosecutor, defender, government employee, or their family members in retaliation for performing official duties is a wobbler, which could be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony.
• Domestic battery – Spouses, romantic partners, fiancées, and those living in the same home are covered under this category. The charge is a misdemeanor with a sentence of up to a year in jail, a $1,00 fine, and registration in a batterers program.
• Battery on a peace officer – This category covers police officers, EMTs, and animal control officer and carries a maximum penalty of three years in jail.
• Sexual battery – Sexual battery is a wobbler. As a felony, there is a maximum four-year prison sentence.
• Elder abuse – When the victim is over 65, it is a wobbler with a penalty of up to four years in prison and a $6,000 fine.

Whether you are facing misdemeanor or felony assault or battery charges, your freedom could be at risk and a criminal record for assault and battery can follow you even after you have completed your sentence. When the stakes are high, our Salinas assault and battery attorney has the experience to provide the level of representation you deserve.

Defense Strategies for Assault & Battery Charges

​Our Salinas assault and battery lawyer has more than 30 years of experience as a criminal defense attorney, including experience as a public defender and a solo practitioner. He is familiar with the local District Attorneys and judges, so he knows who will be handling your case and uses this knowledge in plea bargaining and preparing for trial.