PC §245(a)(1) ADW filed in Clara Shortridge Foltz (Downtown Los Angeles) — charges dismissed prior to the preliminary hearing due to defense negotiations.

Charged with Assault in Los Angeles?
Protect Your Freedom Before It’s Too Late.

Speak with an experienced Los Angeles assault defense lawyer today. Phones answered 24/7 at (213) 800-7664 - Free, Confidential Consultation.

Why Immediate Action Matters

Assault charges in Los Angeles carry more than jail time. A conviction can damage your career, reputation, immigration status, and even custody rights. Prosecutors move quickly to file charges, and without a strong defense you could face:

Jail or prison time
Heavy fines and probation
Court-ordered anger management or counseling
Permanent criminal record (visible on background checks)
Collateral consequences with jobs, licensing, and immigration

You only get one chance to protect your future. The earlier you involve a defense lawyer, the stronger your position in court.

Facing assault charges? Call (213) 800-7664 now for urgent representation.

Assault Charges We Defend

Our attorneys defend clients against every form of assault and battery allegation in Los Angeles County, including:

Simple Assault, PC §240
- Attempting to use force or violence, even if no injury occurred.
Battery, PC §242
- Actual use of force or violence, no injury required.
Aggravated Battery Causing Serious Injury, PC §243(d)
- Battery resulting in “serious bodily injury.”
Battery on a Spouse/Intimate Partner, PC §243(e)(1)
- Often filed alongside domestic violence charges.
Battery on a Peace Officer or Public Official, PC §243(b), (c)
- Enhanced penalties when the alleged victim is law enforcement, EMT, or similar.
Assault with a Deadly Weapon (ADW), PC §245(a)(1)
- Use of any weapon, object, or force likely to cause great bodily injury.
Assault by Means of Force Likely to Produce Great Bodily Injury, PC §245(a)(4)
Assault with a Firearm, PC §245(a)(2)
Brandishing a Weapon or Firearm, PC §417
Gang-Related Assault Enhancements, PC §186.22

Penalties range from misdemeanor probation to multiple years in state prison. Felony “strikes” can trigger California’s Three Strikes Law, increasing punishment for life.

Defense Strategies That Work in Assault Cases

Assault charges often depend on interpretation of events, credibility of witnesses, and police reports. Our defense strategies include:

Self-Defense or Defense of Others: showing force was legally justified
Mutual Combat: both parties engaged willingly
False or Exaggerated Allegations: exposing bias, motive, or credibility issues
Lack of Evidence: challenging whether force or injury actually occurred
Video/Digital Evidence: surveillance or phone records contradicting reports
Fourth & Fifth Amendment Motions: suppressing unlawful searches, statements, or identifications
Charge Reductions/Negotiations: from felony ADW to misdemeanor simple assault or diversion programs

Local Court Advantage: Where We Defend Assault Cases

We appear daily in Los Angeles Superior Court criminal divisions, including:

Clara Shortridge Foltz (CJC / Downtown)
Airport (LAX) Courthouse
Van Nuys Courthouse
Compton Courthouse
Long Beach (Gov. George Deukmejian)
Pasadena, Pomona, San Fernando, Torrance, Glendale, Inglewood

Local knowledge matters. Each courthouse has its own prosecutors, judges, and sentencing culture. Knowing how they approach assault charges gives us leverage to fight for better outcomes.

Call (888) 808-2179 for a Free Confidential Consultation (24/7)

Accused of assault in Los Angeles? Protect your freedom and future with a defense team that knows the Penal Code, the courthouses, and how to win.

Client Reviews

"WE LOVE POWER TRIAL LAWYERS! We are extremely pleased with the job that Power Trial Lawyers did on behalf of our brother. The issues were complicated and required several years of research and preparation. The staff always kept us informed of progress and were caring and compassionate. When we went to court, his professionalism and knowledge of the issues gave us confidence that we would prevail. AND WE DID! Also, the presentation by attorney Barhoma before the judge and his ability to effectively communicate with the DA were both keys to success. Finally, we feel that his charming demeanor and impeccable style surely helped our chances of coming out on top. Our sincere thanks to the entire Power Trial Lawyers firm for bringing our brother home." Toya

"I was being charged with three counts of criminal trespass by an over eager individual who convinced the district attorney to bring charges. Once I found Matthew and Power Trial Lawyers, they knew exactly what to do! Matthew worked out a deal with the state attorney and got it approved by the judge. The deal got my case dismissed! Matthew protected me from false claims and over eager charges. And he convinced the state attorney and the judge to DISMISS my case! Thank you Power Trial Lawyers for fighting hard for me and for protecting my rights!!" Mark

"It was absolutely an immense pleasure working with Power Trial Lawyers. My attorney, Matthew Barhoma, gave the case for my family member all the time and attention that was needed to be successful with their appeal. He is an amazing person and excellent attorney. He has a calming and confident presence with his practice. I never once was treated as anything other than a valuable client by Mr. Barhoma. I very much appreciate the knowledge and support I received through Power Trial Lawyers. Power Trial Lawyers team are highly experienced and helpful. Most importantly they treated our case with much care. Extremely impressed by their dedication and professionalism." Cosette

Client Review Videos

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between assault (PC §240) and battery (PC §242)? Assault is the attempt or threat of force, while battery is actual physical contact. Both carry serious consequences.

Is assault with a deadly weapon (PC §245) always a felony? It can be charged as a “wobbler” (felony or misdemeanor) depending on facts. We push aggressively for reductions or diversion.

Can I claim self-defense? Yes, if you reasonably believed you or another person were in danger. We present evidence, witnesses, or video to prove it.

Our Process

24/7 Emergency Access Phones always answered. When you need a lawyer, we are always available because the prosecution does not stop; and neither do we.

Proven Results Dismissals, reductions, and diversions secured across LA County.

Courtroom Experience Over 1,000 criminal cases defended.

Discreet, Compassionate Representation We take our job protecting families and reputations seriously.

Bilingual Representation (EN/ES) Trusted across Los Angeles communities.

Contact Us

1 Free Consultation
2 Available 24/7
3 Exclusive Criminal Defense Practice