Trusted Simple Battery Lawyers
Facing a Simple Battery charge in Georgia? Get the facts from the expert attorneys at Conoscienti & Ledbetter.
Author: J. Blake Ledbetter, Partner, Conoscienti & Ledbetter
Author: Mr. Ledbetter specializes in civil litigation in metropolitan Atlanta, Georgia, and possesses vast experience in wrongful death lawsuits. Mr. Ledbetter was recognized as a SuperLawyers Rising Star in 2018 and 2019 in the area of Civil Litigation. Published on May 13, 2020, last updated on June 24, 2020.
Speak with experienced Simple Battery Attorneys today, for free.
Simple Battery
Unlike the associated charges of Battery and Aggravated Battery, Simple Battery, which may consist of acts like shoving or slapping, does not result in significant physical injury. While a lot of Simple Battery offenses are misdemeanors, they can still have severe effects. Even misdemeanor offenses stay on an individual’s record. Plus, there are several scenarios where Simple Battery might be dealt with as a High and Aggravated Misdemeanor.
The penalties for Simple Battery depend on the specific details surrounding your case. Plus, the actions that constitute this offense are varied, many of which the average person would not consider particularly harmful. In fact, it is conceivable that you may commit Simple Battery and not be aware of it. This is why a skilled and efficient attorney from the law firm of Conoscienti & Ledbetter is essential in planning your defense.
Fighting Simple Battery Georgia Charges
Since Simple Battery Georgia is usually a misdemeanor offense, you may be tempted to ignore charges and underestimate any potential effects. This is a significant error, as often, this charge will remain on your criminal record. This means that it has the potential to affect any future offenses, the charges brought for them, and the penalties assigned to them.
If you are charged with committing Simple Battery, a reputable criminal defense lawyer can advise you of your choices.
Simple Battery GA Repercussions
According to GA criminal law, even if this is your first Simple Battery offense, you may face serious consequences. To keep your record clean, an experienced lawyer will strive to have the charges dismissed or at least reduced to a lesser offense. This is particularly necessary for those in professions like child care, health care, or the military.
If you are charged with Simple Battery, an aggressive criminal attorney like Joseph A. Conscienti will develop an expert defense plan and represent you in court if necessary.
Speak with trusted Simple Battery Attorneys today, for free.
What Is a Simple Battery Charge in Georgia?
According to O.C.G.A. § 16-5-23, a Simple Battery charge in Georgia occurs when a person:
“Intentionally makes physical contact of an insulting or provoking nature with the person of another; or intentionally causes physical harm to another.”
As you can see, what constitutes Simple Battery covers a wide range of possible actions, most of which cause no serious bodily injury. With so many factors involved, only your legal counsel can help you accurately sort it out.
Simple Battery Charge in Georgia
Although some people believe the term “battery” indicates a violent crime, a Simple Battery charge in Georgia does not fit that description. Many people confuse this charge with those associated with a physical attack. There are three types of battery offenses: Simple Battery, Battery, and Aggravated Battery.
Since Simple Battery is often added to increase the weight of other charges, you should seek an attorney who is experienced defending against the charge with the greatest penalty. Depending on the details of your case, you may require counsel to defend against charges of aggravated assault in Georgia and battery.
Outcomes for Simple Battery in Georgia
The outcomes for Simple Battery in Georgia might consist of as much as one year jail time and a fine of approximately $1000. You may also be required to pay restitution to the victim. This compensates the victim for any expenses related to the offense, such as medical treatment or therapy.
If you are convicted, your lawyer may argue for a sentence of probation instead of prison. This is based on the level of bodily harm the individual sustained and is up to the judge’s discretion.
Simple Battery in Georgia Penalties for High or Aggravated Nature
There are particular circumstances in which the authorities will escalate your Simple Battery in Georgia charges to what the law calls “a misdemeanor of a high or aggravated nature.” A conviction for this can carry a one-year prison sentence and as much as $5,000 in fines.
Criminal offenses of this nature include the following victims:
- O.C.G.A. § 16-5-23(c) Pregnant female or 65 years or older
- O.C.G.A. § 16-5-23(d) Person in a public transit station or vehicle
- O.C.G.A. §16-5-23(e) Correction officer, police officer, or detention officer on the job
- O.C.G.A. § 16-5-23(f) Past or present spouse and others living in the household
- O.C.G.A. §16-5-23(h) Sports official on or exiting the sporting location
- O.C.G.A. § 16-5-23(i) Public school system employee on school property or engaged in official duties
According to GA Code Section §16-5-23(g), you face more serious charges if you are an employee at a long-term care facility like an assisted living community or nursing home, and the person you are accused of offending is a resident. Not only would you face Simple Battery charges, but you would likely lose your professional license and your job.
Don’t delay. Schedule a risk-free Simple Battery consultation today, for free.
How to Get Simple Battery Charge Dropped
A knowledgeable attorney from a reputable criminal defense firm will have some strategies in mind to get your Simple Battery charge dropped, but it is not always possible.
There are several methods commonly used to introduce reasonable doubt in the case.
- Consent: If you had consent to touch the person, then it usually can not be considered battery.
- Defense of Others: Your actions were to protect another from probable physical harm.
- Defense of Property: You used reasonable force to retain or recover your property. The Court determines this on a case-by-case basis.
- Innocence: An alibi or witness will testify that you did not do it.
- Lack of Intent: You did not intend to make contact. Maybe it was an accident.
- Self Defense: Your action was due to a physical threat that you did not provoke, and there was no reasonable chance to escape.
Another common defense is that there was no contact. One of the basic stipulations for a charge of Simple Battery is physical contact. But be aware, even if an interaction cannot be charged as Simple Battery, you may still be convicted of another crime like assault.
Depending on your use of force, the charge of Simple Battery may be dropped or reduced to assault. Using personal information that will include any previous crimes, your legal representative will plan the best defense for your case.
Can You Go to Jail for Simple Battery?
Can you go to jail for Simple Battery? The answer is, ‘Yes.” While there are several common defenses your lawyer might use to assist your case, every situation is distinct. Your legal representative will examine your case to see which defenses will be the best for your case. Perhaps he will introduce a plea bargain for less serious charges or request the charges be entirely dismissed.
Contact us at the Law Office of Conoscienti & Ledbetter for a free consultation.
Decatur Office
(404) 328-7276
315 W Ponce de Leon Ave. Suite 400 Decatur, GA 30030
