In California, aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer is covered under CA Penal Code 241(c) and is a very serious offense as it can result in more serious punishments than if a person is simply convicted of an assault on a civilian. If you are convicted of an aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, you could face up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $2,000. Additionally, PC 241 (c) specifically covers assault on a variety of government officials including, peace officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, mobile intensive care paramedics, lifeguards, process servers, traffic officers, code enforcement officers, animal control officers, and search and rescue personnel. Therefore, if you or someone you know has been arrested for aggravated assault on any of these types of law enforcement officers, it is extremely important that you hire an experienced attorney in Orange County to help defend your case. Aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony, so it is important to have an experienced lawyer that can help reduce the charges as much as possible.
Additionally, it is important to note that for assault charges the prosecutor does not have to prove that you actually physically harmed someone, but only that you attempted to cause someone physical harm. An experienced attorney in Orange County will help you understand the legal distinction in assault charges and prepare a solid defense specific to your case.
Additionally, there are a few other crimes that are often charged along with aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer. These crimes are covered under Penal Code section 148 and Penal Code section 243(c)(1). Orange County defense lawyer, William Weinberg is an experienced attorney who has successfully defended hundreds of clients, including those who have been charged with crimes related to law enforcement officers. Mr. Weinberg takes the time to individually review each potential client’s case to provide a plan that works best for their circumstances.
Resisting Arrest: Penal Code Section 148When most people think of resisting arrest, they imagine someone being hostile or violent towards a police officer. However, the crime of resisting arrest in California covers much more than simply fighting back against an officer who is trying to arrest you and can even be charged if you are not being arrested.
In California, it is illegal to “willfully resist, delay, or obstruct any public officer, peace officer, or emergency medical technician, in the discharge or attempt to discharge any duty of his or her office of employment” under California Penal Code Section 148(a)(1).
A conviction for resisting arrest will be on your permanent criminal record and can lead to jail time and/or fines.
Battery: Penal Code Section 243(C)(1)Battery requires physical contact with a person. However, battery against a law enforcement officer carries more severe charges and punishments than battery on a civilian. Additionally, all of the different types of government officials that are covered under Penal Code section 241(c) are also covered under Penal Code section 243(c)(1) for battery.
The penalties for battery on a law enforcement officer are up to one year in jail and/or a fine of up to $2,000.
Orange County defense lawyer William Weinberg is an extremely experienced lawyer in Orange County who has many years of experience defending clients charged with various crimes. He will consider your case free of charge and advise you of your options. To reach him please contact his Irvine office at (949) 474-8008 or by emailing him at bill@williamweinberg.com.