Have you been accused of a serious offense like battery in Cincinnati, OH? Allegations like these can impact a defendant’s life for years to come in many ways. The best way to mitigate the consequences is to work with a legal professional as soon as possible.
Our team has more than 100 years of combined legal experience handling all types of criminal cases, including battery charges. We are dedicated to protecting your rights and providing a thorough, strategic defense throughout the criminal justice process.
Contact Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with a Cincinnati battery lawyer at (513) 333-0014.
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Why Should I Hire Suhre & Associates if I’ve Been Arrested For Battery in Cincinnati?
Facing battery charges in Cincinnati, OH, is a life-changing event, but you don’t have to navigate the criminal justice system alone. At Suhre & Associates, we set ourselves apart by combining decades of real courtroom experience and dedication.
- When you work with us, you benefit from the unique insight we gain from having a former police officer and a former prosecutor on the team, giving you excellent strategies from both sides of the system.
- You can reach our Cincinnati criminal defense attorneys 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- We have been honored as National Trial Lawyers Top 100 and Super Lawyers, demonstrating our commitment to providing high-caliber legal representation.
When you’re facing serious charges, you need to give yourself every advantage possible. The best way to do that is to contact Suhre & Associates to arrange a free consultation with a Cincinnati assault attorney.
Overview of Battery in Ohio
Ohio does not use the term “battery” as a specific criminal charge. Instead, acts that other states call battery are categorized under Ohio’s assault laws. The crime most closely resembling battery is simple assault, covered by Ohio Revised Code 2903.13. Simple assault is legally defined as knowingly causing or attempting to cause physical harm to another person or to another person’s unborn child. The statute also covers cases where someone recklessly causes serious physical harm.
What Are the Penalties for Battery in Cincinnati, Ohio?
For most cases, simple assault is classified as a first-degree misdemeanor under Ohio law. If you are convicted, you could face up to 180 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.
The court can also order you to pay restitution to the victim to cover medical bills or other expenses related to the incident. Even if you have no prior criminal history, the consequences of a simple assault conviction can seriously impact your life and your future.
What Defenses Can Be Raised if I’m Arrested for Battery?
If you’re arrested for assault in Cincinnati, a strong defense can improve your chances of a favorable outcome. The available defenses will depend on the facts of your case, but here are some common ones your criminal defense lawyer can use:
Self-Defense
You have the legal right to defend yourself if someone else threatens or uses force against you. To successfully use this defense, you’ll need to show you genuinely believed you were in immediate danger and that your response was necessary under the circumstances. Evidence like witness statements, medical records, and video footage can help. If your response was reasonable and proportionate to the threat you faced, you could avoid a conviction.
Lack of Intent or Recklessness
In Ohio, simple assault involves “knowingly” or recklessly causing harm. If you did not intend to hurt anyone and your behavior wasn’t reckless under the law, this defense may apply to your situation. You might have accidentally made contact or been involved in an incident where any injury was not a foreseeable result of your actions. Providing your own account, supporting witness statements, and video evidence can support this argument.
False Accusation or Mistaken Identity
It’s not uncommon for the wrong person to be accused in moments of confusion or anger, especially if multiple people were involved in an altercation. Sometimes, a misunderstanding, personal conflict, or even intentional deception by the alleged victim or witnesses can lead to a false accusation.
If you have proof you weren’t at the scene or evidence that you were there but weren’t involved, this can raise doubt in your involvement. Demonstrating that law enforcement identified the wrong person or relied on unreliable testimony is a strong strategy to challenge assault charges.
If you need help with a battery charge in Cincinnati, our team is here to help. Don’t hesitate to contact us as soon as you’re ready to get started.
Facing battery charges can be an incredibly overwhelming experience. Fortunately, you never have to handle it alone. Working with the right lawyer helps you fight back and can make a significant difference in how the case turns out, making it more likely to end up in your favor.
We have the experience and commitment needed to counter the prosecution’s tactics. Contact Suhre & Associates to schedule a free consultation with a Cincinnati battery attorney.
