Juvenile Crimes: Battery

Law Office of Katie Walsh

Juvenile crimes can be a challenging situation for both parents and their children. When it comes to charges of battery, it is crucial to understand the gravity of the situation and take the appropriate steps to protect your child’s future. At The Law Office of Katie Walsh, we are dedicated to providing the best results possible for our clients. If your child is facing battery charges, it is important to seek the guidance of an experienced Orange County Juvenile Defense Lawyer like Katie Walsh.

What is Battery?

Battery, as defined under Penal Code Section 242-243, occurs when one person touches another without their consent. In the case of minors, battery charges can arise from incidents like fights at school or sports games. It’s important for parents to know that while once these matters were often dealt with internally, they are increasinly resulting in crimnal charges. Depending on the extent of the victim’s injury, battery can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony.

A misdemeanor battery carries a maximum sentence of 1 year in jail, but with a skilled attorney, most misdemeanor battery cases carry little to no jail time. On the other hand, a felony battery under Penal Code Section 243 is punishable by a maximum of 3 years in state prison. It is important to note that certain factors, such as using a weapon during the battery, can escalate the charges to manslaughter or even attempted murder, which carry much higher sentences, including life in prison.

Defenses to Battery

When it comes to juvenile crimes like battery charges, understanding the available defenses is crucial. Here are some key defenses that can be used in these cases:

Lack of intent

If the child did not have the intent to cause harm or engage in violent behavior, it can be a strong defense. Accidents happen, and it’s important to prove that the child did not intentionally harm the other person.

Self-defense

If the child acted out of self-defense, it can be a valid defense. The child must have reasonably believed that they were in immediate danger and that the use of force was necessary to protect themselves.

If the alleged victim consented to the physical contact, it can be a defense. This defense is commonly used when there is a mutual agreement or understanding between the parties involved.

Remember, each case is unique, and it’s essential to consult with an experienced attorney to evaluate the specific circumstances and determine the best defense strategy for your child. Your attorney will ensure that your child’s rights are protected and work towards achieving the best possible outcome.

If your child is facing battery charges, don’t hesitate to reach out to a knowledgeable attorney who specializes in juvenile law. They will guide you through the legal process and advocate for your child’s rights every step of the way. Don’t face this challenging situation alone, let an attorney with experience in this area provide you with the support and guidance you need.

What Should Parents Do If Their Child is Accused of Battery?

If your child is accused of battery, it is essential to take immediate action to protect their rights and future. Here are a few steps you can take:

  1. Stay calm and supportive: Your child needs your emotional support during this challenging time. Ensure that they understand you are there to support them and help them navigate the legal process.
  2. Consult with a qualified attorney: Reach out to an experienced Orange County Juvenile Defense Lawyer like Katie Walsh. A skilled attorney will guide you through the legal proceedings, help evaluate the evidence against your child, and work towards the best possible outcome.
  3. Gather evidence: If possible, collect any evidence that may be favorable to your child’s defense, such as witness statements, surveillance footage, or any other relevant information. Share this evidence with your attorney.
  4. Attend court hearings: Be present for your child’s court hearings to show your support and to better understand the legal process. Your attorney will guide you on the appropriate actions to take during these hearings.
  5. Communicate openly with your attorney: Maintain open communication with your attorney and provide them with any information that may be relevant to the case. This will help them build a strong defense strategy and advocate for your child’s rights.

Remember, being proactive and seeking professional assistance is crucial when your child is facing battery charges. The Law Office of Katie Walsh is here to provide compassionate support and aggressive defense for our clients.

Contact a Orange County Juvenile Defense Lawyer

At The Law Office of Katie Walsh, we understand the complexity of juvenile cases, particularly when it comes to battery charges. Our team is dedicated to providing top-notch legal representation to parents and their children. You can trust our experience and skill to protect your child’s rights and secure the best possible outcome. Call us today at (714) 351-0178 or contact us online to schedule a consultation and protect your child’s future.

Client Reviews

I hired attorney Katie Walsh to help my son when he was found with a large amount of drugs on school campus. She got us through the Expulsion Hearing, and miraculously he can go back to school at the winter semester...

AR- parent of minor client

I hired Katie Walsh to have my felony convictions expunged. She was able to expunge my record within 6 weeks of me giving her all the information. Even though technically I had a probation violation, and therefore the...

AR, criminal client

My 16 year old son was charged with possession of Marijuana, HS 11357(b). I was very concerned about what would happen to him and how this would affect his future. I contacted Ms. Walsh and she assured me that everything...

CT, parent of juvenile client

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DH - Parent of Juvenile client

I hired Katie Walsh to represent my son on sexual abuse allegations- P.C. 288(a) and P.C. 288(b)- they were Strike Charges. After negotiating with the D.A., she got all the strike charges dismissed, and got my son...

DR- mother of juvenile client

Katie Walsh was fantastic throughout this entire process! My 13 year old son was charged with two counts of lewd act on a minor, PC 288(a) and was in juvenile hall. After hiring Ms. Walsh, she GOT MY SON OUT OF JAIL and...

EG, parent of juvenile client

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GK,TK, parents of juvenile client

Ms. Walsh was a life saver when I didn't know what was going on, or how to handle the situation. My young daughter was attacked at her middle school and was seriously injured. At a time when both the school and the...

HA, mother of 13 year old Victim Rights client

I hired Katie Walsh to seal my juvenile record of PC 288(a) (lewd act on a minor), after my request had been denied by a Judge and by the Probation Department. After speaking with Probation, the DA and the Judge at a...

JW, former juvenile client

I was charged with a Felony Conspiracy charge- PC 182. After hiring Ms. Walsh she got my charged reduced to a misdemeanor right away, and now I just have to do community service and in 6 months my entire case will be...

KP, juvenile client

Ms. Walsh was like a breath of fresh air throughout this entire process. I was uncertain about the outcome, but she told me everything would be ok- and it was. She had my juvenile record sealed within 3 months of...

LR, former juvenile client

Ms. Walsh got the judge to terminate my son's probation and seal his 2 juvenile cases (Penal Code 288(a) and Penal Code 242) even though he had violated my probation by picking up a new case. By getting his record sealed...

MB- mother of juvenile client

At a very difficult time in my life I contacted attorney Katie Walsh. I am a teacher and was being harassed/stalked by a parent at my school. I wanted a Restraining Order against this person. Ms. Walsh listened to me...

MB, restraining order client

My son was charged with Lewd Conduct, P.C. 647 out of Downey, CA. After hiring Ms. Walsh, she spoke with the District Attorney, Probation, and the Judge. Even though the judge was not pleased with the offer, she was able...

MG, parent of minor

It is with sincere gratitude that I send this recommendation As a parent of a child that was arrested on a Felony Domestic Abuse charge and over 2000 miles away I had to rely on friend of a friends word that you would...

MPF, mother of criminal client

I really liked having Ms. Walsh as my attorney. She visited me in Juvenile Hall. I was charged with four counts of Robbery (Penal Code 211). This was my 8th juvenile petition. Ms. Walsh got 2 of the robbery charges...

MU, juvenile client

I was arrested for a felony Domestic charge, PC 273.5(a). After I hired Katie Walsh, my entire case was dismissed. I never had to appear in court. I felt very comfortable with Ms. Walsh- she was easy to speak with...

NF, criminal client

Katie was instrumental in helping me with a criminal matter as an advocate for me and my children when I was a named victim in a DV case. She patiently and expediently addressed all of my questions and was an invaluable...

RG

My daughter was pulled over arrested for having a Fake ID. After hiring Ms. Walsh my daughter did not have to plead guilty- which would have affected her license status. She did community service, completed a legal...

RS

My 14 year old daughter was involved in an assault and battery- PC 240/242, in Irvine. After hiring Katie Walsh the case was not referred to Court. My daughter was able to complete a class and the case will be dismissed...

SG, mother a juvenile client

My son was charged with possession of Child Pornography P.C. 311.11(a) - a charge I did not realize a child could be guilty of! As parents were beside ourselves when we found this out, and contacted Katie Walsh. She...

SH- mother of juvenile client

From San Diego I contacted Ms. Walsh about sealing my juvenile record in Orange County regarding a Petty Theft charge. She was always very responsive to any of my questions, and consistently kept me updated. Even though...

XL, juvenile client

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