Assault Attorney in Sacramento

Penalties and Collateral Consequences of Assault Convictions in Sacramento

A conviction for assault carries penalties that extend far beyond the courtroom.

Criminal Penalties

• Simple Assault (Misdemeanor): Up to six months in the Sacramento County Jail and fines up to $1,000.
• Assault on a Protected Official: If the victim is a peace officer, EMT, or firefighter, the jail time can increase to one year.
• Felony Assault: Aggravated charges can result in two to four years in state prison and a "strike" under California’s Three Strikes Law.

Life-Altering Consequences

Even a misdemeanor assault conviction can bring consequences such protective orders that restrict where you can go and who you can contact. 

The impact usually does not end when a case is closed. A conviction for a violent offense can affect employment opportunities, professional licenses, housing applications, educational plans, and reputation. For non citizens, certain assault convictions may bring immigration consequences, which is why it is important that your assault attorney understands how criminal and immigration issues can interact.

Proven Defense Strategies for Assault Charges

After an arrest or citation for assault, the defense begins by listening closely to your account before reviewing police reports or other evidence. Understanding your perspective helps identify gaps or one-sided statements in official reports. With that context, the available evidence is gathered and analyzed carefully to determine what the facts truly show and where questions may exist.

Drawing on prior experience as a prosecutor, the attorney evaluates the case as the district attorney might, while looking for weaknesses and viable defenses. Potential strategies are then discussed, including filing motions, negotiating reductions, or preparing for trial. Each option is explained so you can make informed decisions aligned with your goals.

At the Law Office of Mathew Martinez, we don't just wait for the trial; we take a proactive approach to your defense from day one.

• Self-Defense and Defense of Others: California is a "Stand Your Ground" state. If you reasonably believed you were in imminent danger and used proportional force to protect yourself, you have a complete legal defense.
• Inability to Carry Out the Threat: If the circumstances made it physically impossible for you to harm the other person at that moment, the charge of assault cannot stand.
• False Accusations: Assault charges are frequently filed based on nothing more than one person's word. We conduct independent investigations, interview witnesses, and review surveillance footage to uncover the truth behind the allegation.
• Lack of Intent: If your actions were a mistake or lacked the "willful" intent required by law, we fight to have the charges dismissed.

Local Insight In Sacramento Courts

Facing an assault charge in Sacramento is easier with an attorney who regularly practices in the local courts. We defend clients in Sacramento County Superior Court, including the Gordon D. Schaber Courthouse, and understand how cases typically move through these courtrooms. That familiarity allows us to guide clients through the process with realistic expectations.

Court procedures and judicial preferences can vary by county. In Sacramento, arraignments, settlement conferences, and trial settings often follow predictable patterns. Our local experience helps us explain timelines, prepare clients for court appearances, and anticipate how the district attorney may approach different types of assault cases.

Local insight is also important when evaluating possible outcomes. Judges and prosecutors may differ in how they handle probation, treatment options, or first-time offenses versus more serious cases. By comparing your case to others in these courts, we can offer informed advice tailored to your situation.

Talk To An Assault Lawyer in Sacramento Today

An assault accusation can affect your freedom, your record, and your future. You do not have to try to make sense of police reports, court dates, and possible penalties on your own. Speaking with an assault lawyer about your case can help you understand where you stand and what options may be available.

At Law Office of Mathew Martinez, our attorney is a former prosecutor who now focuses on defending people accused of crimes in Sacramento County. We work to anticipate how the State may approach your case, prepare thoroughly, and communicate clearly with you at every stage. Our goal is to answer your questions, explain your choices, and stand between you and the full power of the government.

If you are looking for an assault attorney in Sacramento, we invite you to contact our office. Call (916) 318-5142 to talk with our office about your assault case.