In Indiana, it is a Class B misdemeanor to touch another person or to place any bodily fluid or waste on another person in a “rude, insolent, or angry manner.” Battery is a Class A misdemeanor if the action results in bodily injury to another person. If someone has accused you of battery or another violent crime, such as assault, sexual assault, kidnapping, harassment, manslaughter, or homicide, retain one of the violent crimes attorneys at Banks & Brower right away. We are your source for results-driven criminal defense representation in Indianapolis.
Understanding Indiana Battery and Violent Crime Statutes
At Banks & Brower, our criminal defense attorneys in Indianapolis have more than 80 years of combined experience. We’ve helped hundreds of clients with cases involving battery and violent crime charges throughout Indiana. It’s our job to become sources of information, help, and comfort to people accused and arrested for violent crimes. We might be able to help you, too, after an arrest for battery in Indianapolis. Here’s what Indiana law says about violent crimes:
- Battery is a misdemeanor in most situations but can become a Level 6 felony if the offense results in moderate bodily injury or if the defendant commits battery against a public safety official, someone under 14 years of age, someone with a mental or physical disability, an endangered adult, or a family or household member.
- Battery is a Level 5 felony if it results in serious bodily injury, if the offender commits it with deadly weapon, if it results in injury to a pregnant woman, if it is a second offense against the same victim, or if it causes bodily injury to a public safety official, someone under the age of 14, a disabled person, or an endangered adult. Battery can escalate all the way to a Level 2 felony if it results in the death of a minor or an endangered adult.
- Domestic battery is a separate charge, in which a person knowingly and maliciously touches an individual who is or was a spouse, living as a spouse, or someone the defendant has a child in common with. Domestic battery can range from a Class A misdemeanor to a Level 6 felony depending on the situation. Speak to one of our Indianapolis domestic violence lawyers if you have additional questions.
Someone in Indiana could also face charges of aggravated battery, criminal recklessness, hazing, provocation, overpass mischief, or strangulation under the same section of law, called “Battery and Related Offenses.” Penalties for different forms of battery can range from days to years in prison, as well as thousands of dollars in fines and a permanent criminal record. The penalties are worse for more serious violent crimes, such as murder or rape. It’s imperative to talk to our criminal defense lawyers in Indianapolis as soon as you can after police arrest you for a violent crime. Prompt legal action could save you from serious trouble.
Retain Experienced Defense Attorneys in Indianapolis
Crimes involving harm or threats of harm against another person are serious infractions in Indiana. Law enforcement officials, prosecutors, judges, and juries can be difficult parties to convince of a defendant’s innocence when it comes to violent crimes. The defense lawyer you retain can make a big difference in the outcome of your case. Banks & Brower has the knowledge and experience to provide comprehensive and strategic legal counsel for cases involving alleged battery or violent crime. When you’re facing dire consequences for an alleged crime, seek our legal representation immediately.
During a free consultation with one of our Indianapolis criminal defense lawyers, you can learn your rights and potential legal options under law. There could be defense strategies at your disposal, such as self-defense, defense of others, defense of property, or consent. A free conversation with one of our lawyers could open your eyes to your opportunities for defense, a plea deal, reduced penalties, or even the dismissal of the case against you. As soon as you can make a phone call following an arrest for battery, call (317) 870-0019 to get in touch with Banks & Brower. We want to fight for your rights.
