Aggravated battery is an extremely serious crime. Convictions can come with significant consequences. If you face aggravated battery charges, you should fight them vigorously to try to avoid penalties and keep from getting a criminal record.

Hiring an Atlanta aggravated battery lawyer from Rafus Law could really help you. Our experienced battery attorney understands the severity of these charges and could build a strong defense against them.

What Is Aggravated Battery?

An individual commits aggravated battery when they maliciously cause substantial bodily harm to another person that results in a severe or permanent injury, disfigurement, or the loss of use of a body part. For example, the victim may lose a leg or a finger or become blind, or paralyzed.

Under state law, aggravated battery is a serious felony that generally carries a punishment of one to 20 years in prison. If you have been accused of aggravated battery, our trustworthy Atlanta legal team could skillfully represent you.

Reasons for Longer Sentences

Various circumstances can increase or extend prison time in aggravated battery cases. When the charge involves:

  • Someone age 65 or older, prison time is a minimum of five years
  • A pregnant woman, the minimum sentence is five years
  • A public transit vehicle (such as a bus, van, or railcar), prison time increases to a minimum of five years
  • A correction officer, the minimum prison term increases to five years
  • A public safety officer, the minimum mandatory prison time increases to 10 years

The penalties vary, but one thing is constant: You should try to avoid these punishments whenever possible. Our defense attorney at our Atlanta firm could fight your aggravated battery charges.

What Are the Defenses Against Aggravated Battery?

As our legal team in our Atlanta office could tell you, there are several possible defenses against aggravated battery charges. Below are some options that might apply to your case.

Self-Defense

You can argue that you used a reasonable amount of force to protect yourself from immediate bodily harm or danger. For this defense to be successful, you must be able to prove that your response was proportionate to the perceived threat and that you did not cause the attack. You might also argue that you were defending another person if that were the case.

Lack of Intent

Because aggravated battery is an intentional crime, your defense could be a lack of intent, which means you never intended to cause harm. This defense works best in situations involving accidents.

Mistaken Identity

A mistaken identity defense can be tricky, but you could use it if you are not the person who was accused of committing the crime. This defense will work only if you have sufficient evidence to prove you were not involved in the battery.

Insufficient Evidence

Prosecutors must prove charges beyond a reasonable doubt. In some situations, our defense attorney could cite unreliability to challenge the prosecutor’s evidence and try to create reasonable doubt. A successful challenge could lead to a dismissal or acquittal.

Call Our Atlanta Attorney To Discuss Your Aggravated Battery Case

At Rafus Law, we understand that aggravated battery charges have serious implications. If you face criminal charges such as these, our Atlanta aggravated battery lawyer could assist you with your defense. Contact our firm today to schedule a consultation. We could determine what would be an appropriate course of action for you and could serve as your advocate.