what kind of lawyer do i contact if i am accused of assault

by Buford Pollich 6 min read

If you have been charged with assault and battery, you should immediately contact a well qualified and experienced criminal defense attorney to guide you through the legal process and help you assert any possible defenses.

If you are wrongly accused of a crime, and to get the best outcome for your case, it is important to consult with a defense lawyer. A criminal defense attorney knows who to contact on behalf of their client when they get hired.

Full Answer

What should I do if I am accused of assault?

For more information on assaults and batteries, and links to each state's approach to these crimes (including aggravated assaults and assaults with dangerous weapons), see Assault and Battery. If you have been accused of assault, the first thing you should do is realize that this is a serious criminal offense and it should not be taken lightly.

How do I get a lawyer to defend against child abuse?

Find a lawyer in your state who has experience in defending against child abuse allegations and a record of diligence, integrity, and success. NCRJ may be able to help you locate such an attorney.

Does assault always involve physical contact?

Contrary to popular belief, assault does not always involve some type of physical contact, at least not when it comes to civil liability.

What do I need to file an assault lawsuit?

If you are going to file an assault lawsuit, there are a few main elements you must be able to prove: 1 an intentional action on the part of the defendant 2 the defendant's intention to cause apprehension of harm, and 3 your resulting reasonable apprehension of immediate harm. More ...

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How do you deal with false accusations of assault?

Anyone falsely accused of assault is encouraged to:Cooperate with the police when being arrested. ... Invoke your right to remain silent.Contact an attorney as soon as possible after your arrest.Gather evidence on your behalf.Refrain from all contact with the person you are accused of assaulting.More items...

How do you protect yourself from false accusations?

These are:seek the help of a criminal defense attorney,conduct a pre-file investigation,gather evidence to support your side of the story,obtain evidence to impeach the accuser, and.take a private polygraph test.

What do you do when someone accuses you of something you didn't do?

What to Do If You Are Charged With a Crime That You Did Not...Realize the seriousness of the accusations. ... Understand the cost of a defense. ... Intervene before charges. ... Take no action. ... Gather any physical evidence and documents. ... Obtain witness contact information. ... Investigation. ... Plea bargain.

What is it called when someone accuses you of something you didn't do?

False Accusations—Defamation of Character by Libel or Slander.

How do you move on after being falsely accused?

In the longer termKeep in touch with family and friends, and keep talking.Make use of FACT's support, come to FACT conferences and speak to other members of. ... Continue to visit your doctor, and take medication if prescribed.You will feel better if you can take active steps to regain some control of the situation.More items...•

What is it called when someone accuses you of something they are doing?

Gaslighters — people who try to control others through manipulation — will often accuse you of behaviors that they are engaged in themselves. This is a classic manipulation tactic.

Can I sue for false accusations?

You could sue them for libel or slander. Technically these crimes are torts rather than criminal offences so an arrest wouldn't occur.

What is a false accusation called?

Whether slander or libel, a false accusation of a particularly serious crime may be considered by a court as an offense that is "actionable per se," or "defamatory per se." In other words, whether written or spoken, a false allegation against you of a serious crime, such as rape or murder, can be the basis of a ...

What is false accusation of a crime?

A false accusation is a claim or allegation of wrongdoing that is untrue and/or otherwise unsupported by facts. False accusations are also known as groundless accusations or unfounded accusations or false allegations or false claims.

What to do if you are accused of gaslighting?

Here are eight tips for responding and taking back control.First, make sure it's gaslighting. ... Take some space from the situation. ... Collect evidence. ... Speak up about the behavior. ... Remain confident in your version of events. ... Focus on self-care. ... Involve others. ... Seek professional support.

When someone is guilty how do they react?

A guilty person will tends to have more emotionally-charged dialogue with you. "Someone harboring a guilty conscience may be quick to jump to extreme anger when questioned," therapist Dana Koonce, MA, LMFT, tells Bustle. "Because they are perceiving you as a 'threat,' fight or flight is activated.

What do you call someone who accuses without evidence?

Delator is a professional accuser. to blame (someone) for something wrong or illegal : to say that someone is guilty of a fault or crime. Follow this answer to receive notifications. answered May 23, 2014 at 14:50.

Why is it important to have an attorney?

Because of this, an attorney is absolutely critical. He or she can help you overcome a false accusation by uncovering or disproving evidence, negotiating a deal, removing the accuser’s credibility, and more.

What happens during a trial?

A lot can happen during a trial that can damage your reputation and livelihood , even if false accusations are at play. For example, imagine being falsely accused of assault of a coworker (for which you might need an aggravated assault attorney Houston ).

Can you sue someone for false accusations?

There are laws against false accusations. If you can prove that you were accused falsely, then you have the option to turn around and use your attorney to sue the false accuser.

Can you sue a false accuser?

If you are able to prove your innocence, then you might want to consider suing the false accuser. A lot can happen during a trial that can damage your reputation and livelihood, even if false accusations are at play. For example, imagine being falsely accused of assault of a coworker (for which you might need an aggravated assault attorney Houston ). You’ll likely lose your job, your salary, your reputation, and personal relationships in the process of the trial.

How to defend yourself against assault?

If you have been accused of assault, the first thing you should do is realize that this is a serious criminal offense and it should not be taken lightly. Defendants should never think that because they are innocent, they could never be found guilty. Many innocent people get convicted of crimes they did not commit. Therefore, it is important to take the necessary steps to defend yourself. These might include: 1 Prepare for the cost of your defense. Unless a court determines that you cannot pay for the cost of your defense (and gives you appointed counsel), you will need to hire a lawyer. It is never a good idea to represent yourself in a criminal matter. 2 Preserve evidence and document your case. Write down the details of the events, and preserve any physical evidence. Make a list of all potential witnesses that may be able to help your case. 3 Educate yourself. You're about to become part of the criminal justice system. It's a good idea to learn a little about what to expect. 4 Know your rights. If you are questioned by the police, you have the right to remain silent. It is in your best interest not to answer any questions without the advice of legal counsel.

What is assault crime?

An assault is a crime that's defined in different ways, depending on the state. Under one approach, it involves intentionally making another person feel that they are about to be physically harmed, or trying to hit or strike someone but missing. Actually connecting is called a "battery.". No actual physical injury is needed to establish assault ...

What is the difference between assault and battery?

Other states do away with the assault versus battery distinction, and describe an assault as attempting or succeeding in striking someone, and a battery as an actual blow.

What is it called when someone is trying to hit someone but missing?

An assault is a crime that's defined in different ways, depending on the state. Under one approach, it involves intentionally making another person feel that they are about to be physically harmed, or trying to hit or strike someone but missing. Actually connecting is called a "battery." No actual physical injury is needed to establish assault under this approach.

What is an assault in personal injury?

In the realm of personal injury law, assault is a purposeful act by one person that creates a fear of imminent harmful or offensive contact in another. In legalese, an assault is known as an " intentional tort " when it is made the subject of a civil case.

What is the purpose of a civil assault lawsuit?

The purpose of a civil lawsuit is to provide compensation to the victim, to be paid by the perpetrator.

What is the difference between assault and wrongful act?

A wrongful act (intentional or otherwise) usually requires " damages " (injury or harm of some kind) in order to be actionable, and assault cases are no different. In an assault case, damages can include physical injuries and the cost to treat those injuries, lost income, and other more subjective harm. Here's a breakdown of the different kinds of damages that may result from an assault.

What are the elements of assault?

If you are going to file an assault lawsuit, there are a few main elements you must be able to prove: an intentional action on the part of the defendant. the defendant's intention to cause apprehension of harm, and. your resulting reasonable apprehension of immediate harm.

Did the bat hit you in the head?

In showing you the bat, he accidentally knocked you in the head with it, causing a small cut. In this instance, no assault occurred. There was no intention to cause fear of harm, you were not apprehensive and, in fact, you consented to touching the bat.

Is assault a crime?

Most people likely think of "assault" as a crime, but it's also the kind of wrongful act that can form the basis of a personal injury lawsuit. Here's what you need to know.

Does liability insurance cover assault?

That's because no liability insurance policy will cover an intentional act like assault, so only the defendant will be on the financial hook. If you sue a defendant who has little in the way of assets, you'll soon find out that winning money in court isn't the same as collecting it.

Christian K. Lassen II

As my colleagues have already indicated, a personal injury attorney is likely your best option in pursuing any recovery from the guest and the hotel. To preserve your claim, make sure your injuries and the event itself are well documented.

Stewart C Crawford Jr

get all appropriate medical care,and contact a local injury lawyer. Try Mr. Lassen who posts all the time on Avvo, and who you can search on avvo to find his contact info.

Robert Bruce Kopelson

I am sorry to hear about your trouble. A personal injury attorney can help you pursue a prospective case against your assailant and any other parties that may be responsible for what occurred (EG: the hotel, the police department, etc.). If you would like to call my office tomorrow, I can give you some additional insight. Joseph D. Lento...

David B Pittman

You need an injury lawyer. Your lawyer needs to investigate if the hotel is liable for a lack of security.

Why do lawyers take the accusations lightly?

This is because they often take the accusations lightly. Their innocence tends to blind them from seeing the imminent danger. With such an attitude, they often prison without knowing it. Eventually, the lawyers will have a hard time proving your innocence.

What to say when accusing someone of a crime?

Many clients usually say ‘If I just have a few words with the accuser, I may save myself.’ We have never seen that turn out well. Once you are accused, such thoughts should be discarded from your mind immediately. Having any contact with your accuser can make matters worse than they are. By doing that, you will be helping the complainant to build a strong case.

How do accusers get what they want?

Some accusers usually want to run things fast and get what they want. The only way they can do this is by convincing you to enter a plea deal. We strongly advise that you should not fall for it. A plea deal is where you are asked to plead guilty in exchange to some leniency. Most plea deals tend to reduce your sentence.

How do plea deals reduce sentences?

Most plea deals tend to reduce your sentence. No matter how good the plea deal is, try and avoid it as much as possible. Any great lawyer will tell you to keep off the plea deal and take your chances. You might end up taking a plea deal, and yet you would have won the case.

What to say when arrested in court?

During your arrest, the police will read your rights as they handcuff you. The only phrase to pay attention to is ‘You have the right to remain silent.’ As lawyers, we always advise our clients to make use of that rightfully. Keep your mouth completely shut. This is because anything you say can and will be used against you in the court of law.

What does a good attorney look for in a case?

A good attorney will look at every angle and collect all the evidence without living any behind. These include text messages, call logs, and anything to prove you are being accused falsely. This is the only way you will be able to prove that you are not the perpetrator.

How to avoid making matters worse?

This is because anything you say can and will be used against you in the court of law. To avoid making matters worse, simply ask for a lawyer. So far, those are the only words you should utter. Exercising this right will give us an easy time when dealing with the case.

What to do if your lawyer feels it is possible to argue your case without doing so?

So, even if your lawyer feels it is possible to argue your case without doing so, demand that she call expert witnesses who can assess interviewing techniques or discuss human suggestibility or memory distortion. In addition, convictions are won by convincing juries that you are an evil and perverted person.

What to do if you can't hire a lawyer?

If you can’t hire the best, and must work with someone without experience in these cases, insist that your lawyer consult an expert. If the lawyer refuses, get another one. If you must use a public defender, try to insist on one who will listen to your questions and return your phone calls. Public defenders are often underpaid and overworked, but many are dedicated and competent.

What to do if you are innocent?

If you are innocent, you have nothing to be ashamed of. It is important to contact friends and family members early in the process. Tell them what happened. People tend to form opinions quickly and take sides. Do not give a statement to the police without a lawyer present.

What happens when you are falsely accused?

When you are falsely accused, it is easy to become depressed, feel overwhelmed, and want to give up. Do everything you can to maintain your sanity and sense of humor. Many people beat these charges, recover from the trauma, and go back to live happy lives. The NCRJ is here to help you.

How to lose supporters?

Keep the story simple. Rambling on and providing too many details is a good way to lose potential supporters. Practice with friends. Come up with just a few important points that you want to stress. Explain the basic facts of your case quickly, simply, and convincingly. You can always fill in the details later in response to questions.

Can you give a statement to the police?

Do not give a statement to the police without a lawyer present. In spite of the founding legal principle that everyone is assumed innocent until proven guilty, in cases of alleged child abuse, police, district attorneys, social workers, and physicians often assume guilt. It is also legal for police to lie to you during interrogations, saying things like, “We have proof that you are guilty, so you might as well confess and we’ll go easy on you.”

Can a guilty verdict send you to prison?

Don’t panic. Just before trial, it hits home for many people that a guilty verdict could send them to prison for many years. If offered a plea bargain, they accept it.

What to do after being assaulted at work?

No matter if you knew the person or you were assaulted by a stranger, one of the first things to do after a workplace assault is to contact the police and file a criminal complaint against your attacker. In most cases of assault at work, there are enough witnesses (coworkers or customers) to give the police probable cause to arrest the attacker under criminal charges.

What happens after an assault at work?

Protect your rights after an assault at work. In addition to workers’ comp, your employer and the attacker may be liable for your damages.

How to notify your employer of your injury?

Notify Your Employer: As soon as you’re able, tell your employer you were injured on the job. File a Workers’ Comp Claim: Telling your employer isn’t enough. You have to file your worker’s comp claim before your state’s deadline. Your employer should give you a claim form and instructions.

What is the fourth category of workplace violence?

Personal relationships. The fourth category of workplace violence, personal relationships, almost always targets women. When you’ve been violently injured on the job, you have a right to expect compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and more.

How to get help for a job attack?

Get Medical Care: Get immediate medical attention for your injuries. If you aren’t taken directly to the hospital or urgent care, get a medical evaluation as soon as possible. Don’t wait a few days to see if you’ll feel better later. Make sure the medical provider knows you were attacked while on the job.

Can you be covered for assault on your employer?

If you were performing duties on behalf of your employer when the assault occurred, you could still be covered even if you were off-the-clock.

Can an employer file a personal injury claim against an employer?

If the employers’ gross negligence contributed to the assault, or the employer failed to carry workers’ comp insurance, the injured worker has the right to file a personal injury claim against the employer. Most courts provide an opportunity for victims of violent crimes to seek restitution from the attacker, or at least give a victim impact ...

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Accused of Assault

Steps to Take If You've Been Falsely Accused of Assault

  • Even short of a conviction, an accusation of assault can be damaging. Therefore, it's important to take the necessary steps to defend yourself. These might include: 1. Prepare for the cost of your defense. Unless a court determines that you cannot pay for the cost of your defense (and gives you appointed counsel), you will need to hire a lawyer. It is never a good idea to represent yourse…
See more on criminaldefenselawyer.com

Defenses to Assault Charges

  • Sometimes people make false allegations of assault, for a variety of reasons. These might include: 1. You may have been falsely accused due to mistaken identity. 2. You may have acted inself-defense. 3. You may have acted in defense of anotherperson around you.
See more on criminaldefenselawyer.com

The Importance of Hiring A Lawyer

  • A person falsely accused of committing a crime faces the same challenges as any criminal defendant and requires competent legal counsel. Skilled and knowledgeable criminal defense lawyers know their way around the criminal justice system and can navigate through the complex legal system on your behalf.
See more on criminaldefenselawyer.com

What Is Assault?

  • In the realm of personal injury law, assault is a purposeful act by one person that creates a fear of imminent harmful or offensive contact in another. In legalese, an assault is known as an "intentional tort" when it is made the subject of a civil case. Contrary to popular belief, assault does not always involve some type of physical contact, at least not when it comes to civil liabilit…
See more on alllaw.com

Elements of Assault

  • If you are going to file an assault lawsuit, there are a few main elements you must be able to prove: 1. an intentional action on the part of the defendant 2. the defendant's intention to cause apprehension of harm, and 3. your resulting reasonable apprehension of immediate harm. Take the following example: You are waiting at a bus stop after a bas...
See more on alllaw.com

Injuries and Damages in Assault Lawsuits

  • A wrongful act (intentional or otherwise) usually requires "damages" (injury or harm of some kind) in order to be actionable, and assault cases are no different. In an assault case, damages can include physical injuries and the cost to treat those injuries, lost income, and other more subjective harm. Here's a breakdown of the different kinds of damages that may result from an …
See more on alllaw.com

Should You Sue?

  • Even if you've got an excellent case—witnesses who will testify to the assault, a conviction from the related criminal case, etc. —you'll need to consider the financial side of filing an assault lawsuit. The purpose of a civil lawsuitis to provide compensation to the victim, to be paid by the perpetrator. If the person who assaulted you doesn't have significant assets, there may not be m…
See more on alllaw.com