Why Hiring an Assault and Battery Defense Lawyer Can Change the Outcome of Your Case
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If you’ve been charged with assault and battery, you’re likely facing more than just legal consequences—you’re also dealing with fear, confusion, and uncertainty about what happens next. These cases can escalate quickly and carry serious penalties in Michigan, including jail time, fines, and a permanent criminal record. That’s why hiring an assault and battery defense lawyer in Michigan can be one of the most critical decisions you’ll make.
Too often, people assume they can explain their side and walk away with a slap on the wrist. But the legal system doesn’t work that way. Even a minor altercation can be portrayed as aggressive or dangerous, especially without a solid legal defense.
It May Be More Than Just a Fight As Per the Law
In Michigan, assault and battery are two separate offenses that are often charged together:
- Assault is the threat or attempt to harm someone, even without physical contact.
- Battery occurs when that physical contact is actually made.
You can be charged with assault and battery even if no one was seriously hurt—or even if the other person hit you first. That’s why it’s essential to work with someone who knows how to frame your defense within the reality of Michigan’s legal standards.
What an Assault and Battery Defense Lawyer Does for You
When you’re facing criminal charges, you need someone who will fight for you in and out of court. A seasoned assault and battery defense lawyer in Michigan will:
- Review all evidence and witness statements
- Identify any inconsistencies or errors in the police report
- Argue for self-defense, mutual combat, or lack of intent
- Negotiate with the prosecutor to reduce or dismiss charges
Attorneys from experienced firms like the Law Office of Kevin Bessant & Associates understand how to spot flaws in the case against you—and how to use them to your advantage.
Potential Defenses to Assault and Battery Charges
Every case is different, but a strong assault and battery defense lawyer will explore every angle. Some of the most common legal defenses include:
- Self-defense: You were protecting yourself from an immediate threat.
- Defense of others: You stepped in to protect someone else.
- Lack of intent: The incident was accidental or misinterpreted.
- Consent: Both parties willingly engaged (in cases like mutual fights).
Even if the facts seem stacked against you, the right legal strategy can dramatically change the outcome.
Why the Right Representation Matters
Assault and battery charges can be emotionally charged. Prosecutors often push for the maximum penalty—especially if there are prior offenses or if the incident involved a weapon or occurred in a public space.
An experienced assault and battery defense lawyer in Michigan knows how to push back, offering a fuller picture of the incident and humanizing you in front of the court. This can be the difference between jail time and community service—or between a criminal record and a second chance.
Many people in Michigan have found that working with firms like the Law Office of Kevin Bessant & Associates gives them the confidence and support they need to move forward after being charged.
Conclusion
The stakes in an assault and battery case are too high to leave to chance. If you’re facing charges, a defense lawyer can help you protect your rights, your record, and your future. You need to make sure your defense is in the hands of someone who knows the law, knows the system, and knows how to fight for you.
