Potential Penalties for Assaulting a Public Official in San Diego, California

Posted on: November 4th, 2024 by Dod Law

Penalties for Assaulting a Public Official in San Diego

Today’s police officers and other public officials are more likely than ever to experience threats against their safety. Unfortunately, their quick reactions to perceived threats can see people like you wrongfully accused of assaulting a public officer.   Learn more about assaulting a public official in San Diego

Unfortunately, unchallenged accusations of assaulting a public official can leave you facing significant jail time, fines, and social fallout. If you don’t fight back against wrongful accusations, a conviction can even follow you to the workplace, compromising your job once you’re done serving time. Dod Law is here to protect your future from wrongful accusations of assaulting a public official.

What to Know About California’s Efforts to Protect Its Public Officials

California’s laws about simple assault against a public official specifically protect public officials from violence taken in retaliation to official decisions or behavior intent on preventing a public official from carrying out their duties. As such, the prosecution has to go to serious lengths to define assault.

Assault describes threatening behavior, or the act of promising to use force to do harm against another party. Assault is, in other words, specifically the threat of violence. Some of the most common instances of assault include the following:

• Acts likely to result in force
• Willful intent to act aggressively toward another party
• The ability to carry out acts of force at the time of a threat

It’s easy to confuse assault with battery, especially considering that the two charges often go hand-in-hand. 

Possible Penalties for Assaulting a Public Official in California

Assaulting a public official in California constitutes a misdemeanor. This means that parties accused of the assault of a public official are likely to face up to one year in jail in addition to fines of up to $1,000.

However, California’s wobbler law comes into play when considering these cases. If assault turns into battery, or if assault makes a public official fear for their life, the courts may charge the accused with a felony. Felony assault of a public official can see the accused face up to four years in prison on top of additional maximum fines of $10,000, not to mention probation.

California’s judges may also see fit to impose additional consequences onto the accused based on the severity of their alleged assault and any additional criminal activities noted by arresting officers.

How to Challenge Accusations of Assaulting a Public Official in San Diego

You have the right to contact a San Diego criminal defense attorney if you find yourself facing accusations of assaulting a public official. Our team can stand with you during your arraignment and represent you throughout your trial. We’ll brainstorm defenses based on the circumstances that led to your arrest and make a point to challenge any exhibits the prosecution brings against you.

Some common defenses we’ve used to support parties accused of assaulting a public official include the following:

• Your ability to enact violence onto another party
• Self-defense
• Lack of willful action

You may also argue that a public figure is retaliating against you or leveling false accusations against you. 

It’s Time to Contact Dod Law For Expert Defense

California’s public officials benefit from comprehensive legal protections. However, no public official has the right to abuse those protections in an effort to harm the people they serve. If you believe you’re contending with wrongful accusations of assaulting a public officer, and you want to discuss possible defenses, you can call Dod Law.

We can break down the possible penalties for assaulting a public official based on the circumstances that led to your charges.

To schedule a free consultation with a member of our first-class legal team, call us today at our San Diego office (619) 814-5110 | Orange County office 949-681-7020  | Vista office 760-814-6025 | or schedule an appointment by filling out our online contact form