Penal Code Section 245(a)(1) discusses assaults where there was a weapon (other than a firearm) used or where it resulted from the use of force likely to produce great bodily injury. The punishment for this crime is imprisonment in the state prison for 2, 3 or 4 years and/or a $10,000 fine or up to 1 year in the county jail. It can be treated as a misdemeanor or felony depending on the facts and how the prosecutor decides to file charges. If the assault is alleged to have been committed with a semiautomatic handgun, a machine gun, against a peace officer or firefighter, the punishment can be even stiffer. Also, a conviction for a Penal Code Section 245 felony offense may result in a "strike" under California's "Three Strikes" law.

If you have been arrested for/charged with committing a violent crime such as assault with a deadly weapon or by means of force likely to produce great bodily injury in California, you should contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer at the Law Offices of Al F. Amer. As a former prosecutor, I bring extensive trial experience and insight into the courtroom giving my clients a great advantage in their defense. If you are accused of any violent crime, you may be facing serious charges with potentially serious consequences, so please do not hesitate to contact us to talk to an experienced criminal defense lawyer for a free consultation.

The Law Offices of Al F. Amer has offices in Los Angeles and Orange County and an experienced criminal defense lawyer who will defend clients accused of violent crimes such as assault & battery. Contact us online or call us at 714-432-6408.