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Battery Causing Serious Bodily Injury Pc § 243d

BATTERY CAUSING SERIOUS BODILY INJURY – PC § 243(d)

Determining Battery Causing Serious Bodily Injury

While Section 242 of the Penal Code sets the basic elements of a battery, a prosecutor can also use Section 243(d) when the victim suffered a “serious bodily injury.” In addition, the Penal Code includes specific code sections regarding battery against specified persons such as peace officers, police officers, firefighters, emergency response technicians, school employees, and others. The Penal Code also establishes separate laws regarding battery in the context of domestic violence, sexual battery and elder abuse.

The type of criminal charge depends on the severity of the battery and the circumstances surrounding the crime. California state laws allow a prosecutor to pursue charges of aggravated assault or aggravated battery in the most serious cases. The prosecutor must show an “aggravating circumstance” to elevate the charges against the defendant. For example, use of a deadly weapon is often considered an aggravating circumstance that can elevate a charge to aggravated assault or aggravated battery. Another example of aggravated assault is assault with the intent to commit a felony such as murder or rape.

Is Battery Causing Serious Bodily Injury a Misdemeanor or Felony?

This offense is what is commonly referred to as a “wobbler” meaning it can be charged as a felony or a misdemeanor depending on the circumstances.  This means that your penalties could be as minimal as one year in county jail and/or $1,000 fine, or as great as 4 years in county jail + $10,000 fine. Because the penalties have such a large range, it is crucial to have an attorney on your side as soon as possible.

Pat Carey gets out in front of your criminal case when you contact him immediately.  He can get to the DA before your case is filed and influence the filing process which can lead to lesser charges being filed against you. Pat Carey will ensure the fastest and most efficient results per your matter.

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