Assault & Battery Lawyers in West Virginia, Ohio, & Pennsylvania
Assault and battery charges can lead to jail time, fines, and a lasting criminal record. At Polverini & Wiater, PLLC, we defend clients against these charges and work to protect their futures.
Understanding Assault & Battery Charges
Assault involves threats or attempts to cause harm, while battery involves actual physical contact. These charges can be misdemeanors or felonies depending on the circumstances, such as use of weapons or injury severity.
Common Assault & Battery Cases
- Bar fights or public altercations
- Domestic-related disputes
- Assault with a deadly weapon
- Self-defense cases mischaracterized as assault
- Aggravated assault with serious bodily injury
What’s at Stake in Assault & Battery Cases
- Jail or prison time depending on severity
- Fines, probation, or community service
- Restraining orders and loss of firearm rights
- Permanent criminal record affecting jobs and housing
- Collateral consequences in family or custody disputes
How We Handle Assault & Battery Defense
- Investigate the Incident – Witness statements, video footage, and police reports.
- Raise Defenses – Self-defense, defense of others, or lack of intent.
- Challenge Evidence – Highlight inconsistencies in prosecution’s case.
- Seek Reductions – Negotiating for lesser charges or alternative sentencing.
Assault & Battery FAQs
These FAQs are provided for general informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. For advice about your specific situation, please contact our office directly.
Can self-defense be a valid defense?
Yes — if force used was reasonable under the circumstances.
What if the victim doesn’t want to press charges?
Prosecutors may still pursue the case, but cooperation matters.
Are assault charges always felonies?
No — many are misdemeanors, but severity and circumstances matter.
Assault & Battery Lawyers in West Virginia, Ohio, & Pennsylvania.
Will a conviction affect my gun rights?
Yes, certain convictions can permanently bar firearm possession.
Can these charges be expunged?
In some cases — eligibility depends on state law and case outcome.
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