Battery Charges in Indianapolis: Defenses and Penalties

If you are facing battery charges in Indianapolis, you may wonder what your charges mean and the penalties you will face if convicted. You may wonder what defenses are available for use in your case. In this article, we explain the meaning of battery, the potential defenses against battery charges, and the possible penalties for battery charges in Indianapolis.

What Is Battery?                                                      

According to Indiana Code 35-42-2-1, battery is the unwanted touching of another individual angrily, rudely, or insultingly. It is when you knowingly or intentionally put body fluids or waste on a person in an angry, rude, or insulting manner

Defenses Against Battery Charges in Indianapolis

Just because you are facing battery charges does not automatically mean you are guilty of the charges you are facing. You have the right to defend yourself. If you are facing battery charges in Indianapolis, contact a qualified criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. A skilled criminal defense attorney can help you develop a strong defense strategy.

The following are some of the possible defenses against battery charges in Indianapolis;

Self-defense and Defense of Others or Property

According to Indiana law, you have the right to use reasonable force to protect yourself from the imminent use of illegal force. You are also justified to use reasonable force to protect another person or property if you have a good reason to believe a threat is valid. However, if you provoke someone, you do not have the right to defend yourself, another person, or property.

Lack of Intent

To be convicted of battery, it must be proven that you intended to contact or cause contact with another person. Therefore, accidentally bumping into someone does not constitute battery, no matter how offensive the “victim” may consider the situation to be.

Level of Injuries

For instance, if you are facing felony battery charges, you can argue that the charges cannot be proven because the victim only suffered minor injuries.

Penalties of Battery Charges in Indianapolis

Battery crimes in Indianapolis are punishable by monetary fines, imprisonment, or probation. The specific penalties depend on, among other things, the severity of the crime, injuries inflicted, and your criminal history. However, felony charges usually attract more severe penalties than misdemeanor charges.

Contact an Indianapolis Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you are facing battery or assault charges, contact a skilled Indianapolis criminal defense lawyer at Rigney Law LLC.

Source:

iga.in.gov/laws/2023/ic/titles/35#35-42-2-1