An Atlanta mom is facing charges assault after she allegedly started a fight with a high school student at a bus stop. Cell phone videos show that the mother encouraged her son to fight with another teen and then walked up behind another student and pulled his hair. Some reports say she was carrying a bat.
Simple Assault Charges in Georgia
There are several types of assault and battery in Georgia and each comes with its own definition and punishment. The first type is simple assault. This is defined as the attempt to cause a violent injury on a person or putting someone in a situation in which they may be injured. Actual physical contact does not have to take place to violate this law. Simple assault is a misdemeanor but can carry penalties up to one year behind bars, fines up to $1,000, restitution, and probation.
In some situations, simple assault may be elevated to aggravated or high misdemeanor charges. These carry increased penalties. The circumstances that can result in this elevation include assaults involving public transportation, a firearm, or domestic assault, as well as those committed against public school employees, a pregnant woman, a police officer, or a senior citizen.
Aggravated Assault Charges
Aggravated assault is defined as assaulting a person with the intention of raping, robbing, or murdering the person with a deadly weapon or other object that could be used offensively against someone, or by shooting a firearm from inside a vehicle toward another person. This is a felony crime and can result in punishment of up to 20 years in prison, significant fines, and restitution.
Simple Battery Charges
This crime is defined as intentionally coming into physical contact in a manner that is insulting or provoking with the intent of causing physical harm to a person. It is a misdemeanor crime and can result in up to one year in jail, fines up to $1,000, restitution, and probation. Just like in simple assault charges, this crime can be elevated to an aggravated or high misdemeanor that will result in increased penalties.
Aggravated Battery Charges
Aggravated battery is defined as the malicious and intentional infliction of serious injury to another person including loss of use of a limb, loss of a limb, or other serious disfigurement. It is a felony charge and can result in significant fines, up to 20 years in prison, and restitution.
Contact an Experienced Georgia Criminal Defense Attorney Today
If you are facing any type of battery or assault charges in Georgia it is vital that you have an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side. Being convicted of a felony crime can have devastating, life-long consequences. It can make it difficult, if not impossible, to get a loan, continue your education, rent a home, or get a job.
The attorneys at Lankford & Moore Law know that facing criminal charges is intimidating and scary, but we promise to do everything possible to reduce the penalties against you and ensure your rights are protected. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.