Top Montevallo, AL Aggravated Battery Lawyers Near You

Have You Been Charged With Aggravated Battery?

An aggravated battery criminal offense is a more serious version of battery and imposes a more severe sentence if you are convicted. Contact a Montevallo a aggravated battery defense attorney today to protect your legal rights and receive the best representation available.

The Difference Between Battery and Aggravated Battery

The unlawful physical contact with another person is a battery. Examples include punching someone in the nose or engaging in a bar fight. Battery can be simple or aggravated. A simple battery is generally considered a misdemeanor and is punishable by a fine and less than one year in jail. An aggravated battery is considered a more serious offense. It is a felony, and its punishments are accordingly more severe. To aggravate a charge of battery the perpetrator must use a deadly weapon, inflict serious bodily harm, or batter a child or officer of the law.

How an Attorney Can Help

An attorney can often resolve your particular legal issue faster and better than trying to do it alone. A lawyer can help you navigate the legal system, while avoiding costly mistakes or procedural errors. You should seek out an attorney whose practice focuses on the area of law most relevant to your issue.

Top Questions to Ask a Lawyer

• What is the usual process to resolve my case? How long will it take to resolve this?
• What are likely outcomes of a case like mine? What should I expect?

An experienced lawyer should be able to communicate a basic “road map” on how to proceed. The lawyer should be able to walk you through the anticipated process, key considerations, and potential pitfalls to avoid. Once you’ve laid out the facts of your situation to the lawyer, he/she should be able to frame expectations and likely scenarios to help you understand your legal issue.

Points to Consider Before Hiring a Lawyer

Experience. Regardless of the type of legal matter you need help with, an experienced attorney will usually be able to get you better results.

Competence. Determine an attorney’s expertise by asking about their track record for the issue you need help with resolving.

Fit. There are plenty of good attorneys out there; make sure you find one you are comfortable working with.

Common legal terms explained

Pro se – This Latin term refers to representing yourself in court instead of hiring professional legal counsel. Pro se representation can occur in either criminal or civil cases.

Statute – Refers to a law created by a legislative body. For example, the laws enacted by Congress are statutes.

Subject matter jurisdiction – Requirement that a particular court have authority to hear the claim based on the specific type of issue brought to the court. For example, the U.S. Bankruptcy Court only has subject matter jurisdiction over bankruptcy filings, therefore it does not have the authority to render binding judgment over other types of cases, such as divorce.