Top Valley, 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 Valley 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.

When to Hire a Lawyer

It is in your best interest to get legal help early on in addressing your situation. There are times when hiring a lawyer quickly is critical to your case, such as if you are charged with a crime. It may also be in your best interest to have a lawyer review the fine print before signing legal documents. A lawyer can also help you get the compensation you deserve if you’ve suffered a serious injury. For issues where money or property is at stake, having a lawyer guide you through the complexities of the legal system can save you time, hassle, and possibly a lot of grief in the long run.

What to Expect from an Initial Consultation

• Seek to determine whether the attorney can represent you. There is no one-size-fits-all legal solution and it may turn out your needs are better served by an attorney in a different specialization.
• It’s important to find a legal ally who is both competent in the law and someone you can trust to protect your interests.
• Discuss how the practice’s billing works and discuss possible additional charges or fees that may arise during or after the resolution of your case.

An attorney consultation should provide you with enough information so that you can make an informed decision on whether to proceed with legal help.

How much does it cost to hire an attorney?

In general, how much an attorney costs will often depend on these four factors: billing method and pricing structure, type of legal work performed, law firm prestige, and attorney experience. Depending on the legal issue you are facing, an attorney may bill you by the hour, settle on a flat fee, or enter into a contingency fee agreement. The type of legal work you need help with will also play a role in cost incurred.

Common legal terms explained

Plaintiff – a person or party who brings a lawsuit against another person(s) or party/parties in a court of law. Private persons or parties can only file suit in civil court.

Judgment – A decision of the court. Also known as a decree or order. Judgments handed down by the court are usually binding on the parties before the court.