
Assault and battery charges are among the most serious allegations you can face in Michigan. Whether you’ve been accused of a simple assault, aggravated assault, or any variation in between, the consequences—potential jail time, heavy fines, a permanent criminal record, and lasting damage to your reputation—demand immediate, skilled legal representation. At the Law Offices of Joseph A. Simon, PLLC, we understand the gravity of these charges and bring 35+ years of dedicated experience to your defense.
In Michigan, assault and battery are distinct offenses, though they are often charged together. Assault involves the attempt to commit a violent injury to another person or an intentional act that places another in reasonable apprehension of immediately receiving a violent injury. Battery is the actual physical contact—intentionally striking, hitting, or otherwise physically harming another person. The severity of charges can range from misdemeanor simple assault to felonious assault or assault with intent to murder, depending on the circumstances, weapons involved, injuries sustained, and your relationship to the alleged victim.
Assault and battery cases are rarely as straightforward as prosecutors present them. What may appear to be an open-and-shut case often contains critical details and legal nuances that can mean the difference between conviction and acquittal—or between a felony conviction and a misdemeanor resolution. Self-defense, defense of others, mistaken identity, insufficient evidence, and police misconduct are just a few of the viable defenses that require strategic investigation and aggressive courtroom advocacy.
Joseph A. Simon has tried hundreds of criminal cases throughout Michigan and has defended thousands of individuals facing assault charges. His Martindale-Hubbell AV-Preeminent rating and consistent recognition as a Michigan Super Lawyer reflect not just legal knowledge, but a proven ability to achieve results when clients’ freedom is on the line.
Every case begins with a comprehensive, confidential consultation where we listen to your account of events and immediately begin identifying potential defense strategies. We conduct thorough independent investigations, gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and scrutinizing police reports for inconsistencies, procedural errors, or constitutional violations.
Our approach includes examining:
Self-Defense Claims: If you reasonably believed you were in immediate danger of serious bodily harm, Michigan law may permit you to use necessary force to protect yourself. This is a powerful defense that requires skillful presentation of evidence and witness testimony.
Defense of Others: Similarly, if you were protecting a family member or another person from imminent harm, this may provide a complete legal justification for your actions.
Credibility and Evidence: We meticulously examine the alleged victim’s account, any inconsistencies in their statements, their credibility, and the reliability of any physical evidence or witness testimony supporting the prosecution’s case.
Police Procedures: We investigate whether law enforcement followed proper procedures during arrest and evidence collection. Constitutional violations can result in evidence being suppressed or charges being dismissed.
From your first conversation, you’ll experience a firm that treats your case with the utmost seriousness and compassion. We explain the charges you face, the potential consequences, and the realistic options available to you. Whether your case proceeds to trial or is resolved through negotiation, you’ll have an attorney who has the experience, credibility with prosecutors and judges, and courtroom skill to advocate fiercely for your interests.
Facing assault or battery charges is frightening and isolating. The Law Offices of Joseph A. Simon, PLLC has guided thousands of clients through similar circumstances to successful outcomes. Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation and take the first step toward protecting your freedom and your future.
Contact Law Offices of Joseph A. Simon, PLLC today for aggressive legal defense. Call (734) 887-6200 for your free consultation.
In Michigan, assault is an attempt to commit a violent injury or an act committed with intent to cause physical harm or knowing it will cause reasonable apprehension of immediate harm. Battery involves actual physical contact. Both charges carry serious penalties, and our attorney will review the specific circumstances of your case.
Penalties depend on the degree of the charge and prior criminal history. Simple assault/battery can result in up to 93 days in jail and fines. Aggravated assault carries up to 2 years imprisonment. Felony charges can result in significantly longer sentences. Early legal intervention is critical to minimize consequences.
Common defenses include self-defense, defense of others, lack of intent, mistaken identity, and insufficient evidence. Each case is unique, and our attorney will investigate the evidence, witness statements, and circumstances to build the strongest defense strategy for your situation.