Charged with battery on a peace officer in California? Here are the elements of Penal Code 243(b) and 243(c)(2), the excessive force and lawful performance defenses, how it differs from resisting arrest, the penalties, and how these cases actually resolve.

Self-defense is a complete defense to assault, battery, and even homicide charges in California when you reasonably believed you were in imminent danger and used no more force than necessary. Here is how the rule works, who has the burden of proof, and where defendants go wrong.

A High Desert guide to assault and battery charges: booking at the High Desert Detention Center, arraignment at the Victorville courthouse, the difference between simple battery and assault with a deadly weapon, diversion, and how these cases are defended.

Disturbing the peace under Penal Code section 415 covers fighting in public, loud and unreasonable noise, and fighting words. This guide explains the elements, the defenses, the penalties, the firearm and domestic violence wrinkles, and why a 415 plea is so often the goal in battery, resisting, and domestic violence negotiations.

Brandishing a weapon under Penal Code 417 is usually a misdemeanor, but it becomes a wobbler or felony when a firearm is pointed at a police officer or a car's occupant. Here are the elements, defenses, penalties, and collateral consequences.

Assault with a deadly weapon under Penal Code 245(a)(1) is a wobbler that becomes a strike when filed as a felony. Here are the elements, the defenses, and what happens in court in Riverside, San Bernardino, and Los Angeles County.

What the prosecutor must prove for assault under Penal Code 240 and battery under Penal Code 242, when the charge becomes a felony under Penal Code 245 or 243(d), the defenses that work, and what to expect in Inland Empire and Los Angeles County courts.