Experienced Pasadena Assault Lawyer

Providing a Top-Tier Defense for Los Angeles County Assault Cases

Assault is a major criminal offense, and as a violent crime it carries severe penalties for a conviction. Being charged with assault in Pasadena can be overwhelming and frightening, especially when you are facing the possibility of jail time, fines, and a permanent criminal record. The Law Offices of Matthew Cargal are here to help when you need an assault attorney Pasadena residents can turn to for guidance.

If you are searching for a Pasadena assault lawyer who understands how quickly these cases can escalate, the legal team at The Law Offices of Matthew Cargal is prepared to help. We draw on years of defending assault cases in these courts to prepare you for what will actually happen at arraignment, pretrial hearings, and, if necessary, trial. We walk you through the potential sentencing ranges that apply to your particular charge, explain how prior convictions or probation status can affect exposure, and discuss realistic goals so you can make informed choices about how to proceed.

Facing charges for assault in Pasadena? Don't face your charges alone. Call (888) 717-0139 to speak with our attorney about your case today!

Understanding Assault Charges in Pasadena, California

In California, assault does not require physical contact. Under Penal Code 240, you can be charged with assault if prosecutors believe you intentionally attempted to use force against someone and had the present ability to do so, even if no one was actually injured. Because assault is classified as a violent crime, a conviction can carry serious and lasting consequences.

Depending on the facts of the incident, assault charges in Pasadena may be filed as either a misdemeanor or a felony. A basic or “simple” assault is usually charged as a misdemeanor, but even this lowest-level assault charge can result in up to six months in county jail, fines of up to $1,000, community service, and probation. A conviction can also create a permanent criminal record that affects your job, professional licenses, and housing opportunities.

When you are facing these risks, it is critical to speak with a Pasadena assault lawyer who understands how these cases are charged and defended in local courts. The Law Offices of Matthew Cargal is here to help you understand your charges, your options, and the steps you can take to protect your future.

Aggravated Assault and Assault With a Deadly Weapon

Some assault charges are considered aggravated because they involve more dangerous circumstances. One of the most common examples is Assault with a Deadly Weapon (PC 245), which includes the use or attempted use of an object capable of causing serious injury—such as a firearm, knife, bat, or even an everyday object used in a dangerous way.

Aggravated assault charges carry significantly harsher penalties. These cases are often filed as felonies and may expose you to state prison sentences ranging from two to four years, fines of up to $10,000, formal probation, and mandatory restitution to the alleged victim. If the alleged victim is a police officer, firefighter, or other protected professional, penalties can increase even further.

Because prosecutors often rely heavily on police reports and witness statements in these cases, early intervention by an experienced Pasadena assault attorney can make a critical difference. By challenging whether a weapon was truly used, whether force was likely to cause serious injury, or whether you acted in self-defense, your attorney may be able to seek reduced charges, alternative resolutions, or dismissal.

What to Expect in Pasadena Assault Cases

If you are arrested for assault in Pasadena, your case will typically be handled at the Pasadena Courthouse on Walnut Street or another Los Angeles County court. Each courthouse and courtroom has its own procedures, expectations, and tendencies when it comes to bail, plea negotiations, and sentencing.

Our firm draws on years of experience defending assault cases in Pasadena and throughout Los Angeles County. We prepare you for each stage of the process, including arraignment, pretrial hearings, and trial if necessary. We also explain how factors such as prior convictions, probation status, or alleged injuries can affect your potential exposure so you can make informed decisions about how to move forward.

Factors That Influence Assault Charges

Prosecutors may pursue assault charges when they believe your actions placed another person in reasonable fear of immediate harm. This can include attempting to strike someone, advancing aggressively, throwing an object, or making threatening gestures, as long as there was a real ability to carry out the act. Mere words alone, without the ability to act on them, are not enough for an assault conviction.

In real Pasadena assault cases, small details often matter. Law enforcement and prosecutors closely examine where everyone was standing, whether an object was within reach, how close the parties were, and what witnesses claim they observed. These details can determine whether the prosecution can prove “present ability,” a required element of assault under California law.

Our attorneys carefully analyze surveillance video, 911 recordings, body-camera footage, and witness statements to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. If the evidence does not support a genuine threat or ability to cause harm, we aggressively challenge the charges.

Contact our office and speak with us about the details of your situation. We provide a free consultation so that you can have the guidance of a professional without the worry of the cost.

What Is the Difference Between Assault and Battery in California?

In California, assault and battery are two separate crimes, even though people often use the terms interchangeably. The key difference comes down to whether physical contact actually occurred.

• Assault (Penal Code § 240) is an attempt to use force. You can be charged with assault even if no one is touched or injured. The law focuses on whether you acted intentionally and had the present ability to cause harm—meaning the other person reasonably feared immediate violence.
  Example: Swinging a fist at someone and missing.
• Battery (Penal Code § 242) is the actual use of force or violence against another person. It requires willful and unlawful physical contact, even if the contact did not cause injury.
  Example: Punching, shoving, slapping, or spitting on someone.

In simple terms, assault is the attempt, and battery is the completed act. Prosecutors often file both charges together when they believe an attempted strike turned into physical contact, but they are still distinct offenses with different legal elements.

When you meet with The Law Offices of Matthew Cargal, we explain these differences in plain language and apply them directly to the facts of your case. Many clients are surprised to learn they can face an assault charge without touching anyone at all. Understanding exactly what the state must prove allows us to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and determine whether a charge can be challenged, reduced, or dismissed.

How Courts Distinguish Assault From Battery

Whether conduct is considered assault or battery often depends on the evidence, such as witness statements, body camera footage, surveillance video, and photographs. A situation described one way in a police report may look very different on video, and that distinction can determine whether the case involves an attempted act or actual contact.

We closely review all available evidence to challenge claims about intent, force, and physical contact. In some cases, we can argue that the evidence does not support both charges or that certain counts are legally unsupported. This careful analysis can significantly reduce your exposure—especially when prosecutors have filed multiple charges from a single incident.

How Do the Penalties Differ?

Both assault and battery can carry serious consequences, even at the misdemeanor level.

• Simple Assault or Battery (Misdemeanor):
  Up to 6 months in county jail, fines of up to $1,000, probation, community service, and court-ordered programs.
• Aggravated or “Wobbler” Offenses:
  If serious injury is alleged, a weapon is involved, or the alleged victim is a protected person (such as a police officer or firefighter), the charge may be filed as a felony, exposing you to state prison time and much higher fines.

Beyond jail and fines, a conviction can affect employment, professional licenses, housing, immigration status, and firearm rights. In domestic-related cases, courts may also impose restraining orders and mandatory counseling.

At The Law Offices of Matthew Cargal, we look beyond the maximum penalties and focus on how different outcomes will impact your future. We also work to negotiate reasonable probation terms or seek reductions from felony to misdemeanor charges whenever possible. Just as importantly, we remind clients that being charged is not the same as being convicted—and many assault and battery cases can be successfully defended with the right strategy.

If you are facing assault or battery charges in Pasadena or Los Angeles County, having an experienced assault attorney who understands how these laws are applied locally can make all the difference.

Our Process For Handling Pasadena Assault Cases

When you are trying to decide which assault attorney in Pasadena to hire, it helps to know what working with a firm actually looks like from start to finish. We follow a clear, step-by-step process so you always understand what is happening with your case and what we are doing on your behalf. This structure reduces uncertainty at a time when you may feel overwhelmed and unsure about the future.

Our work usually begins with a detailed consultation in which we listen to your side of the story, answer immediate questions, and review any paperwork you received after your arrest. From there, we obtain police reports and other discovery from the prosecutor so we can analyze the strength of the evidence and identify legal issues. We may interview witnesses, visit the scene in Pasadena, or consult with appropriate professionals if those steps will help clarify what really happened. Throughout this investigation stage, we keep you informed and involve you in decisions about how far to push certain issues.

After we understand the facts and legal landscape, we discuss a defense plan tailored to you. That may include filing motions to suppress statements or evidence, negotiating for reduced charges, or preparing the case for a possible jury trial. We explain the pros and cons of each option in plain language, including possible sentencing ranges and collateral consequences, so you can make informed choices rather than feeling pressured at the last minute. At every court appearance in the Pasadena or downtown Los Angeles courts, we stand beside you, speak on your behalf, and debrief you afterward so you always know what comes next.

Defending Your Rights Against Pasadena Assault Allegations

Assault charges can happen unexpectedly, and many people do not know how to react after being accused of assault. The first step in fighting your charges is to find a Pasadena assault lawyer who can help you determine the best defense strategy for your specific charges.

We explain how the District Attorney’s office typically approaches cases like yours in the Pasadena area and what factors might make them more willing to consider a reduced charge or alternative sentence. Throughout the process, we stay in close contact with you so that you always know the next court date, what will happen there, and how you can help your own case by following our guidance inside and outside the courtroom.