Facing assault or battery charges can turn your life upside down fast. Indiana law treats these accusations seriously, even when no injuries are visible. Call our Merrillville assault and battery attorneys from The Law Office of Joseph M. Roberts LLC today. Then connect with your criminal defense lawyer to get over a decade of experience on your side.
Why Choose Us?
Hiring the right defense lawyer can completely change how your case plays out. Whether you are facing misdemeanor charges or something more serious, the way your attorney prepares and responds to the case matters. We bring a sharp focus to trial preparation and a deep understanding of Indiana’s laws on assault and battery so that every decision is backed by strategy.
Whether you are accused of a minor fight or a more serious assault, we know how to approach it. Our firm handles a wide range of cases, including simple battery, aggravated assault, and every misdemeanor charge in between. No matter where your case falls on the spectrum, we are ready to guide you through it with experience and care.
What Constitutes Assault and Battery Under Indiana Law in Merrillville?
In Indiana, assault and battery are grouped under the same statute and generally focus on unwanted or offensive physical contact. You do not have to leave someone bruised or broken to face a charge. Even touching someone with the intent to provoke or threaten can lead to an arrest, and so can situations where no one gets hurt at all.
The severity of your charge depends on a few factors, including who the alleged victim is and how serious the contact was. Some cases are handled as misdemeanors while others are charged as level 6 felonies under Indiana Code § 35-50-2-7. Battery is defined under Indiana Code § 35-42-2-1 and explains what elevates a case from a minor charge to something more serious. If you are not sure where your case falls, we can help you sort through the details.
What Common Defenses Are Available for Assault and Battery Charges in Merrillville?
Assault and battery cases are not always as clear as they seem. Many of these situations come down to conflicting stories about what happened, who started it, and whether things escalated too far. The right defense depends on how the incident unfolded, what kind of force was used, and whether there were any injuries involved.
False Accusations or Misidentification
Sometimes people get accused of things they did not do. Whether it is confusion at the scene, a rushed investigation, or tension between the people involved, these cases can quickly point to the wrong person. When the facts are unclear and no physical evidence supports the charge, we take a close look at how the accusation came together.
Self-Defense or Defense of Another Person
You have the right to protect yourself or someone else if you are being threatened or attacked. Self-defense is one of the most common and effective defenses in assault cases. If the force used was reasonable and matched the level of danger, our Merrillville assault and battery lawyers with The Law Office of Joseph M. Roberts LLC can argue that you acted within your rights under Indiana law.
Talk to Our Assault and Battery Attorneys in Merrillville Today
Getting charged does not mean you are out of options, and you deserve to know what those options really look like. Our assault and battery lawyers in Merrillville with The Law Office of Joseph M. Roberts LLC will take the time to listen and help you figure out your next steps. To get honest answers and real support, contact us today to schedule a confidential consultation.