When it comes to criminal charges, understanding the specifics of the law can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. At B. Hicks Law, we're dedicated to providing exceptional legal counsel and representation for individuals facing criminal charges in Indiana. In this blog post, we'll delve into one specific area of criminal law: battery under Indiana Code (IC) 35-42-2-1. We'll help you navigate the complexities of this law, its various classifications, and how our experienced attorneys at B. Hicks Law can assist you.
Indiana Battery Laws: A Comprehensive Overview
Defining Battery
Under Indiana law, battery is defined as knowingly or intentionally:
Touching another person in a rude, insolent, or angry manner.
Placing bodily fluid or waste on another person in a rude, insolent, or angry manner.
Different Classifications of Battery
Battery charges under IC 35-42-2-1 are classified based on various factors. Here's a breakdown of these classifications:
Class B Misdemeanor
Battery is classified as a Class B misdemeanor when it involves touching or placing bodily fluids/waste in a rude, insolent, or angry manner. However, the act doesn't result in bodily injury or doesn't involve specific victims.
Class A Misdemeanor
If battery results in bodily injury to another person or is committed against a member of a foster family home by a non-resident relative of a person living in the foster family home, it becomes a Class A misdemeanor.
Level 6 Felony
Battery is classified as a Level 6 felony if it falls into one of the following categories:
Results in moderate bodily injury to another person.
Committed against a public safety official while they are on official duty.
Committed against a person under 14 years of age by someone at least 18 years old.
Committed against a person with a mental or physical disability by someone having care of them.
Committed against an endangered adult.
Level 5 Felony
Battery is considered a Level 5 felony if:
It results in serious bodily injury to another person.
It is committed with a deadly weapon.
It results in bodily injury to a pregnant woman.
The person has a previous battery conviction against the same victim.
It results in bodily injury to specific victims such as public safety officials or individuals under 14 years of age or with a mental or physical disability.
Level 4, 3, and 2 Felonies
Battery can escalate to Level 4, 3, and 2 felonies depending on the severity of the injuries and the victim's age or condition, including serious bodily injury to an endangered adult or a child.
How B. Hicks Law Can Help You
If you or a loved one is facing battery charges in Indiana, it's crucial to have a skilled legal team on your side. At B. Hicks Law, we have a deep understanding of Indiana's criminal laws and a proven track record of helping clients navigate their legal challenges successfully.
Our experienced criminal defense attorneys will assess your case, provide expert legal advice, and create a strong defense strategy tailored to your specific situation. We'll fight tirelessly to protect your rights and help you achieve the best possible outcome for your case.
For more information or to schedule a consultation, please contact us today. Our dedicated legal team at B. Hicks Law is here to stand by your side and help you through this difficult time.