A typical assault and battery charge will result in a misdemeanor charge. In most cases, you will be charged with a misdemeanor if you were unsuccessful in harming the person or if you only intended to cause fear in the person versus real physical harm.

However, under certain circumstances felony charges will be filed instead of a misdemeanor. While all charges are life-changing, if convicted of a felony you lose the right to work in your chosen profession, the ability to own firearms and the right to vote. Call an experienced Michigan criminal defense attorney today to help you in your assault and battery case.

Felony charges may be brought if the person being attacked is a law enforcement official, medical personnel, public employee, or someone who you were involved with through a dating relationship. Felony charges in dating relationships are typically brought as the result of a second offense.

The law defines dating relationship as the following connections:

• Spouse or former spouse
• Individual with whom you have or had a dating relationship within life
• A person with whom you share a common child
• Someone who lived or currently lives in your home
• An individual who you know is pregnant

In addition, felony charges will be filed if the attack was instigated with the intent to murder or as the result of a kidnapping, robbery or other more serious crimes. Learn more about the charges you are facing by contacted our experience criminal defense team.