Bakersfield Felony Assault Lawyer

Bakersfield Felony Assault Attorney

Facing a felony assault charge in California is daunting. Crimes of violence are taken very seriously under California law, which can leave little to no room for building a strong defense unless you know what you’re doing. Instead of trying to learn all of California’s felony assault laws for yourself, let a criminal defense attorney help you through your case. With a Bakersfield felony assault lawyer on your side, you can build a strong defense against your charges.

The Law Office of Victor Nasser is dedicated to providing the honest and aggressive representation our clients deserve. We’re deeply familiar with California’s criminal laws. You can count on us to support you by investigating your case, gathering evidence, building your defense, negotiating with prosecutors, and navigating litigation in the Kern County Superior Court. No matter what stage we’re at in your case, you can rest assured your attorney is with you.

Felony Assault Cases in California

Assault is a serious violent crime that is prosecuted harshly in California. Assault charges are typically categorized as simple assault or aggravated assault. Simple assault covers cases where the victim was threatened or only sustained minor injuries and is generally charged as a misdemeanor.

Aggravated assault charges are reserved for cases where the victim sustains serious injuries or if a deadly weapon was involved. These crimes can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony depending on the unique facts of the case. There were 4,804 aggravated assaults reported in Kern County in 2024 alone, 1,587 of which occurred in Bakersfield.

Bakersfield ranks in the 20th percentile for safety against assault crimes, which means it’s considered to be less safe than 80 percent of other cities. Assault crime can include everything from threatening to harm someone to causing severe injury or even death.

Assault can be elevated to felony assault if the victim suffers some form of harm or injury. You can also expect charges to be escalated if the victim is a protected class, such as emergency personnel, law enforcement, or a public official. Felony assault charges can include:

• Assault with caustic chemicals
• Assault with a deadly weapon
• Inflicting serious injury
• Throwing items at a vehicle

Felony assault carries harsher penalties. A conviction can also count as a “strike” under California’s Three Strikes Law. This law increases prison sentences for repeat offenders and limits their ability to secure an alternate or reduced sentence. Despite reforms to the law in 2012, California’s law remains harsh.

Simple assault would not typically count as a strike. It can make a huge difference in your current sentence and for your future if you’re able to have your charges reduced. A Bakersfield criminal defense attorney can work alongside you to achieve this.

Hire a Bakersfield Felony Assault Lawyer You Can Trust

The Law Office of Victor Nasser is led by Attorney Victor Nasser, who brings years of valuable experience as both a former prosecutor and a criminal defense attorney. He was recognized by the National Trial Lawyers with the Top 40 Under 40 Award and has earned the trust of countless Californians.

Although awards and recognition are not guarantees of future case results and selection criteria vary by organization, our firm is highly rated by past clients on Google thanks to our attorneys’ hard work and dedication.

We are committed to protecting the freedoms of our clients by providing aggressive and effective legal representation that is personalized to their specific case. You can count on us to provide the support you deserve through this challenging time.

FAQs

Am I Going to Go to Jail for Felony Assault in Bakersfield?

If convicted, you may go to jail for felony assault in Bakersfield. A conviction carries a high likelihood of time in a state prison as well as hefty fines. California’s Three Strikes Law also increases the likelihood of a prison sentence, especially for repeat offenders.

You’re also likely going to have to pay legal fines and related costs. The length of your sentence and how much you owe are going to depend on the severity of your charges.

Can I Have a Felony Assault Charge in Bakersfield Lowered to a Misdemeanor?

Yes, you can have a felony assault charge in Bakersfield lowered to a misdemeanor, but only under certain circumstances. Not all felony charges can be reduced. To be eligible, the crime must be punishable by state/local prison or by time in county jail, probation, and fines.

Additionally, the offender must have been sentenced to probation and not have been ordered to serve time in prison. A Bakersfield felony assault lawyer can help you understand your options.

How Do I Defend Against a Felony Assault Charge in Bakersfield?

How you defend against a felony assault charge in Bakersfield is ultimately going to depend on the details of your case. Common defenses that your Bakersfield criminal defense lawyer may discuss with you include defense of self or others, false accusations, lack of evidence, and lack of intent. You also may be able to establish an alibi. No matter which avenue you decide to explore for your defense, it’s imperative that you support it with evidence.

How Much Can I Expect to Pay to Hire a Felony Assault Lawyer in Bakersfield?

How much you can expect to pay to hire a felony assault lawyer in Bakersfield is going to depend on the complexity of your case and the type of support you need. An attorney’s reputation and level of experience can also factor into their costs.

Felony assault is likely going to be more complicated to defend against than a simple assault charge. That said, these serious cases are when it’s important to have a criminal defense lawyer by your side.

Hire a Felony Assault Lawyer in Bakersfield to Discuss Your Legal Options

At The Law Office of Victor Nasser, we believe that the worst moment in your life doesn’t have to define you. We work hard to build a solid defense against your charges with the ultimate goal of having your charges dropped altogether. If that’s not possible, we work hard to secure the lightest sentence possible.

If you’re ready to discuss your case in more detail, reach out to set up a consultation with a trusted attorney today.