What to Expect When Facing Battery Charges in Utah
What to Expect When Facing Battery Charges in Utah
Being charged with battery can be overwhelming and frightening. In Utah, battery offenses carry serious penalties, ranging from fines to jail time, and they can leave lasting damage on your personal and professional reputation. Whether the charges involve simple battery or aggravated battery, knowing what to expect can make a critical difference in how you respond.
At Veronica K. McDougal, P.C.., we’ve defended clients in Murray, Utah for more than a decade. Our mission is to guide you through every stage of your case and fight aggressively to protect your rights.
📞 Call 801-899-7080 today to schedule a consultation with an experienced battery attorney in Murray, Utah.
Simple vs. Aggravated Battery
The first thing to understand is the difference between the two main types of charges:
- Simple Battery: Usually involves unwanted physical contact with the intent to cause harm. While typically charged as a misdemeanor, it can still result in fines, jail time, and a criminal record.
- Aggravated Battery: A more serious charge that involves intent to cause severe bodily harm or when the alleged victim is considered vulnerable. Aggravated battery is often charged as a felony and can result in significant prison time and larger fines.
Understanding the charge against you is essential to preparing your defense.
The Legal Process After a Battery Arrest
Once you are charged with battery, several steps follow:
- Arrest and Booking – You may be taken into custody, booked, and given a court date.
- Arraignment – You’ll be formally informed of the charges and asked to enter a plea.
- Investigation – Your attorney will review the prosecutor’s evidence and conduct their own investigation into the case.
- Defense Strategy – Together, you and your lawyer will build a defense tailored to your circumstances.
- Resolution – This could be dismissal, a plea agreement, or trial.
Having a skilled defense attorney from the start can influence how each of these steps unfolds.
How a Defense Attorney Can Help
At Veronica K. McDougal, P.C., we carefully evaluate every detail of your case. Our defense strategies may involve:
- Identifying weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
- Challenging evidence from police investigations.
- Highlighting conflicting facts or unreliable witness testimony.
- Presenting stronger evidence to support your defense.
- Fighting for reduced charges, lighter penalties, or complete dismissal.
Every case is unique, and our approach is always personalized to give you the strongest defense possible.
Protecting Your Future
A battery conviction can have long-term consequences, including difficulty finding employment, housing, and professional opportunities. That’s why it’s vital to have a committed and knowledgeable attorney on your side.
Veronica McDougal’s experience and dedication to justice make her a trusted advocate for clients across Murray, Utah. She is passionate about defending your rights and helping you achieve the best possible outcome.
Contact a Murray, Utah Battery Attorney Today
If you’re facing battery charges in Utah, don’t wait to get the legal help you need. The sooner you have an experienced criminal defense lawyer in your corner, the stronger your defense will be.
