Continued concern over the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic has resulted in cities throughout California asking residents to wear masks when they leave their homes. Many stores are now requiring customers to wear masks in order to enter the store. The hope is that the masks will help prevent the spread of the very contagious coronavirus. However, not everyone is willing to comply with the mask requirement.

The Los Angeles Daily News reported that a security guard at the Van Nuys Target was injured by two men who were not wearing masks inside the store. The two men were asked by employees to put on masks. When they did not comply, security guards were called to escort them from the store. As they neared the exit, “one suspect, suddenly  without provocation, turned and punched a [guard], causing him and the suspect to fall to the floor...while on the ground, the [guard] broke his left arm.” The two men were later arrested for felony battery.

Felony Battery

Under California Law (PC 242) battery is defined as “any willful and unlawful use of force or violence upon the person of another.” Battery can be charged as a misdemeanor with the consequence of a fine of up to $2,000 and no more than six months in jail.

However, Felony Battery, referred to as Aggravated Battery, can result in more serious consequences. A person can be charged with aggravated battery (PC 243 (d)) when the battery results in “serious bodily injury.” The penalty for a felony conviction of aggravated battery can be up to four years in prison. In this case, the men are likely facing felony battery charges because the security guard suffered a broken arm.

Defenses to Battery Charges

If you are facing battery charges, whether they be for a misdemeanor or for the more serious offense of aggravated battery, you should talk to a skilled Van Nuys criminal defense attorney right away. When it comes to battery charges, there are defenses available that can reduce or clear your charges. Some possible defenses to battery include

• Showing your act of battery was not intentional, but rather an accident
• Proving you acted in self defense
• Showing you acted in defense of another person
• When it comes to aggravated battery, showing that the injuries were not serious injuries that would amount to “serious bodily injury”

A charge for battery, especially felony battery, is important to fight as a felony conviction can have serious negative impacts on your life from your ability to get a job and an education to your personal reputation and family life.

Talk to an Experienced Van Nuys Battery Defense Attorney 

The skilled Van Nuys battery defense attorneys at the Kann California Law group can help you as you face your criminal charge. We have years of experience helping clients accused of battery and other crimes and will take the time to listen to the details of your case and use our knowledge and expertise to help you prepare the best defense available.

We offer a free case consultation--we can discuss your case and answer the questions you may have about your charges or the criminal justice process. Contact us online or by calling 888-744-7730.