Assault Attorney in Delano
Board-Certified Criminal Law Specialists
When an assault or battery charge is filed, the stakes are immediate. A misdemeanor can still cost you your freedom and your firearms rights. A felony can follow you for life. At Humphrey & Thompson, you work directly with attorneys Kyle J. Humphrey and Jared M. Thompson, not case managers or associates who don’t know your file. We’re a boutique criminal defense firm, and that structure is intentional.
We regularly represent people whose cases arise from Delano and throughout Kern County. With more than 5,000 criminal cases handled across California state and federal courts, our assault lawyers bring a depth of experience.
If you’re facing an assault or battery charge, don’t wait. Contact Humphrey & Thompson at (661) 760-7678 for a direct conversation with our assault lawyers in Delano.
Why Clients Choose Humphrey & Thompson for Assault Charges
The State Bar of California recognizes Mr. Humphrey and Mr. Thompson as Board Certified Criminal Law Specialists, a distinction that requires demonstrated proficiency, peer review, and a commitment to advanced standards. Most criminal defense attorneys in California aren’t board certified. Ours are.
Our track record in Kern County’s state and federal courts includes jury trials and favorable outcomes on serious charges. When you reach out, you can expect a response by the next business day, often sooner, and consistent communication from filing through resolution. Your case isn’t an afterthought here.
Assault vs. Battery: What California Law Actually Requires
These two charges are routinely filed together, but they’re legally distinct. Understanding which one applies to your situation matters because the elements the prosecution must prove, and the defenses available, differ between them.
- Penal Code 240 (Assault) defines assault as an unlawful attempt, coupled with a present ability, to commit a violent injury on another person. Physical contact isn’t required. A threatening action or gesture can be enough if the prosecution can show you had the ability to carry it out. A conviction is a misdemeanor carrying up to six months in county jail and a $1,000 fine.
- Penal Code 242 (Battery) requires actual physical contact, but the contact doesn’t have to cause injury. Any willful and unlawful use of force or violence, even if the other person felt only offense rather than pain, can satisfy the statute. Simple battery is also a misdemeanor, but the maximum fine rises to $2,000.
Both convictions trigger a 10-year ban on owning, purchasing, or possessing firearms under California law, a consequence many people don’t anticipate when they treat a misdemeanor as a minor matter.
When Assault and Battery Charges Escalate to Felonies
Prosecutors in Kern County have tools to elevate these charges significantly. Several statutes and sentencing enhancements can turn a misdemeanor arrest into a felony case with prison time on the table.
- Assault with a Deadly Weapon: A “wobbler” offense, meaning prosecutors can charge it as either a misdemeanor or a felony. As a felony, it carries up to four years in state prison and counts as a strike under California’s Three Strikes Law.
- Battery Causing Serious Bodily Injury: A felony carrying up to four years in state prison that can also count as a strike under California’s Three Strikes Law, depending on the specific facts of the case.
- Great Bodily Injury Enhancement: When proven, this enhancement adds up to three consecutive years to a felony sentence, stacked on top of the base term.
- Domestic Battery: A misdemeanor carrying up to one year in county jail and fines up to $2,000, with defendants often required to complete a batterer’s treatment program as well.
- Battery on a Peace Officer: Enhanced penalties apply whenever the victim is a law enforcement officer, firefighter, or other protected person. If the officer is injured, the charge can be elevated further.
criminal law specialists
Recognized by The State of California As Board Certified Criminal Defense Experts
Humphrey & Thompson has built a track record of favorable outcomes for clients facing violent crime charges in Kern County’s state and federal courts. Here’s what some of those clients have said.
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- Aracele S.
I’d like to express my sincere gratitude to Kyle Humphrey at Humphrey & Thompson for his help with an unexpected case. He was highly thorough and made sure I understood every part of the process, which was especially important as this was my first and only legal matter. Many thanks to you and your team!
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- Rob B.
He was straight forward, informative, and very easy to work with from inception to completion. I strongly suggest reaching out to Mr Thompson should you need the services offered by his office!
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- Rena B.
IF you are caught in a bad situation in life and are looking for a Lawyer and investigator to fight, do their job well in fighting to prove your innocence in your case, you need Kyle and Victor on your side!!!
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- Joe S.
His experience and knowing what to do helped and he has wisdom in sharing and saying the right thing to calm you in whatever you are going through. At times I was talked to as if I knew the law but when questioned what he was talking about he would take the time to explain. He is a very busy man so it seemed like he was hurried but would come back to explain. Happy with the outcome and glad that we were able to find a great attorney.
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- Jenna B.
My husband hired Jared Thompson to defend him against bogus charges. Their price was affordable and well worth the work they put in. Even though the DA's office was not helpful and kept delaying the case over and over, Mr. Thompson and his team never gave up. It was finally dismissed and we couldn't be more happy with the outcome.
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- Jason G.
Mr Humphrey and his staff we nothing short of amazing to me and my family.
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- Randy K.
Due to the distance away from the Bakersfield area I was able to deal with the firm by phone and email. Phone service was very timely and they made me feel comfortable. If needed, I would use their services again and recommend this law office.
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- Cesar M.
They were very straightforward about the possible outcomes and always seemed to be one step ahead in planning our defense strategy. The paralegal staff was also courteous and prompt in their responses, which made the whole stressful process much more bearable. I am profoundly grateful for their services. the Martinez Lugo family we loved them we really recommended thanks so much :)
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Jury Trial Acquittals
Molestation and Sexual Abuse of Minors
Mr. Thompson Secures Complete Dismissal of all Charges at Jury Trial for Accusations of Molestation and Sexual Abuse of Minors
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Case Dismissal
Sexual Abuse
Allegation of Continuous Sexual Abuse Dismissed Before Trial. -
Case Dismissal
Felony Sex Case
Felony Sex Case based on Undercover Decoy Sting Dismissed Entirely. -
Case Dismissal
Rape
Rape Case Dismissed Based on Defense Investigation and Medical Evaluation Before Trial. -
Case Dismissal
Sexual Battery
Local business owner charged with sexual battery, dismissed. -
Avoid Sex Offender Registration
Sex Offense
Juvenile Client Has Felony Sex Offense Case Dismissed and Is Not Required to Register
Talk to an Assault Lawyer Serving Delano Today
A charge filed today sets a process in motion. The earlier we get involved, the more options we can have. Whether you’re facing a misdemeanor assault allegation or a felony charge with a strike on the line, Humphrey & Thompson is ready to review your situation and tell you where you stand.
Our attorneys are board certified in criminal law, have handled more than 5,000 cases, and give clients direct access to the attorneys actually working on their file. There’s no pressure to commit before you’re ready, but acting quickly matters.
Call (661) 760-7678 or contact Humphrey & Thompson to speak with our board- certified assault defense lawyers in Delano.
