Criminal Defense Lawyers

Penal Code § 245(a)(4) PC – Assault by Means Likely to Produce Great Bodily Injury

Are you facing charges under California Penal Code § 245(a)(4) PC for assault by means likely to produce great bodily injury? If so, you’re probably feeling overwhelmed and scared about what this could mean for your future. We get it – these are serious charges that can have life-altering consequences if you’re convicted. But don’t panic! Our experienced criminal defense attorneys at Spodek Law Group are here to help guide you through this difficult time and fight aggressively to protect your rights.With over 50 years of combined experience handling complex criminal cases, we know exactly how to build a strong defense against assault charges. We’ve seen it all when it comes to Penal Code 245(a)(4) cases and have a proven track record of getting charges reduced or dismissed for our clients. Let’s break down what you need to know about this law and how we can help defend you.

What Exactly is PC 245(a)(4)?

California Penal Code Section 245(a)(4) makes it a crime to assault someone using force that is likely to produce “great bodily injury.” But what does that actually mean? Essentially, this law prohibits attacking someone in a way that could cause serious physical harm, even if no injury actually occurs.Some key things to understand about PC 245(a)(4):

• It doesn’t require that you actually injure the alleged victim – just that your actions could have caused serious harm
• “Great bodily injury” means significant or substantial injury (broken bones, concussions, etc.)
• It’s considered a “wobbler” offense, meaning it can be charged as either a misdemeanor or felony
• Conviction can result in hefty fines and significant jail/prison time

The prosecution has to prove several elements to convict you under this law:

1. You committed an act that would likely result in force being applied to another person
2. The force used was likely to produce great bodily injury
3. You acted willfully
4. You were aware that your actions would likely result in force being applied
5. You had the ability to apply such force

As you can see, there are several components the DA needs to establish. This gives us multiple angles to attack their case and create reasonable doubt. Our attorneys know how to poke holes in the prosecution’s arguments and fight for the best possible outcome for you.

Penalties for PC 245(a)(4) Conviction

The consequences of a conviction under Penal Code 245(a)(4) can be severe, which is why having an experienced defense lawyer is so crucial. The exact penalties depend on whether you’re charged with a misdemeanor or felony.Misdemeanor penalties:

• Up to 1 year in county jail
• Fines up to $10,000
• Summary probation

Felony penalties:

• 2, 3, or 4 years in state prison
• Fines up to $10,000
• Formal probation

Additionally, a conviction counts as a “strike” under California’s Three Strikes Law. This can lead to significantly enhanced sentences for any future felony convictions.Don’t risk facing these harsh punishments alone. Our skilled attorneys at Spodek Law Group will fight tirelessly to get your charges reduced or dismissed entirely. We’ve helped countless clients avoid jail time and keep their records clean. Let us put our expertise to work for you.

Christine Twomey

2024-03-21

Just had my Divorce case settled 2 months ago after having a horrible experience with another firm. I couldn’t be happier with Claire Banks and Elizabeth Garvey with their outstanding professionalism in doing so with Spodek Law Group. Any time I needed questions answered they were always prompt in doing so with all my uncertainties after 30 yrs of marriage.I feel from the bottom of my heart you will NOT be disappointed with either one. Thanks a million.

Brendan huisman

2024-03-18

Alex Zhik contacted me almost immediately when I reached out to Spodek for a consultation and was able to effectively communicate the path forward/consequences of my legal issue. I immediately agreed to hire Alex for his services and did not regret my choice. He was able to cover my case in court (with 1 day notice) and not only was he able to push my case down, he carefully negotiated a dismissal of the charge altogether. I highly recommend Spodek, and more specifically, Alex Zhik for all of your legal issues. Thanks guys!

Guerline Menard

2024-03-18

Thanks again Spodek law firm, particularly Esq Claire Banks who stood right there with us up to the finish line. Attached photos taken right outside of the court building and the smile on our faces represented victory, a breath of fresh air and satisfaction. We are very happy that this is over and we can move on with our lives. Thanks Spodek law 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙌🏼❤️

Keisha Parris

2024-03-15

Believe every single review here about Alex Z!! From our initial consultation, it was evident that Alex possessed a profound understanding of criminal law and a fierce dedication to his clients rights. Throughout the entirety of my case, Alex exhibited unparalleled professionalism and unwavering commitment. What sets Alex apart is not only his legal expertise but also his genuine compassion for his clients. He took the time to thoroughly explain my case, alleviating any concerns I had along the way. His exact words were “I’m not worried about it”. His unwavering support and guidance were invaluable throughout the entire process. I am immensely grateful for Alex's exceptional legal representation and wholeheartedly recommend his services to anyone in need of a skilled criminal defense attorney. Alex Z is not just a lawyer; he is a beacon of hope for those navigating the complexities of the legal system. If you find yourself in need of a dedicated and competent legal advocate, look no further than Alex Z.

Taïko Beauty

2024-03-15

I don’t know where to start, I can write a novel about this firm, but one thing I will say is that having my best interest was their main priority since the beginning of my case which was back in Winter 2019. Miss Claire Banks, one of the best Attorneys in the firm represented me very well and was very professional, respectful, and truthful. Not once did she leave me in the dark, in fact she presented all options and routes that could possibly be considered for my case and she reinsured me that no matter what I decided to do, her and the team will have my back and that’s exactly what happened. Not only will I be liberated from this case, also, I will enjoy my freedom and continue to be a mother to my first born son and will have no restrictions with accomplishing my goals in life. Now that’s what I call victory!! I thank the Lord, My mother, Claire, and the Spodek team for standing by me and fighting with me. Words can’t describe how grateful I am to have the opportunity to work with this team. I’m very satisfied, very pleased with their performance, their hard work, and their diligence. Thank you team!

Anthony Williams

2024-03-12

Hey, how you guys doing? Good afternoon my name is Anthony Williams I just want to give a great shout out to the team of. Spodek law group. It is such a honor to use them and to use their assistance through this whole case from start to finish. They did everything that they said they was gonna do and if it ever comes down to it, if I ever have to use them again, hands-down they will be the first law office at the top of my list, thank you guys so much. It was a pleasure having you guys by my side so if you guys ever need them, do not hesitate to pick up the phone and give them a call.

Loveth Okpedo

2024-03-12

Very professional, very transparent, over all a great experience

Bee L

2024-02-28

Amazing experience with Spodek! Very professional lawyers who take your case seriously. They treated me with respect, were always available, and answered any and all questions. They were able to help me very successfully and removed a huge stress. Highly recommend.

divesh patel

2024-02-24

I can't recommend Alex Zhik and Spodek Law Firm highly enough for their exceptional legal representation and personal mentorship. From the moment I engaged their services in October 2022, Alex took the time to understand my case thoroughly and provided guidance every step of the way. Alex's dedication to my case went above and beyond my expectations. His expertise, attention to detail, and commitment to achieving the best possible outcome were evident throughout the entire process. He took the time to mentor me, ensuring I understood the legal complexities involved to make informed decisions. Alex is the kind of guy you would want to have a beer with and has made a meaningful impact on me. I also want to acknowledge Todd Spodek, the leader of the firm, who played a crucial role in my case. His leadership and support bolstered the efforts of Alex, and his involvement highlighted the firm's commitment to excellence. Thanks to Alex Zhik and Todd Spodek, I achieved the outcome I desired, and I am incredibly grateful for their professionalism, expertise, and genuine care. If you're in need of legal representation, look no further than this outstanding team.

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Google rating score: 4.9 of 5, based on 736 reviews

Legal Defenses Against PC 245(a)(4) Charges

When you’re facing assault charges, it can feel like the odds are stacked against you. But there are actually several effective legal defenses we can employ to fight these allegations. Our experienced criminal defense lawyers know how to craft the strongest possible defense strategy based on the unique circumstances of your case.Some common defenses we may explore include:Self-defense or defense of others: If you reasonably believed you or someone else was in imminent danger of bodily harm, you may have been justified in using force to protect yourself or others.Lack of intent: We may be able to argue that your actions were accidental or that you didn’t intend to use force likely to cause great bodily injury.Insufficient evidence: Often the prosecution’s case relies heavily on witness testimony. We can work to discredit unreliable witnesses or highlight inconsistencies in their stories.False accusations: Unfortunately, people sometimes make false assault allegations out of anger, jealousy, or other motives. We’ll thoroughly investigate to uncover any evidence of false claims.Mistaken identity: If you were wrongly identified as the perpetrator, we’ll gather evidence to prove you weren’t actually involved in the alleged assault.These are just a few potential defense strategies. When you work with Spodek Law Group, we’ll carefully analyze every detail of your case to determine the most effective approach. We leave no stone unturned in building your defense.

Why Choose Spodek Law Group for Your Defense?

When you’re facing serious criminal charges like assault by means likely to produce great bodily injury, you can’t afford to take chances with your defense. You need a law firm with the experience, resources, and dedication to achieve the best possible outcome in your case. That’s exactly what you’ll get with Spodek Law Group.Here’s why we’re the right choice to handle your PC 245(a)(4) defense:

• Decades of experience: Our attorneys have over 50 years of combined experience handling complex criminal cases. We’ve seen it all and know how to navigate even the toughest legal challenges.
• Proven track record: We have a long history of successfully defending clients against assault charges, often getting cases dismissed or charges significantly reduced.
• Aggressive advocacy: We fight relentlessly for our clients, leaving no stone unturned in building the strongest possible defense. We’re not afraid to take cases to trial when necessary.
• Personalized attention: You’re not just a case number to us. We take the time to really understand your unique situation and tailor our approach accordingly.
• 24/7 availability: Legal issues don’t always happen during business hours. That’s why we’re available around the clock to address your concerns and answer questions.
• Resources and connections: We have a vast network of expert witnesses, private investigators, and other professionals we can call upon to strengthen your defense.

Don’t trust your future to just any lawyer. Choose the experienced, dedicated team at Spodek Law Group to aggressively defend your rights and fight for the best possible resolution to your case.

The Spodek Law Group Difference

At Spodek Law Group, we understand how stressful and overwhelming it can be to face criminal charges. That’s why we go above and beyond to support our clients through every step of the legal process. When you choose us to handle your PC 245(a)(4) defense, here’s what you can expect:

• Compassionate guidance: We take the time to really listen to your concerns and explain your options in clear, understandable terms. We’re here to answer your questions and provide reassurance during this difficult time.
• Proactive communication: You’ll never be left in the dark about the status of your case. We provide regular updates and are always available to address your questions or concerns.
• Meticulous preparation: We leave nothing to chance when preparing your defense. Our team conducts thorough investigations, carefully analyzes all evidence, and anticipates potential prosecution strategies.
• Skilled negotiation: Often, we’re able to get charges reduced or dismissed through skillful negotiation with prosecutors before a case even goes to trial. We leverage our relationships and reputation to advocate for the best possible outcome.
• Tenacious courtroom advocacy: If your case does go to trial, you can count on us to provide aggressive, persuasive representation. We have extensive trial experience and know how to effectively present your case to a jury.
• Holistic approach: We understand that criminal charges can impact many aspects of your life. That’s why we take a holistic approach, considering potential immigration consequences, professional licensing issues, and other collateral effects.

Don’t face these serious charges alone. Let the experienced team at Spodek Law Group fight for your rights and your future. Contact us today at 212-300-5196 for a free, confidential consultation about your case. Remember, the sooner you get us involved, the more we can do to help!

FAQs About PC 245(a)(4) Charges

We know you probably have a lot of questions about your assault charges and what to expect. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions we hear from clients facing PC 245(a)(4) allegations:Q: Do I need a lawyer if I’ve been charged with assault by means likely to produce great bodily injury?A: Absolutely. These are serious charges that can result in significant jail time and other life-altering consequences. An experienced criminal defense attorney can protect your rights, build a strong defense strategy, and fight for the best possible outcome in your case.Q: What’s the difference between simple assault and assault by means likely to produce great bodily injury?A: Simple assault (PC 240) involves an attempt to use force against someone, while PC 245(a)(4) involves using force in a way that’s likely to cause serious injury. PC 245(a)(4) is generally considered more serious and carries harsher potential penalties.Q: Can I still be convicted if the alleged victim wasn’t actually injured?A: Yes. PC 245(a)(4) doesn’t require that an injury actually occurred – only that your actions were likely to cause serious injury. However, lack of injury can sometimes be used as part of your defense strategy.Q: Will I automatically go to jail if convicted under PC 245(a)(4)?A: Not necessarily. While jail time is a possibility, there may be alternatives like probation or diversion programs depending on the specifics of your case. Our attorneys will fight hard to keep you out of jail and minimize the impact on your life.Q: How long will this case take to resolve?A: Every case is unique, but assault cases can often take several months to a year or more to fully resolve, especially if they go to trial. We work efficiently to resolve your case as quickly as possible while still ensuring the best outcome.Q: Can you guarantee I won’t be convicted?A: No ethical attorney can guarantee a specific outcome in a criminal case. However, we can promise to use all of our experience, skill, and resources to build the strongest possible defense and fight for the best resolution available in your situation.Have more questions? Don’t hesitate to reach out. Our team is always here to provide the information and guidance you need during this challenging time.

Contact Spodek Law Group Today

If you or a loved one is facing charges under Penal Code § 245(a)(4) PC for assault by means likely to produce great bodily injury, don’t wait to get experienced legal help. The sooner you involve a skilled defense attorney, the better your chances of a favorable outcome.At Spodek Law Group, we have the knowledge, resources, and dedication to provide the aggressive defense you need. We’ve helped countless clients beat assault charges or get them significantly reduced. Let us put our expertise to work for you.Contact us today at 212-300-5196 for a free, confidential consultation about your case. We’ll review the details of your situation, explain your options, and start developing a strategic defense plan right away. Don’t face these serious charges alone – let Spodek Law Group fight for your rights and your future.Remember, your initial consultation is completely free and confidential. There’s no obligation, so you have nothing to lose by learning more about how we can help. Call 212-300-5196 now to schedule your consultation and take the first step towards protecting your freedom and your future.