Battery Attorney in Port Orchard

Facing Battery Charges in Port Orchard? Here’s How We Can Help

In Washington State, a simple physical altercation or an unwanted touch can quickly escalate into a legal nightmare. While many people use the term "battery" to describe physical violence, it is important to understand that in our state's legal system, battery is prosecuted under the broader category of assault.

Being accused of assault and battery can turn your life upside down quickly. You may feel anxious, face uncertainty about the legal process, and worry about the lasting effects a criminal allegation may have on your record and reputation. At the Law Office of Stan Glisson, we understand how overwhelming it can be to stand at the center of a battery case in Port Orchard.

We have spent more than 20 years defending individuals in Kitsap County courts, including Port Orchard. Our dedication means you receive clear explanations, consistent updates, and legal guidance matched to your specific situation. If you are searching for a battery attorney in Port Orchard, our priority is to provide clarity and reassurance as you protect your rights.

Put your case in the hands of a battery attorney in Port Orchard with a proven track record. Our attorney has over 20 years of experience handling complex criminal matters. Contact us for a free consultation at (360) 526-8191 or via our online form.

Understanding Battery and Assault Laws in Washington

The Revised Code of Washington (RCW) uses the term "assault" to cover three distinct types of conduct:

• Attempted Battery: An attempt to inflict bodily injury upon another with the apparent ability to do so.
• Apprehension of Harm: An act done with the intent to create in another a reasonable fear and apprehension of bodily injury.
• Battery: An intentional touching or striking of another person that is harmful or offensive, regardless of whether it causes a physical injury.

Under RCW 9A.36, assault is divided into four degrees. Assault in the Fourth Degree (RCW 9A.36.041) is the most common charge for what people typically think of as simple battery—acts like pushing, slapping, or even spitting on someone. This is a gross misdemeanor. 

However, if the state alleges that the contact caused "substantial bodily harm" (such as a broken bone) or involved a weapon, the charge is elevated to a felony, such as Second-Degree Assault.

Key Elements the Prosecution Must Prove

For the government to secure a conviction, the Kitsap County Prosecutor’s Office must prove several elements beyond a reasonable doubt. We focus our defense on dismantling these specific pillars of the prosecution’s case:

• Intent: The touching must be intentional. Accidents do not constitute battery or assault. If you bumped into someone in a crowded space or reacted instinctively to a falling object, the element of criminal intent is missing.
• Unlawful Contact: The contact must be "unlawful," meaning it was not consented to and was not legally justified.
• Harmful or Offensive Nature: The prosecution must prove that a "reasonable person" would find the contact harmful or offensive. This is a subjective area where an experienced battery attorney in Port Orchard can argue that the contact was socially acceptable or too trivial to warrant criminal prosecution.
• Lack of Legal Justification: The state must prove that you were not acting in lawful self-defense or defense of others. In Washington, once a defendant raises a credible claim of self-defense, the burden shifts to the prosecutor to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the force used was not lawful.

Penalties and Collateral Consequences of Battery Convictions in Washington

The consequences of a conviction extend far beyond the courtroom. Depending on the degree of the charge, you could face:

• Assault in the 4th Degree (Simple Battery)
  • Classification: Gross Misdemeanor
  • Maximum jail time: 364 days
  • Maximum fine: $5,000
• Assault in the 3rd Degree
  • Classification: Class C Felony
  • Maximum prison time: 5 years
  • Maximum fine: $10,000
• Assault in the 2nd Degree
  • Classification: Class B Felony
  • Maximum prison time: 10 years
  • Maximum fine: $20,000
• Assault in the 1st Degree
  • Classification: Class A Felony
  • Maximum prison time: Life
  • Maximum fine: $50,000

Our Comprehensive Approach to Battery Defense

At Glisson Legal, we leave no stone unturned. Our approach is built on a deep investigation of the facts. We start by interviewing independent witnesses who may have seen more than what the police recorded. In many Port Orchard battery cases, the "victim" was actually the initial aggressor, and our firm works to highlight those facts to the prosecutor.

We also scrutinize the "harmful or offensive" requirement. If the contact was incidental or occurred during a heated but non-violent argument, we fight to have the charges reduced or dismissed. Our firm utilizes our extensive local knowledge to negotiate from a position of strength, often seeking alternatives to jail that focus on conflict resolution or anger management when appropriate.

Why Choose Our Team for Your Battery Defense

When you are facing criminal charges, legal knowledge alone is not enough. Our team brings over two decades of defense work in Port Orchard and throughout Kitsap County. We know how battery cases move through the courts here and what it takes to challenge serious allegations. Our strength lies in blending strategic criminal defense with personal support at every stage.

We are committed to treating each client as a person, not just a case number. When you work with us, you will have a battery lawyer in Port Orchard who answers your questions and provides direct, honest updates as your case develops. We believe you deserve clarity and respect through every stage of your defense. Our team prioritizes timely communication, so you always know where your case stands and how our legal strategy serves your goals.