Defending Against Assault and Battery Charges in Oklahoma

Potential Defenses for an Oklahoma Assault and Battery Charge

Some of the common defenses that are used in Oklahoma assault and battery cases include lack of ability, self-defense, preventing harm, lack of intent, and wrongful accusations. Based on the evidence available and the specific type of assault and battery charge you are facing, your lawyer will determine which defense is most likely to be effective.

Lack of Ability

With this defense, you are arguing that you didn't have the capacity to inflict harm on another person. For example, you could have been restrained in some way or physically injured.

Self-Defense

When you argue self-defense, you are admitting that you used force against the victim. However, you are arguing that your use of force was lawful. For a claim of self-defense to be effective, you must be able to show that you had a reasonable fear for your life or for your well-being. For example, self-defense might be appropriate if you were drinking at a bar and an angry patron punched you after calling you names.

You can also use the argument of self-defense if you were acting to protect someone else from being attacked or physically threatened. When you are defending another individual, you can use the same force that would be legally permissible if you were protecting yourself.

Lack of Intent

A lack of intent defense argues that you accidentally used force against the victim and did not plan to cause harm. An example of when this defense might be appropriate would be if you were in a crowded nightclub and accidentally pushed someone when you were trying to make your way back to a friend. Even if you caused an injury, you did not have the criminal intent necessary for the charge.

Please note that lack of intent does not apply to cases where you made an idle threat. Verbal threats to scare or frighten someone are still considered assault, even if you didn't plan to actually harm them.

Preventing Harm

It is legally acceptable to use force if you were acting in a way that was intended to prevent a mentally ill or impaired person from harming themselves or others. This could mean that you were intervening to break up a fight or that you used force to take a weapon away from someone who was making threats of self-harm.

Wrongful Accusations

This defense is rare but can be appropriate in cases where a group of people were engaged in a fight and more than one person could have caused the victim's injury. It may also be applicable if the victim was severely intoxicated or otherwise unable to accurately identify the perpetrator.

Mistakes to Avoid

We encourage our clients to be active participants in building their defense and will fight to ensure that you're allowed to tell your side of the story. However, there are some common mistakes we often see people make. We encourage you to request our free offer, Top 10 Ways You Are Killing Your Defense, to learn how to avoid common mistakes and ensure you have the best possible outcome for your case.

Have You Been Charged With a Violent Crime in the Tulsa, OK Area?

If you or a loved one has been charged with a violent crime in the Tulsa, Oklahoma area, you need to speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call 918.384.0850 for your initial strategy session. We are proud to serve Tulsa and all surrounding areas.

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How can I defend myself against assault and battery charges in Oklahoma?