Los Angeles Assault with Caustic Chemicals Attorneys

Dedicated Legal Defense Against Charges of Assault with Caustic Chemicals

In a single recent year, 29,400 violent crimes were reported in Los Angeles by the FBI. Violent crime is a broad category that includes a wide range of offenses, such as assault and battery, rape, kidnapping, and murder. One specific offense classified in the violent crimes category is assault with caustic chemicals. It is a felony offense that carries severe penalties, including a prison sentence of up to four years. If you are facing charges of assault with caustic chemicals, consult with an experienced Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer right away.

It is important to fight these felony charges with the best available defense, and time is of the essence. At Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP, we are a premier criminal defense firm with decades of experience handling the most complex criminal cases in the state. Our attorneys include former prosecutors and a certified specialist in writs and appeals. Criminal defense is all we do, and we know it inside and out.

Call us at (213) 688-0460 to schedule a free consultation today.

What Is the California Law on Assault with Caustic Chemicals?

Assault with caustic chemicals is prohibited under the California Penal Code at Section 244. The language of this statute is as follows:

“Any person who willfully and maliciously places or throws, or causes to be placed or thrown, upon the person of another, any vitriol, corrosive acid, flammable substance, or caustic chemical of any nature, with the intent to injure the flesh or disfigure the body of that person, is punishable by imprisonment in the state prison for two, three, or four years.

As used in this section, ‘flammable substance’ means gasoline, petroleum products, or flammable liquids with a flashpoint of 150 degrees Fahrenheit or less.”

In other words, this crime involves placing, throwing, or causing to be placed or thrown a vitriol, corrosive acid, flammable substance, or caustic chemical on another person with the intent to injure or disfigure the victim. “Vitriol” is defined as sulfuric acid. “Caustic” means able to burn or corrode organic tissue by chemical action.

Penalties for Assault with Caustic Chemicals

Possible penalties upon conviction of assault with caustic chemicals include two, three, or four years in state prison, a fine of up to $10,000, felony probation, community service, and restitution to the victim. The judge may issue a protective order requiring that you maintain a certain distance from the victim and prohibit you from contacting them. A felony conviction on your record could impact your future employment, housing, and other prospects.

What Are the Possible Defenses Against Assault with Caustic Chemicals?

Our seasoned Los Angeles criminal defense lawyers can raise every applicable defense in your case. Common defenses include:

• Mistaken identity: It was someone else, not you, who committed the crime.
• Self-defense: You acted to defend yourself from imminent harm.
• No willful act or intent to injure or disfigure: It was an accident, or you did not intend to injure or disfigure the victim.
• Not a caustic chemical: The substance in question does not fall into the caustic chemical category.

Protecting Your Rights and Safeguarding Your Future

At Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP, we act fast in criminal defense matters, knowing your future is on the line. Our Los Angeles violent crime defense attorneys offer one-on-one, personalized service and dig deep to pursue the results you need. Our firm has earned a reputation for achieving favorable results.

If you have been accused of assault with caustic chemicals, contact us at (213) 688-0460 today.