Assault Lawyer in Long Beach, CA

Charged with assault in Long Beach? The Duran Law Group defends your rights at every stage — from arrest through trial. Attorney John Duran brings nearly four decades of criminal defense experience to clients across Los Angeles County, fighting aggressively to protect your record, your freedom, and your future.

Call Now: 424-777-0007 | Request a Free Consultation

Trusted. Proven. Local.

• Nearly 40 years of criminal defense in Los Angeles County courtrooms
• Thousands of clients defended across Southern California
• Inducted into the Hall of Fame at Western University College of Law
• Former Mayor and Councilmember — West Hollywood City Council, 2000–2020
• Free consultations available

Assault Charges in California Are More Serious Than Most People Expect

An assault accusation — even without physical contact — can result in jail time, steep fines, and a permanent criminal record that follows you for life. Under California Penal Code § 240, simple assault is a misdemeanor carrying up to six months in county jail and fines up to $1,000. Charges escalate sharply when a weapon is involved. Assault with a deadly weapon under PC § 245 is a wobbler offense — prosecuted as a misdemeanor or a felony carrying up to four years in state prison.

The Long Beach Prosecutor's Office handles these cases aggressively. Whether your case ends up at the Governor George Deukmejian Courthouse on Magnolia Avenue or escalates to a higher court, you need a defense attorney who knows how Los Angeles County prosecutors build their cases — and how to dismantle them. The Duran Law Group is that firm.

What an Assault Defense Attorney Can Do for Your Case

California assault charges require prosecutors to prove specific legal elements beyond a reasonable doubt — and that burden creates real opportunities for the defense. Attorney John Duran evaluates every case for the following:

• Self-defense or defense of others — You had a reasonable belief that force was necessary to protect yourself or another person
• Lack of ability — You did not actually have the present ability to inflict force at the time of the alleged incident
• Lack of willful intent — Your actions were accidental or misinterpreted
• False accusation — The charge stems from a personal dispute, jealousy, or retaliation rather than a genuine threat

John Duran's approach also includes prefile intervention — reaching out to prosecutors before charges are formally filed to prevent the case from going to court at all. When charges can be stopped before they start, that is the best possible outcome.

Why Long Beach Clients Choose The Duran Law Group

John Duran is not a newcomer to criminal defense. He has been trying cases in Los Angeles County courtrooms since 1987, defending clients in cases that range from first-time misdemeanor arrests to precedent-setting constitutional challenges.

• People v. Green — All charges dismissed before trial in California's first felony assisted suicide prosecution in over 100 years (Featured in the Los Angeles Times)
• People v. Perkins — All charges dismissed in California's first medicinal marijuana case following the passage of Proposition 215 (Featured in the Los Angeles Times)
• People v. Yedinak (2025) — Successfully argued before the California Court of Appeals, establishing published precedent affirming equal bail rights for all defendants regardless of income

Beyond the courtroom, John Duran served two decades as a West Hollywood city leader, has been recognized by the California State Assembly, honored by Equality California with a Lifetime Achievement Award, and received the National Service Award from NALEO. His community ties are not a footnote — they reflect a career built on fighting for people when the stakes are highest.

How the Process Works

1. Free Consultation — Call 424-777-0007 or submit your information online. You pay nothing to discuss your case.
2. Case Evaluation — John Duran reviews the charges, the evidence, and the circumstances surrounding your arrest.
3. Defense Strategy — A clear, honest plan is developed — with realistic expectations, not empty promises.
4. Aggressive Representation — From negotiations with prosecutors to courtroom litigation at the Deukmejian Courthouse, John fights for the best possible outcome.
5. Resolution — Whether that means dismissal, reduced charges, or a favorable verdict, the goal is always to protect your future.

Frequently Asked Questions: Assault Charges in Long Beach, CA

What is the difference between assault and battery in California?
Assault (PC § 240) is an unlawful attempt to apply force to another person — no actual contact is required. Battery (PC § 242) involves actual physical contact. You can be charged with assault even if you never touched anyone.

Can an assault charge be dismissed in California?
Yes. Charges can be dismissed when the prosecution cannot prove all required elements, when self-defense applies, or when evidence of false accusation exists. Prefile intervention can also prevent charges from being filed at all.

Is simple assault a felony in California?
Simple assault under PC § 240 is a misdemeanor. However, assault with a deadly weapon under PC § 245 can be charged as a felony carrying up to four years in prison.

What happens if I was assaulted first and acted in self-defense?
California law recognizes self-defense as a complete legal defense to assault charges. You must have reasonably believed you were in imminent danger and used only the force necessary to protect yourself.

Which court handles assault cases in Long Beach?
Assault cases in Long Beach are typically heard at the Governor George Deukmejian Courthouse, located at 275 Magnolia Avenue in Long Beach — part of the Los Angeles County Superior Court's South District.

How quickly should I hire an assault lawyer?
As soon as possible. Early legal representation allows your attorney to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and potentially intervene before the prosecution formally files charges.

Serving Long Beach and Surrounding Communities

The Duran Law Group defends clients throughout Long Beach — from Belmont Shore and Downtown to Bixby Knolls, North Long Beach, Signal Hill, and beyond. The firm also serves clients throughout Los Angeles County, including communities across the South Bay and greater Southern California.