Battery & Aggravated Assault

Battery & Aggravated Assault Defense Attorneys

Charges involving assault and battery are often emotionally charged and factually complex. What may be portrayed as a violent attack could, in reality, involve mutual combat, provocation, mistaken identity, or self-defense. From heated arguments to physical altercations, the line between a misdemeanor and a serious felony can hinge on nuance.

A knowledgeable and strategic defense attorney will thoroughly investigate the incident, question witness credibility, and challenge the state’s narrative. Serious allegations can lead to harsh penalties, including jail time, a permanent criminal record, and the loss of your rights and reputation. At Morrison & Hughes Law, we understand how overwhelming this can be—and we’re here to defend your freedom, your future, and your side of the story.

Effective advocacy can mean the difference between jail time and justice don’t wait to protect your rights. Get legal advice today.  Contact us online or call 404-LAW-TEAM today!

 

Battery & Aggravated Assault Defense Attorneys

Charges involving assault and battery are often emotionally charged and factually complex. What may be portrayed as a violent attack could, in reality, involve mutual combat, provocation, mistaken identity, or self-defense. From heated arguments to physical altercations, the line between a misdemeanor and a serious felony can hinge on nuance.

A knowledgeable and strategic defense attorney will thoroughly investigate the incident, question witness credibility, and challenge the state’s narrative. Serious allegations can lead to harsh penalties, including jail time, a permanent criminal record, and the loss of your rights and reputation. At Morrison & Hughes Law, we understand how overwhelming this can be—and we’re here to defend your freedom, your future, and your side of the story.

Effective advocacy can mean the difference between jail time and justice don’t wait to protect your rights. Get legal advice today.  Contact us online or call 404-LAW-TEAM today!

Kait Hayden

Kait Hayden

Criminal Defense Partner

Meet Kait Hayden

Morrison & Hughes is proud to offer top-tier criminal defense at our Fayetteville location, led by our Criminal Defense Partner Kait Hayden. With a Juris Doctor from Georgia State University College of Law, Kait has devoted her career to defending the accused and fighting for justice. Her passion for criminal defense has driven her to work with organizations like the Georgia Capital Defenders, Georgia Innocence Project, and Metro Conflict Defenders, gaining invaluable experience in indigent defense.

As a former public defender in Henry and Clayton counties, Kait has handled a wide range of felony cases, from drug possession to serious charges like aggravated child molestation and murder. Her extensive trial experience and deep commitment to protecting her clients’ rights make her a powerful advocate for those facing criminal charges.

If you or a loved one need experienced, dedicated legal defense, Morrison & Hughes is here to fight for you. Now offering criminal defense services in Fayetteville—because your future deserves a strong defense.

Understanding the Charges

Georgia law separates Simple Battery, Battery, and Aggravated Assault into distinct offenses with escalating consequences.

Simple Battery (O.C.G.A. § 16-5-23)

Occurs when a person intentionally makes physical contact of an insulting or provoking nature or causes physical harm to another. Often charged in fights or domestic disputes.

Battery (O.C.G.A. § 16-5-23.1)

Involves substantial physical harm or visible bodily injury, such as bruises, cuts, or swelling. May be charged as a misdemeanor or felony depending on prior convictions or victim status.

Aggravated Assault (O.C.G.A. § 16-5-21)

A felony offense that includes assault:

  • With a deadly weapon (gun, knife, vehicle, etc.)
  • With intent to murder, rape, or rob
  • That results in serious bodily injury
  • Against a protected class (police, elderly, pregnant individuals, etc.)

Aggravated Assault carries severe penalties and can significantly impact your civil liberties.

Potential Penalties

Penalties depend on the circumstances, but may include:

  • Jail or prison time (up to 20 years for felony Aggravated Assault)
  • Fines, probation, and community service
  • Anger management or counseling requirements
  • Protective or restraining orders
  • Loss of gun rights or other civil liberties
  • A permanent criminal record

A conviction can affect your employment, housing, and reputation—long after you’ve served your sentence.

Defending Assault & Battery Charges

At Morrison & Hughes, we don’t just take the prosecutor’s word for it. We investigate your case from every angle and build a strong defense that may include:

  • Self-defense or defense of others
  • Mutual combat or provocation
  • False accusations or mistaken identity
  • Lack of intent to harm
  • Unlawful arrest or violation of your rights

Many assault cases are emotionally charged or based on one-sided stories. Our goal is to present the full truth and fight for the best possible outcome, whether through dismissal, reduction of charges, or acquittal at trial.

Why Choose Morrison & Hughes

Our criminal defense attorneys bring experience, strategy, and courtroom skill to every case we take on. When your freedom is on the line, you need a law firm that knows Georgia’s criminal justice system and how to protect you against it.

  • Proven track record in serious felony cases
  • Aggressive courtroom advocacy
  • Client-centered approach with clear communication
  • Free consultations and honest evaluations

Arrested or under investigation, time is critical — don’t say anything before speaking to an attorney. Contact us online or call 404-LAW-TEAM today!

When You Have Been Accused of a Crime, We Are Here To Help

We offer free initial consultations, so call 404-LAW-TEAM or contact us online today.

Criminal Defense Cases We Handle

DUI:

Driving under the Influence of alcohol, drugs, or both. Aggravated or Enhanced DUI: DUI with Child Passenger, DUI Causing Injury or Death, Multiple DUI Offenses, and Felony DUI.

Drug Possession

Possession with Intent to Distribute, Trafficking, Possession of Drug Related Objects, etc.

Sexual Offenses:

Sexual Battery, Failure to Register, Rape, Statutory Rape, Child Molestation, Enticing a Minor for Indecent Purposes,  etc.

Probation Violations

Felony or Misdemeanor Probation, New Criminal Charges, Failure to Pay Fine or Restitution, Failure to Report or to Complete Court-ordered Restrictions, Services or Classes, Positive Drug Screens, etc.

Violent Crimes

Aggravated Assault, Armed Robbery, Battery, Obstruction, Cruelty to Children, Elder Abuse, Kidnapping, False Imprisonment, etc.

Battery & Aggravated Assault

Aggravated Battery, Aggravated Assault, Domestic or Family Violence, Simple Battery, Assault on a Police Officer, etc.

Gun & Weapon Offenses

Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime, Unlawful Possession by a Convicted Felon or in a Restricted Area, Theft by Receiving a Stolen Firearm, Possession of Prohibited Weapons, etc.

Homicide:

Self-Defense, Malice Murder, Felony Murder, Voluntary or Involuntary Manslaughter, etc.

Burglary & Destruction of Property

Burglary, Home Invasion, Arson, Trespass and Criminal Damage to Property, etc.

Serious Driving Offenses:

Fleeing and attempting to elude, Reckless Driving, DUI, Serious Injury by Vehicle, Vehicular Homicide, etc.

Theft:

Shoplifting, Robbery, Theft by Conversion, Theft by Receiving, Theft of Lost or Mislaid Property, and more.

Forgery and Fraud:

Financial Transaction Card Theft or Fraud, Forgery, Alteration of Identifying Information from Property, etc.

Tell Us About Your Case

Answer just a few easy questions, and we’ll be able to help tell if you have a case! Please note that this is not legal advice, and we aren’t your attorney yet. It’s just a quick way to get some basic information. We strongly recommend that you contact us for a free consultation and speak to a live attorney to figure out what your case is worth.

How We Can Help You

Dedicated to Those Injured by Negligence & Defending the Accused

when you have Accused of a Crime, we won't back down

It can feel like the system is designed for you to lose- but with attorneys who don't back down on your side, you can fight- and win.