Assault Attorney in Murrieta

Over 30 Years Defending Assault Charges in Riverside County

An assault charge in California can move fast. Whether you’re facing a misdemeanor under Penal Code 240 or a felony assault with a deadly weapon charge, the decisions made early in the process matter. Our firm, John Pozza Attorney At Law, PLC, has defended clients facing assault charges at the Southwest Justice Center in Murrieta and throughout Riverside County for over 30 years.

Clients work directly with John Pozza from the first call through resolution. No handoffs to associates.

If you’ve been arrested or believe charges may be filed, contact us now at (951) 461-7155. Early involvement gives our team an opportunity to investigate and protect your rights before the case hardens.

What California Law Says About Assault

California Penal Code 240 defines assault as an unlawful attempt to commit a violent injury on another person, combined with the present ability to do so. No physical contact is required. That’s what distinguishes assault from battery under Penal Code 242, which requires actual application of force.

Simple assault under PC 240 is a misdemeanor, punishable by up to six months in county jail and a fine of up to $1,000. The stakes climb quickly from there:

• Assault with a deadly weapon (PC 245(a)(1)): A wobbler offense that can be filed as either a misdemeanor (up to one year in county jail) or a felony (two, three, or four years in state prison)
• Assault with a firearm (PC 245(a)(2)): Also a wobbler; involving a semiautomatic firearm under PC 245(b) can mean three, six, or nine years as a felony
• Assault on protected persons: Assaults involving peace officers, firefighters, or emergency medical personnel carry enhanced penalties and can elevate what would otherwise be a misdemeanor to a felony
• Three Strikes exposure: Certain felony assault convictions, particularly assault with a deadly weapon, count as a strike under California’s Three Strikes law, compounding penalties for any future felony

Beyond jail time and fines, an assault conviction creates a permanent criminal record that can affect employment, professional licensing, and firearm rights.

How We Approach Assault Defense

Every assault case turns on the specific facts. The prosecution must prove each element of the charge, including that the defendant had the present ability to carry out the threatened harm at the moment of the act. That requirement, along with the intent element, creates real defense opportunities that demand careful investigation.

Our defense approach for assault charges in Murrieta includes:

• Pre-file investigation: When possible, we begin work before charges are formally filed, gathering evidence and building a factual record before the Riverside County District Attorney’s office shapes the case
• Self-defense and defense of others: California law recognizes these defenses where the circumstances support them, and we analyze the full context of the encounter
• False allegations and mistaken identity: Assault accusations sometimes arise from disputed domestic situations, neighbor conflicts, or cases of misidentification
• Challenging the evidence: Statements or physical evidence obtained through unlawful search and seizure or in violation of Miranda rights may be suppressible
• Wobbler strategy: For PC 245 charges, pursuing misdemeanor treatment rather than felony prosecution can protect employment, professional licenses, and civil rights

Many assault cases resolve through negotiation, sometimes to a lesser offense or reduced penalties, without going to trial. We prepare for trial from day one regardless.

Why Murrieta Clients Choose John Pozza

John Pozza has practiced criminal defense since 1994, with courtroom experience across Riverside, San Diego, San Bernardino, and Orange Counties, including cases handled at the Southwest Justice Center in Murrieta.

Credentials & Recognition

We hold a Superb Avvo Rating and have been recognized by the National Association of Distinguished Counsel as Nation’s Top One Percent and as a Top Lawyer in California. John Pozza is a member of the California Attorneys for Criminal Justice, the California Public Defenders Association, the Southwest Riverside County Bar Association, and the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. These memberships reflect an ongoing commitment to criminal defense practice, not a credential earned once and set aside.

Local Presence & Client Access

Local courts, judges, and prosecutors in Murrieta know our firm, and that familiarity shapes how we negotiate and how we prepare. We also offer Spanish-language services for clients who prefer to communicate in Spanish.

Start Your Defense Before the Prosecution Builds Its Case

Don’t wait for formal charges to seek representation. Involving an assault lawyer in Murrieta before the Riverside County District Attorney files can preserve options that may narrow once charges are set. We can review the facts, explain your exposure, and outline a defense strategy from the outset.

Contact John Pozza Attorney At Law, PLC by phone or through our online contact form to schedule a consultation. Call (951) 461-7155 today.