Grand Rapids Assault and Battery Lawyer

If you have been charged with assault and battery, you may be feeling stressed or worried about what the future holds. If you are convicted, you can experience penalties such as imprisonment, fines, and a permanent criminal record. A Grand Rapids assault and battery lawyer can help you navigate the criminal justice system while building a strong defense strategy to help you avoid harsh criminal penalties.

Hire an Assault and Battery Lawyer You Can Trust

The Bartish Law Firm, PLLC, is a skilled criminal defense firm founded by a husband and wife who are also parents to a son pursuing his legal degree. We have experience as an Army JAG and have defended clients facing serious felonies and even federal crimes. Throughout battery and assault cases, we make it a priority to be easily accessible to clients. We want you to reach out at any time, so you are not worried about your case.

We have been recognized by SuperLawyers for 17 consecutive years and have an Avvo 10.0 rating and Client Satisfaction Badge. Additionally, we have been listed as a Top Lawyer in the Grand Rapids Magazine. However, awards and recognitions are not guarantees of future results. Selection criteria vary by organization.

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What Is Assault and Battery Under Michigan Law?

Under Michigan’s assault and battery laws, both assault and battery have different definitions. Assault is causing another person fear of immediate harm, and does not require actually touching the other person. Battery is the actual harmful touching of the other person. It is possible to be charged with assault even if you did not also commit battery.

Often, assault charges can become elevated due to certain factors, known as aggravating factors. Some examples of when a case may become aggravated include:

• The victim suffered serious bodily injury.
• The assault was against a police officer or other protected individual.
• A gun or other deadly weapon was used.

An Overview of Assault and Battery Cases in Grand Rapids

In 2025, there were 33,475 aggravated assault offenses in Michigan. From 2013 to 2023, the rate of aggravated assault increased by 29% in Michigan, which is higher than the national average.

The law enforcement and criminal justice systems in Grand Rapids aggressively prosecute battery and assault cases due to the severity of these offenses. Assault alone was projected to cost Grand Rapids $ 81.4 million in 2025. Most of these cases are handled by the 61st District Court at 180 Ottawa Ave. NW.

Assault and Battery Penalties

The assault and battery penalties can be extremely severe, especially if there are aggravating factors involved. Many convicted offenders face penalties such as:

• Imprisonment
• Fines
• Probation
• Restitution

Even beyond the immediate, court-ordered penalties, there are other consequences of a conviction. An assault and battery conviction leaves you with a permanent criminal record, which may make it difficult to secure employment, housing, educational opportunities, or professional licenses. If you hire an assault and battery lawyer, they can help you develop a strategy that minimizes these penalties.

Get a Free Consultation With a Grand Rapids Assault and Battery Lawyer

At The Bartish Law Firm, PLLC, we offer free, 120-minute consultations, which allow us to deeply understand the circumstances of your case and offer guidance on how to move forward. If you are ready to begin building a defense with a Grand Rapids assault and battery attorney, contact us.