Assault Allegations Against Christian Bale
In recent news, the actor Christian Bale has allegedly been arrested and released on allegations of assault in London. Bale's mother and sister stated that Bale assaulted them at a hotel Sunday night, just before the new Batman movie, The Dark Knight, premiered in Europe. The actor turned himself in and was released four hours later. He has denied these allegations.
If Bale was arrested in the United States, more specifically in the State of South Carolina and charged with assault, he could face up to 30 days in prison and/or a fine up to $500.00. According to the South Carolina Code, an assault is "an unlawful attempt to commit a violent injury to the person of another with a present ability to complete the act".
Battery on the other hand, is not an attempt crime like assault, but requires an act. Battery is defined under the South Carolina Code as "un unlawful act of violent injury to the person of another." Like assault, the penalty for battery is up to 30 days in jail and/or a fine up to $500.00.
There are several defenses to a state criminal charge of assault and battery, including consent, official duty, provocation. Usually mere words, even if these words are abusive, threatening and insulting, do not justify an assault and battery unless there is an actual suggestion of physical violence or behavior.
Our criminal defense attorneys handle all cases involving assault and battery in Horry County, including Conway, Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Carolina Forest, Garden City, Murrell's Inlet and Socastee as well as areas in Charleston County.
