Melanie N. Roe - Riverside Assault Lawyer

Riverside Assault Attorney

You were arrested, booked, and are now facing assault charges. That reality brings immediate, heavy questions. You might be thinking about what this charge does to your name, whether your employer will find out, and whether a background check three years from now might pull up this case and close a door you cannot reopen.

Those fears are legitimate and are exactly why our Riverside assault lawyer is here.

Attorney Melanie Roe has tried more than 100 criminal jury trials to verdict over 34 years of practice, including assault and violent felony cases in Riverside County courtrooms. She has won NOT GUILTY verdicts for clients facing some of the most serious charges the prosecution can bring.

Contact Melanie Roe For The Defense today for a confidential consultation about your assault case.

Past results do not guarantee similar outcomes.

Charges Our Riverside Assault Defense Attorney Can Help With

Our firm provides a dedicated and comprehensive defense for individuals facing any type of assault charge in Riverside County. We are committed to protecting our clients’ rights and futures, offering representation for charges ranging from minor misdemeanor allegations to serious violent felonies.

Some charges we defend include: 

• Simple assault (Penal Code § 240): Misdemeanor charges carrying up to 6 months in county jail and fines up to $1,000
• Assault with a deadly weapon (Penal Code § 245(a)(1)): A wobbler offense that prosecutors can file as a misdemeanor or felony, with felony convictions carrying two, three, or four years in state prison
• Assault on a peace officer or protected person: Enhanced penalties when the alleged victim is law enforcement, a firefighter, or emergency personnel
• Assault with force likely to cause great bodily injury: A wobbler offense. If filed as a felony, a conviction can result in two, three, or four years in state prison, even when no weapon is involved
• Domestic violence assault: Charges involving a spouse, partner, or household member that carry additional protective order and sentencing consequences

Prosecutors often rely on incomplete investigations or unreliable witness statements; our firm works to identify these gaps early, defending your case and your constitutional rights from the moment you retain counsel.

Melanie Roe For The Defense Case Results

Melanie Roe has secured real results for real people in your shoes. Notable results include: 

These results are not accidental. They are the direct product of Melanie Roe’s familiarity with Riverside County courtrooms, her proven ability to challenge evidence through cross-examination, and her commitment to protecting her clients’ futures.

Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

How We Defend Assault Charges in Riverside County

Every assault case has a version of events the prosecution wants the jury to believe. Our job is to tear that version apart.

Some defenses that may be available in an assault case include: 

Self-Defense

California law allows you to use reasonable force to protect yourself or someone else from an immediate threat. If you acted because you believed you were about to be harmed, that belief and the level of force you used become the center of the case.

Our dedicated criminal defense lawyer in Riverside builds that defense with witness testimony, physical evidence, and surveillance footage when it exists.

False Accusation

Assault charges can be based on false allegations. A bitter ex, a neighbor with a grudge, or a coworker looking for leverage can make a single phone call that results in an arrest. There is often no physical evidence because no assault actually occurred.

We investigate the accuser’s motive, prior statements, and credibility before the case reaches a jury.

Lack of Intent

The prosecution must prove you acted willfully (on purpose). Accidental contact, reflexive movements, and misinterpreted gestures generally do not meet that standard.

Our trusted homicide attorneys in Riverside can examine what actually happened and challenge the prosecution’s claim that you intended to use force.

Insufficient Evidence

If the only evidence is one person’s word against yours, the prosecution has a problem. We hold them to their burden of proof, using weaknesses in the evidence when possible to secure dismissals or favorable plea agreements.

FAQs About Riverside, CA Assault Law

How much does a Riverside assault lawyer cost?

Fees depend on the complexity of the charge, whether it is filed as a misdemeanor or felony, and whether the case goes to trial. We discuss fees openly during the initial consultation so you have a clear picture of costs before making any decisions.

Can assault charges be dropped or dismissed in California?

Possibly. Charges can be dismissed before trial through motions challenging the evidence, witness credibility issues, or problems with how the investigation was conducted. In some cases, charges are reduced through negotiation. The strength of the defense strategy determines what outcomes are possible.

What is the difference between assault and battery in California?

Assault is an attempt to use force against someone. Battery is the actual use of force or violence. You can be charged with assault even if no physical contact occurred. Both carry criminal penalties, but the distinction matters because it affects what the prosecution has to prove and what defenses are available.

Will an assault charge show up on my record in Riverside County?

A charge may not, but a conviction will appear on background checks. If you are acquitted or the charges are dismissed, the arrest record may still be visible. California law now provides automatic sealing for many arrest records that did not lead to a conviction. If automatic relief has not been applied, you can petition the court to seal the record.

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