Aggravated Assault Attorney in Ventura

PC 245 Defense from a Team That Knows How These Cases Are Built

California Penal Code 245, assault with a deadly weapon, is a distinct and more serious charge than simple assault. The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office makes a felony-versus-misdemeanor charging decision early, and that decision shapes everything that follows. Our team at Wilfert Law P.C. includes former police officers and a former district attorney who understand exactly how that process works and where it can be challenged.

We’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and we offer a free initial case review. With thousands of cases resolved, we know what early, informed representation can mean for a PC 245 charge.

If you or someone you know is facing an aggravated assault charge in Ventura, call us now at (805) 324-6777. The sooner we review your case, the more options may be available.

What California PC 245 Actually Charges

PC 245 covers three primary forms of aggravated assault. PC 245(a)(1) addresses assault with a deadly weapon or instrument other than a firearm. PC 245(a)(2) covers assault with a firearm. PC 245(a)(4) addresses assault by force likely to produce great bodily injury, the category that typically applies when hands or fists are the means of force.

A “deadly weapon” under California law is defined broadly: any object used in a manner capable of causing great bodily injury or death. Vehicles, bats, and knives all qualify. Physical contact with the alleged victim isn’t required. The prosecution must show only that the defendant acted willfully and had the present ability to apply force.

PC 245 is a wobbler offense, meaning the district attorney can file it as either a felony or a misdemeanor based on the facts, the object involved, and the defendant’s history. One exception: if the alleged victim was a peace officer or firefighter on duty, the charge becomes a straight felony under PC 245(c) with an elevated sentencing range.

Sentencing Exposure for a PC 245 Conviction in Ventura

A felony conviction under PC 245(a)(1) carries 2, 3, or 4 years in state prison and a fine up to $10,000. Filed as a misdemeanor, the exposure drops to up to one year in county jail and a fine up to $1,000. PC 245(a)(2), assault with a firearm, carries the same felony prison range, with a minimum of 6 months in county jail if filed as a misdemeanor.

Enhancements and long-term consequences raise the stakes significantly:

• Great bodily injury enhancement: If the alleged victim suffered significant physical harm, a PC 12022.7 enhancement adds a consecutive 3 years in prison. That figure rises to 5 additional years if the victim was left comatose, permanently paralyzed, or is 70 years old or older.
• Three strikes exposure: A felony PC 245 conviction can count as a strike under California’s three strikes law, with compounding consequences on any future felony conviction.
• Firearm rights: A felony conviction means a lifetime ban on owning or possessing any firearm. Even a misdemeanor conviction results in a 10-year prohibition.

How Wilfert Law P.C. Defends PC 245 Cases in Ventura

Our defense starts with how the prosecution built its case. Jarrod M. Wilfert and Frank Brisslinger lead a team with direct law enforcement and prosecutorial experience, which means we review the evidence collected, how it was documented, and whether the investigation followed proper procedure. That investigative perspective surfaces weaknesses that aren’t always visible from the defense side alone.

Wilfert Law P.C. has been recognized by NADC as “Nation’s Top One Percent,” and our attorneys have resolved thousands of cases across Ventura County. That track record reflects consistent preparation and a clear-eyed view of whether a case is worth fighting or worth negotiating, and what a favorable outcome may realistically look like for each client.

Start with a Free Case Review

A PC 245 charge moves quickly. Statements made before you have an attorney can follow you into court. Getting us involved now can give you a clearer picture of where your case stands and what your options are.

We offer a free initial case review with no obligation, and we’re available around the clock. Call Wilfert Law P.C. at (805) 324-6777 to speak with our team today.