The crime of Assault requires that a person attempted to have physical contact against another person.  It has the following elements:

that an individual committed an intentional act;
that the individual attempted to make contact or did make actual contact with the victim;
that the individual knew that his or her actions would probably result in contact with the victim; and
that the individual had the physical ability to contact the victim.
There are different ways that assault can be charged, creating a greater need to hire an experienced Criminal Defense Attorney including:

Misdemeanor Assault
Felony Assault
Felony Assault with Great Bodily Injury
Assault upon a Peace Officer
Assault with a Deadly Weapon using Bodily Force
Assault with a Deadly Weapon, using a Weapon (such as a gun, knife, or other weapon)

Punishment for Assault depends on whether it is charged as a Felony or a Misdemeanor.  It can include a County Jail or a State Prison sentence.  Hiring an experienced Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney can help you obtain a dismissal or a reduction of the charges.