Battery can carry a long term prison sentence if someone is convicted. A Milwaukee area woman was charged with one felony count of substantial battery last week after a man accused her of hitting him in the head with a pool cue at a tavern. The 26-year-old woman could face up to three-and-a-half years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine if she is convicted.

This severe penalty can have a huge impact on a person's life at a critical point when they might just be starting to establish their own life. A felony conviction could affect a person's future career and educational ambitions. This is why it is important to take these charges very seriously.

The alleged incident happened at Club Paragon. A man says that the woman swung the pool cue at him and hit him in the head, causing a cut that needed stitched from rescue workers. Police say the man later was able to identify the woman, and they arrested her and she is now being held at the county jail on $2,500 bond.

Police aren't saying what they think the woman hit the man for. It might be wise for someone in a similar situation, facing a felony, to consult with a Milwaukee criminal defense attorney. Sometimes people feel threatened at bars, and react in self-defense. Women might feel especially vulnerable and act to protect themselves. A charge of battery should have to ruin someone's reputation before they have a fair trial and are informed of their rights.

Source: Patch, "Woman Charged After Hitting a Man With a Pool Cue at Club Paragon," Joe Petrie, Jan. 23, 2012