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The Severity of Assault & Battery Charges in Florida
Assault and battery charges are often linked together and are usually associated with violent threats or criminal actions. If you are convicted of assault and/or battery in Florida, you can expect to serve time in jail and pay hefty fines. A criminal record can also impact your ability to obtain gainful employment, including losing your professional license. You may even have a hard time keeping custody of your children if you are divorced.
At our law firm, we understand how critical this period of time is for you and your family. We will stand by your side as a strong support system to offer legal counsel and advice at every step of your criminal proceedings. We have represented countless clients in our more than 35 years of practicing criminal defense law. Our founding attorney has spent years as a prosecutor, giving our legal team the unique insight of someone who has been on the other side before. We know how to get results, and we have the determination to fight for you.
When you or your loved one is facing criminal charges related to a violent crime, you may be worried about what the future will hold. The good news is that you don’t have to face this challenging situation alone. You can call our law office today to schedule a free, confidential consultation where you can discuss your unique needs with our compassionate, bilingual team of attorneys. Call now to schedule your free consultation at 863-622-9602.
What Is Assault & Battery as Defined by Florida Law?
The terms assault and battery are often used together, but they actually refer to two distinct criminal charges. It is important to understand that your charges may be enhanced if you are guilty of both assault and battery. This is even more crucial if your charges are related to domestic violence. Contact our legal team to get more detailed counsel regarding your specific circumstances.
Assault
Assault in Florida is defined as the threat of harm toward another individual. It does not involve actual physical contact but is based on a few required elements, including:
- Making an intentional threat
- Causing the victim reasonable fear
- Having the ability to act
If your assault case involves a deadly weapon, you may face charges of aggravated assault, which can further increase the penalties you’ll face. Call our law firm immediately for help navigating the complex Florida legal system when you’re facing assault charges.
Battery
Battery goes a step beyond assault and involves harmful, unwanted physical contact between two individuals. Examples of battery charges include punching someone or knocking an item out of another person’s hands. Sexual battery can occur if unwanted physical contact takes place during a sexual encounter. Additional aggravating factors, such as using a firearm or if the action took place within a family, may lead to higher fines and longer jail sentences.
What Penalties Can Come with an Assault & Battery Conviction?
The penalties you face as a result of your conviction depend on many different factors, including whether a deadly weapon was used and how much harm was caused. If the offense is minor, it may count as a misdemeanor under Florida law. This could mean up to 60 days in jail and fines of up to $500. While misdemeanors aren’t treated as severely as felonies, they should still be taken seriously because a criminal record can negatively impact your way of life.
If you have prior convictions or if your case involves aggravating factors, you could face felony charges. For example, aggravated assault in Florida is a third-degree felony, which can result in up to five years in prison and fines of up to $5,000. Having a felony on your record can be devastating for many reasons. Reach out to our team of defense attorneys today to get the legal help you need fighting your assault and battery charges.
What Can I Do to Defend Myself Against Assault & Battery Charges?
Facing charges for violent crimes can be frightening. Many prosecutors treat individuals harshly to give the appearance of taking a tough stance against crime. However, what if you were the victim or do not deserve a criminal conviction? Our legal team will investigate the details behind your case to uncover the truth and get you the relief you need.
Some defenses that can be effective against assault and battery charges include:
- Acting in self-defense
- Acting in defense of another person
- Acting under duress or threat of harm
- Mistaken identity
- Lack of evidence
- Mutual combat
It is essential to have a skilled lawyer watching out for you throughout the process to develop a strong defense and avoid self-incrimination. Call our law firm right away to get the counsel and representation you need.
Should You Hire Our Assault & Battery Attorneys?
Facing criminal charges in Florida can be a terrifying experience. You should not have to go through this process without skilled attorneys who will fight for your rights. Our legal team has the experience necessary to get you the results you are looking for. We have a proven record of success that shows we are qualified to handle your case, no matter how complex it may be.
If you or a loved one has been charged with assault and battery, please get in touch with us right away. We would be happy to meet with you in a free consultation where we can discuss your unique needs and goals at no risk. We also offer affordable rates and bilingual services so you can get the counsel and representation you need without breaking the bank.
Call our law offices immediately for the help you need navigating the police investigation, pre-trial negotiations, and litigation following your arrest for assault and battery or other criminal charges. You can reach our friendly, capable legal team at 863-622-9602.
