Lake City Assault & Battery Attorneys
The term “assault and battery” under Florida law refers to a number of different criminal offenses. While each has their differences, any of these crimes will involve intentionally using, or threatening to harm, another person. The penalties for these offenses are as varied as the crimes themselves. Depending on the circumstances surrounding the case, a person could spend anywhere between one day and five years in prison if they are convicted. If you have been charged with any of these crimes, it is important to speak to a Lake City assault & battery attorney that knows the law and the defenses available.
Types of Assault & Battery Charges
People often mistake assault and battery as being just one crime, but even these two terms vary greatly from each other. Assault is defined under state law as threatening another person with physical harm. Battery, on the other hand, requires one person to intentionally inflict harm on someone else. Assault and battery can both be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony. The type of charge a person faces, as well as the penalties associated with a conviction, will vary depending on the severity of the offense. A Lake City assault and battery lawyer can defend against many types of charges including:
- Simple assault: A person may be charged with simple assault if they threaten another person in such a manner that it causes that person to fear bodily harm. A conviction for simple assault may result in up to six days in jail and a $5,000 maximum fine. Simple assault towards a police officer or another public servant is considered a felony, which comes with much more serious consequences.
- Aggravated assault: When a person uses a weapon to threaten someone else, or the threat is considered extreme, simple assault charges may be upgraded to aggravated assault, which is a third degree felony.
- Simple battery: Any time someone engages in violent physical contact that causes another person to suffer bodily injury, it is considered simple battery. This crime is typically charged as a misdemeanor, unless harm was inflicted on a public servant.
- Aggravated battery: Just as with aggravated assault, anytime the circumstances surrounding simple battery are considered extreme, the charges may be upgraded to aggravated battery.
Defenses to Assault & Battery
Self-defense is the most commonly used defense in assault and battery cases. Self-defense includes not only defending yourself against harm, but other people, such as family members, and your property. However, there may be other defenses to assault and battery charges, too. A lawyer will consider the nature of the dispute, as well as your relation to the victim when determining the best defense for your case.
Call Our Lake City Assault & Battery Attorneys for a Free Consultation
At Meldon Law, our Lake City assault and battery attorney knows that innocent people are often charged, and that an arrest does not necessarily mean a conviction is to follow. Call us today at 800-373-8000 or fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation and to learn more about the defenses possible in your case.
