Ocala Assault and Battery Lawyer
It makes no difference whether you’re actually guilty of assault and battery or the victim of a misunderstanding. Criminal charges are high-stakes matters, and you want to do everything possible to protect your future. After all, it’s literally you versus the State of Florida. The prosecution will do everything in its power to secure a conviction. So, why shouldn’t you have your own advocate?
If you have been arrested, our Ocala assault and battery lawyers will fiercely defend your rights and take on your fight like it was our own. We help you understand any charges brought against you––we are your allies from day one. Call us at (352) 373-8000 to learn about the protection we have to offer. Our criminal defense firm wants to hear from you now.
Meet the Team at Meldon Law: We Advocate for Defendants in Ocala
And just who is the team at Meldon Law? Well, we’re the official law partner of the Florida Gators. We’ve also advocated for those going against the legal system since 1971. We take a five-pronged approach to every case we handle, and it’s something we call Meldon CARES.
Here, you can rest assured that we’ll offer:
- Compassion. You’re innocent until proven guilty. The prosecutor may treat you like a criminal, but we won’t. We treat your case with respect and dignity.
- Accountability. We hold ourselves accountable for your case’s outcome, handling it as though it involves one of our own family members.
- Reliability. You won’t feel alone when you have Meldon Law advocating for you. Reassurance is just a phone call away.
- Excellence. We’re confident in our abilities to manage your assault and battery case in Ocala. You could say we’re in it to win it.
- Success-driven results. We take cases that other law firms shy away from. Not only do we take tough cases, but we pour our time, energy, and resources into securing your freedom.
We believe that our former client, Jeff from Fort Lauderdale, best sums up our criminal defense team:
“I am very happy that I went with Meldon Law. Tanner Demmery and Alexandra Gordon are fantastic. I had a DUI case that I needed to make sure that I wasn’t guilty of because I have a CDL and my career depends on my license…The prosecutor was no match for Tanner; he is a BEAST in the courtroom and after the judge gave me the not guilty ruling she told him, ‘Wow, you are really good.”
We Can Employ These Defenses in Your Assault and Battery Case
Our criminal defense attorneys at Meldon Law have practiced law for more than 50 years. We apply those decades of knowledge to your case, bringing an additional benefit to the service you receive.
Our Ocala lawyers and legal team begin preparing your defense by absorbing your story and investigating what transpired. We may use one or more of the following defenses on your behalf:
- You acted in self-defense. This is the most common defense against assault and battery charges. Eyewitnesses or CCTV may show that you are the victim rather than the perpetrator. They may even show that nothing took place.
- The other party misunderstood your intentions. In social settings, it is common for misunderstandings to disrupt an evening. You may have been misheard, or your intent may have been to jokingly threaten someone, not seriously threaten the person. In crowded rooms, people are often touched in personal ways by accident, not intent. Your physical contact may have been unintentional.
- You were defending another person. If someone threatens or appears to threaten your companion, you may shove the person away from your friend to keep him or her safe. You have the right to do this.
- The other party consented to the activity. If you and another person mutually agreed to spar or wrestle or engage in a similar activity, it can be argued that this is not battery but a physical entanglement into which both parties willingly entered.
- There isn’t enough evidence to convict you. The prosecution might not have evidence to secure a conviction. If the prosecutor can’t prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, we can push for a “not guilty” verdict.
Assault and Battery Are Not the Same in Ocala
The terms “assault” and “battery” are so often coupled together that many people think they’re the same charge. They’re not. You could get charged with assault, battery, or assault and battery. Here’s what to know about the two:
Assault Does Not Require Physical Contact
Under Florida law, assault occurs when a person intentionally threatens someone with violence via words, actions, or both. Touching or hitting doesn’t have to occur, but the victim must be in fear of an imminent attack.
Assault is typically charged as a second-degree misdemeanor, with the potential of 60 days in jail and a $500 fine. The offender may be ordered to attend counseling and to stay away from the victim.
Aggravated assault is when a deadly weapon is used to threaten someone, but there is no intention to kill. This could also happen when an individual assaults someone while intending to commit another felony. Aggravated assault is a third-degree felony punishable by up to five years in prison and/or a $5,000 fine.
Battery Involves Physical Contact
Battery is intentionally touching another person or causing bodily harm. It can be a slight touch that is seen as offensive but not physically painful or an attack that causes permanent injury. Simple battery is a first-degree misdemeanor but can be a third-degree felony if you have a prior conviction.
Aggravated battery is a second-degree felony, punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. This offense is when:
- A person causes substantial bodily harm, permanent injury, or disfigurement to the victim.
- The alleged perpetrator used a deadly weapon.
- The victim was pregnant at the time of the alleged attack.
Penalties for assault or battery charges may increase under certain circumstances. Our criminal defense attorneys will discuss potential penalties with you and how they may apply to your case.
Connect With Our Assault and Battery Lawyers Today
Our Ocala law firm serves each client with compassion and integrity. What we do isn’t our job; it’s our calling, and we believe that every client deserves our best every single day. Whether you are facing misdemeanor or felony charges, the threat to your life and happiness is very real.
Our criminal defense attorneys at Meldon Law provide hard-hitting representation in the defense of your case. Call us at (352) 373-8000 for an attorney by your side who treats you like family.
