Helping You Deal With Battery Charges In Florida
In Florida, a violent crime is when someone purposely does bodily harm to another person. Battery is one of the most common types of violent crimes. At The Law Offices of Justin Rickman, we understand that these charges can have serious repercussions on your future. Our team has been aggressively defending the rights of the accused in Clermont and Lake County since 2004.
What Is Battery?
Battery can be charged when someone is accused of making physical contact with another person against their will. Examples include someone punching or striking another person or engaging in physical contact during a disagreement. It is not uncommon for someone to face assault and battery charges concurrently as a result of alleged threats leading to alleged violence in a bar fight or other setting.
Strong Defense Against Serious Battery Charges
Battery is when someone makes intentional, unpermitted physical contact with someone else. If you are facing a violent crime charge, we take the time to look at all the facts of your case and find the defense that best suits your needs. Common defenses we use are:
- You were defending yourself
- You were acting in the defense of others
- You were defending your private property
- You were given consent to touch the other person
No matter the case, we are ready to provide you with comprehensive criminal defense. These charges can carry serious fines and jail time, so it is important to hire a criminal defense lawyer. Our office has the experience necessary to provide excellent criminal defense against your charges.
People often confuse assault and battery; however, they are not the same charge in Florida. You can be charged with battery without committing assault. For example, walking up and hitting someone out of the blue is considered battery because the person hit did not know it was coming and did not allow it.
How Can I Defend Against Battery Charges?
The prosecution must be able to demonstrate that you had criminal intent to do harm. The most common way to defend against battery charges is to show that a defendant either was acting in self-defense, defending others who were in harm, defending their private property or actually had consent to make contact with the accuser. An experienced defense attorney can help move things beyond one person’s word against the other’s and build a strong defense against battery charges.
What Is Assault?
Assault is often confused with battery, or the two terms are incorrectly used interchangeably. Under Florida law, assault is when someone makes threats that leave the recipient fearing imminent harm. Prosecutors will attempt to demonstrate that the accused had criminal intent and planned on actually carrying out the threat. There are a variety of assault charges that can be leveled against the accused, including simple assault, aggravated assault and felony assault. They all require an aggressive defense to avoid the harsh consequences of a conviction.
How Can I Defend Against Assault Charges?
People sometimes say dumb things. It’s a fact of life and can also be an important part of an assault defense. Words said in jest or as a joke should not be construed as worthy of assault allegations. The prosecution must prove that there was criminal intent to follow through on the alleged threat. Showing a lack of criminal intent is crucial to beating assault charges.
Will I Have To Go To Trial?
One of the primary benefits of having an attorney is that these cases can often be resolved prior to going to court. The sooner you have a skilled defense lawyer working for you, the sooner your defense can begin in earnest.
Charged with Battery? We Can Help.
Our goal is to provide you with a strong criminal defense against these serious charges. To set up an initial consultation, give us a call today at 352-269-8652 or contact us online.
