When Florida law enforcement charges you with assault, battery, or both, you may feel overwhelmed and uncertain of what to do next. A Florida assault and battery lawyer can protect your legal rights, investigate the circumstances of your arrest, and work to develop a strong defense strategy tailored to your situation.
Many people do not realize that assault and battery are two separate offenses under Florida law, each with its own elements and potential penalties. Speaking with an experienced criminal defense attorney right after an arrest gives you the strongest foundation for a favorable outcome. Call The Umansky Law Firm today to get started.
Under Florida law, assault and battery each address a different stage of harmful conduct. Assault occurs when someone makes an intentional, unlawful threat that leaves another person with a reasonable fear that violence is imminent—even without physical contact. Battery requires physical conduct: intentionally touching or striking another person without their consent, or deliberately causing them bodily harm.
Both offenses carry meaningful penalties even at their most basic level. Simple assault is charged as a second-degree misdemeanor, which can result in up to 60 days in jail, six months of probation, and a $500 fine. Simple battery rises to a first-degree misdemeanor, with potential penalties of up to one year in jail, one year of probation, and a $1,000 fine. A conviction at either level will remain on your criminal record.
When the facts involve a weapon or result in serious injury, the charges rise to felony territory. Florida law classifies aggravated assault as a third-degree felony with a potential prison sentence of up to five years while aggravated battery is a second-degree felony that exposes a convicted person to as many as 15 years in prison. Our assault and battery attorneys in Florida can help you understand what these charges mean and how to approach your defense.
A conviction for assault or battery does far more than lead to jail time and fines. A criminal record can limit your ability to find employment, secure housing, maintain professional licenses, or qualify for financial aid. You may also face damaged personal relationships and the loss of your right to own a firearm if convicted of a felony.
These consequences can follow you for the rest of your life, which is why acting quickly matters. A Florida assault and battery defense attorney can help you explore options such as charge reduction, dismissal, or alternative sentencing. Reach out to The Umansky Law Firm now to discuss the path forward.
One of the most common defenses to assault and battery charges in Florida is self-defense. Florida’s Stand Your Ground law, codified under Fla. Stat. § 776.012, protects the right to use force when a person reasonably concludes that their life or safety is in serious danger. Defense of others and defense of property may also apply depending on the circumstances of your case.
Other potential defenses include lack of intent, insufficient evidence, mistaken identity, and violations of your constitutional rights during the investigation or arrest. If you are facing assault or battery charges in Florida, our lawyers are committed to building the strongest possible defense for your situation. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.
Being charged with a crime is not the same as being convicted, and you deserve a defense team that fights for you. Our attorneys at The Umansky Law Firm understand how disruptive this process can be, and we are committed to guiding you through every step with compassion, skill, and resolve.
A Florida assault and battery lawyer from The Umansky Law Firm can assess your case, explain your rights, and advocate for the most favorable outcome available. Do not wait to seek help. Contact our firm today to schedule your free consultation.
The Umansky Law Firm Criminal Defense & Injury Attorneys
