Source: http://sessalaw.com/crimes/violent-crimes/simple-assault/
Timestamp: 2019-04-18 12:46:07+00:00

Document:
Aggravated Assault is classified as a third degree felony, punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment. Where a firearm is used, the penalties for Aggravated Assault can increase substantially under Florida’s 10-20-Life law.
Where an assault is committed against multiple persons, such an incident will support multiple charges, regardless of whether the assaults occurred as part of a single criminal episode.
Thus, where a defendant drives his car towards two officers in one car, the defendant is properly convicted of two counts of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer. Bryan v. State, 865 So. 2d 677 (Fla. 4th DCA 2004).
In Florida, physical contact or injury is not a required element of assault. Thus, wielding a knife toward another person, is sufficient for an assault even if the defendant never makes contact with the alleged victim.
Source: Banks v. McFarland, Case No. D13-5825, October 13, 2014 (Fla. 1st DCA 2014); H.W. v. State, 79 So. 3d 143 (Fla. 3d DCA 2012); Titsch v. Buzin, 59 So. 3d 265 (Fla. 2d DCA 2011); Perez v. Seigel, 857 So. 2d 35 (Fla. 3d DCA 2003); Johnson v. Brooks, 567 So. 2d 34 (Fla. 1st DCA 1990).
Where circumstances prevent a defendant from imminently carrying out the threatening word or act, an assault does not occur. Thus, a defendant holding a knife in a threatening manner towards a deputy, who was defensively positioned behind a police car thirty feet away, does not commit the crime of assault. Sullivan v. State, 898 So. 2d 105, 110 (Fla. 2d DCA 2005).
In addition to intent on part of the defendant, it must also appear from the circumstances that the defendant had the immediate ability to carry out the threat, and that there was a justified fear that the threatened violence was imminent. Viveros v. State, 699 So. 2d 822, 825 (Fla. 4th DCA 1997).Thus, if the accused is confined in a closed space, or restrained by police officers, an assault does not occur.
On the other hand, where a defendant pulls out a knife and turns toward the alleged victim without taking a step forward, a finding of present apparent ability is proper because, in that scenario, the defendant could have taken a step or thrown the knife at the alleged victim. See Willard v. State, 386 So. 2d 869 (Fla. 1st DCA 1980).
Assault is a serious criminal offense, and an attorney is critical for avoiding or minimizing the harsh consequences of a conviction. If you have been accused of Simple Assault (Misdemeanor Assault), contact Steven Sessa for a free consultation. We handle assault cases throughout Central and Southeast Florida.

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