Source: https://www.litigationsouthflorida.com/criminal-defense/violent-crimes/assault-and-battery/
Timestamp: 2019-04-22 14:51:23+00:00

Document:
When it comes to battery, the thing that most people fail to realize is that the touching does not have to be the typical slap, smack, push, or punch. Simply touching someone without his or her permission in an offensive way or striking something that another person is holding might be considered battery under Florida law.
Assault, while often included with battery in regular discussion, is an entirely separate criminal offense. The fundamental characteristics of an assault crime is the unlawful threat. If someone sees the punch coming, a punch could be chaged as either an assault or a battery, although as a practical matter, the crime is usually charged only as a battery since a touching occurred.
For these reasons, the term "assault" means to place a person in reasonable fear of imminent harm or contact. Reasonable fear of imminent threat means that it is plausible or likely that someone could actually cause you harm. The "reasonable and imminent" portions of the Florida assault statute are crucial.
The Bacchus & Navarro Attorneys represent clients charged with violent crimes such as battery, assault, and domestic violence throughout the Miami-Metropolitan area in Broward County and the surrounding areas of Palm Beach, Collier, Hendry, and Miami-Dade County.
Being considered a "defendant" does not mean you are guilty under Florida law. Talk with an experienced criminal defense attorney who will fight for your best defense and zealously advocate for your charges to be dropped.
Call (954) 500-5555 to schedule a one-on-one with an attorney at Bacchus Law Firm.
What constitutes battery in Florida?
When can a person be charged with aggravated battery?
Who is considered a special victim?
Are there any defenses against assault charges?
Where can I find more information about assault and battery in Fort Lauderdale?
Elements of Battery under § 784.03 Fla. Stat.
the defendant intentionally caused bodily harm to the victim.
If a defendant is found guilty of battery for the first time, then the penalty is generally a first-degree misdemeanor. First-offense battery, upon conviction, is punishable by up to one year in jail and up to $1,000 fines.
If a person commits a battery and has a prior conviction for battery or aggravated battery then the subsequent conviction is charged as a third-degree felony. In Florida, a third-degree felony is punishable by up to five (5) years in prison and up to $5,000 fines.
Battery on Law Enforcement Officer, Firefighter, Etc. § 784.07(2)(b), Fla. Stat.
Aggravated Battery on Law Enforcement Officer, Firefighter, Etc. § 784.07(2)(d), Fla. Stat.
Aggravated Battery on Person 65 Years of Age or Older § 784.08(2)(a), Fla. Stat.
Battery on Person 65 Years of Age or Older § 784.08(2)(c), Fla. Stat.
Battery on Facility Employee § 784.078, Fla. Stat.
the defendant's act created in the mind of the victim a well-founded fear that violence was about to take place.
the defendant assaulted the victim with a fully-formed conscious to comment [an enumerated felony] upon the victim.
Aggravated battery is a second-degree felony under Florida law. The penalty for a conviction is up to fifteen (15) years in prison and up to $10,000 fines.
Attempt – § 777.04(1) Fla. Stat.
Improper exhibition of a dangerous weapon – § 790.10 Fla. Stat.
Assault -- § 784.011 Fla. Stat.
Discharging firearms in public - § 790.15 Fla. Stat.
When the individual is convicted of felony battery, the offense is charged as a third-degree felony. Third-degree felonies are punishable by up to five (5) years in jail and up to a $5,000 fines.
Florida law seeks to protect certain classes of individuals. Punching or striking certain people can cause a simple offense of battery, which is normally charged as a misdemeanor to receive an enhanced sentence and end up being charged as a felony. The following individuals are considered "special victims:"
Aggravated Assault – third-degree felony assault becomes second-degree.
Under Fla. Stat. § 784.011 defines an assault as an unlawful, intentional, threat by act or words, to commit violence against another person coupled with the present ability to carry out the threat.
the defendant's threat created a well-grounded fear in the victim.
The prosecutor may not need to show that the victim was in actual fear in order to convict. Assault is charged as a second-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to sixty (60) days in jail and up to $500 fines.
Assault on Law Enforcement Officer, Firefighter, Etc. § 784.07(2)(a), Fla. Stat.
Aggravated Assault on Law Enforcement Officer, Firefighter, etc. § 784.07(2)(c), Fla. Stat.
Aggravated Assault on Person 65 Years of Age or Older § 784.08(2)(b), Fla. Stat.
Assault on Person 65 Years of Age or Older § 784.08(2)(d), Fla. Stat.
Basic assault becomes felonious assault when the above elements are carried out with the intent to commit a felony or are carried out with the use of a deadly weapon. In addition, intent to kill is not required to prove aggravated assault.
Aggravated assault is a third-degree felony, punishable by up to five (5) years in prison and up to $5,000 fines.
The most common defenses to both assault and battery charges are self-defense and consent. If a person consents to such assaultive conduct like during a wrestling match for example, then a victim cannot later claim assault. Consenting to assaultive conduct also occurs during aggressive sports where such behavior is normal.
Self-defense or defense of others is another defense to assault or battery charges. Florida law allows an individual to match equal force with force. Therefore, if a person is assaulting you, then defending yourself in a manner reasonable to the circumstances may be appropriate.
Speaking with an experienced criminal defense attorney is imperative to clarify the gray areas if you or someone you know has been charged with assault.
784.03 Fla. Stat. – Visit Online Sunshine, the official website of the Florida Legislature to find the full Florida statute for battery, aggravated battery, and related offenses. Also find the penalties, under Florida law, for being found guilty of battery.
If you or someone you know has been charged with a violent crime under Florida law, the penalties can be life-changing. To fully understand how to fight for your rights, it is crucial that you speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney.
We represent clients throughout the Miami-metropolitan area, including Broward County, Collier County, Miami-Dade County, and Hendry County, Florida.
The attorneys at Bacchus Law Firm have years of experience defending people accused of crimes such as a battery, aggravated battery, domestic violence and other violent crimes. Speak with an attorney now for more information.
Our offices are centrally located on Southeast 3rd Ave, in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, just minutes from the Broward County Central Courthouse. If you have been arrested or are subject to investigative procedures in Miami, West Palm Beach, East Naples, or LaBelle, Florida, then contact our firm immediately.
Call (954) 500-5555 for a face-to-face consultation.

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