Source: https://www.browardcriminalteam.com/violent-crimes/felony-battery/
Timestamp: 2020-01-29 08:53:13
Document Index: 583735006

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 784', '§ 784', '§ 784', '§ 784', '§ 784', '§ 784', '§ 784', '§ 784', '§ 784', '§ 784', '§784', '§784', '§ 784']

Attorney for Felony Battery Arrests in Fort Lauderdale, FL
While a “simple battery” offense is classified as a first-degree misdemeanor, repeat offenses, acts involving the use of a deadly weapon, offenses committed against certain protected classes, or acts that cause great bodily harm, permanent disability, or permanent disfigurement can result in felony charges.
Felony convictions not only involve longer prison sentences and bigger fines than misdemeanor convictions, but they can also have many other long-term consequences for matters relating to employment, housing, and professional licensing.
When a person is accused of any kind of violent crime, he or she may have lawful justifications for his or her actions. Self-defense, defense of another party, or defense of property are three examples of possible defenses against felony battery charges.
If you are facing felony charges for an alleged battery in South Florida, it is in your best interest to exercise your right to remain silent until you have legal representation.
Meltzer & Bell aggressively defends clients accused of violent crimes in communities throughout the greater Broward County area, such as Plantation, Hollywood, Pompano Beach, Davie, Fort Lauderdale, Coral Springs, Miramar, Pembroke Pines, and many others.
Fort Lauderdale criminal defense lawyers Lawrence Meltzer and Steven Bell will work tirelessly to help you achieve the most favorable resolution to your case that results in the fewest possible penalties.
Call (754) 755-8554 today to let our attorneys review your case and discuss all of your legal options during a free, confidential consultation.
Broward County Felony Battery Information Center
When can a person face felony charges for a battery offense?
How someone be punished if convicted of these crimes?
Where can I find more information about felony battery in Fort Lauderdale?
Felony Battery Charges in Florida
Simple battery refers to the first-degree misdemeanor offense defined under Florida Statute § 784.03 in which an alleged offender actually and intentionally touches or strikes another person against the will of the other, or intentionally causes bodily harm to another person. Any second or subsequent battery offense is considered felony battery, a third-degree felony.
Florida Statute § 784.041 establishes that a person commits felony battery if he or she actually and intentionally touches or strikes another person against the will of the other, and causes great bodily harm, permanent disability, or permanent disfigurement. An offense under this statute is also a third-degree felony.
If an individual intentionally or knowingly causes great bodily harm, permanent disability, or permanent disfigurement; or uses a deadly weapon in committing battery, that person can be charged with aggravated battery under Florida Statute § 784.045. Aggravated battery is a second-degree felony.
Chapter 784 of the Florida Statutes also lists several other battery crimes involving specific victims. All of the following offenses involve third-degree felony charges:
Battery of Child by Throwing, Tossing, or Expelling Certain Fluids or Materials — Florida Statute § 784.085;
Battery of Facility Employee by Throwing, Tossing, or Expelling Certain Fluids or Materials — Florida Statute § 784.078;
Battery on Detention or Commitment Facility Staff or a Juvenile Probation Officer — Florida Statute § 784.075; and
Battery on Health Services Personnel — Florida Statute § 784.076.
Each of the following battery crimes listed under Chapter 784 can be reclassified such that simple battery offenses result in third-degree felony charges and aggravated battery crimes become first-degree felony offenses:
Battery by a Person Who is Being Detained in a Prison, Jail, or Other Detention Facility Upon Visitor or Other Detainee — Florida Statute § 784.082;
Battery of Law Enforcement Officers, Firefighters, Emergency Medical Care Providers, Public Transit Employees or Agents, or Other Specified Officers — Florida Statute § 784.07;
Battery on Code Inspectors — Florida Statute § 784.083;
Battery on Persons 65 Years of Age or Older — Florida Statute §784.08;
Battery on Sexually Violent Predators Detention or Commitment Facility Staff — Florida Statute §784.074; and
Battery on Specified Officials or Employees — Florida Statute § 784.081.
Broward County Penalties for Felony Battery
A felony battery conviction can result in very serious immediate and long-term consequences for alleged offenders. Depending on the specific circumstances involved in the case, punishments can include restitution to alleged victims, community service, and required treatment or counseling.
A conviction can also result in one of the following sentences:
Third-Degree Felony — Up to five years in prison and $5,000 maximum fine;
Second-Degree Felony — Up to 15 years in prison and $10,000 maximum fine; or
First-Degree Felony — Up to 30 years in prison and $10,000 maximum fine.
Felony Battery Resources in Florida
Broward Prevention | Violence — Visit this section of the Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) Diversity, Prevention & Intervention (DPI) Department website to access various violence prevention resources. Use this website to anonymously submit a report to the Broward County Public School’s Special Investigative Unit. You can also find a school resource locator and access data and surveys.
BCPS DPI Department
Choose Peace/Stop Violence — Choose Peace/Stop Violence identifies itself as a “county-wide violence prevention collaborative in Broward County Florida, whose vision is for youth and families to thrive in safe and healthy neighborhoods, vibrant with opportunities for personal, spiritual, educational and economic growth.” Visit this website to learn more about bullying, health and model approaches to violence prevention, and prevention strategies. You can also read recent news, learn about upcoming events, and access various downloads.
Find a Felony Battery Defense Lawyer in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Were you arrested in Broward County for any kind of felony battery offense? Do not try to explain your actions to authorities without legal counsel. Contact Meltzer & Bell as soon as possible.
Lawrence Meltzer and Steven Bell are experienced criminal defense attorneys in Fort Lauderdale who represent individuals in Wilton Manors, Weston, Coconut Creek, Tamarac, Sunrise, Hallandale Beach, Deerfield Beach, Margate, and many surrounding areas of South Florida.
You can have our lawyers provide a complete evaluation of your case when you call (754) 755-8554 or fill out an online contact form to receive a free initial consultation.