Battery Lawyer in Miami, FL
Have You Been Hit with a Battery Charge in Florida?
Whether an individual is facing simple battery charges or aggravated battery charges, they are going to need the guidance and knowledge of a Miami battery lawyer. Any type of battery charge in Florida can be serious, and a battery lawyer will be able to act on their client’s behalf to get the charges dismissed or reduced.
If an individual either touches, hits, or strikes another person, there is the possibility that an alleged victim will press battery charges. Depending on the specifics of the crime, a battery charge in Florida can fall under either a misdemeanor or felony classification. No matter the scenario and circumstances surrounding the battery charges, a battery lawyer will give an individual the best chance of having the charges dropped, dismissed, or, in the event they are found guilty, having the penalties reduced.
What Are the Penalties if Found Guilty of Simple Battery Charges?
In the Miami area, simple battery is considered to be a first-degree misdemeanor. An individual can be charged with simple battery by the act of intentionally touching or striking another person against that person’s will or intentionally causing bodily harm to another person. An individual does not have to be injured or hurt in order to file battery charges.
If found guilty of a battery charge in Florida, an individual may have to face one or a combination of the following penalties:
- 1 year in jail.
- 1 year of probation.
- Up to $1000 in fines.
The penalties for being found guilty of aggravated battery are:
- Up to 15 years in jail.
- Up to $10,000 in fines.
What Are Some Defense Strategies an Attorney Will Use for Their Client?
When it comes to defending battery charges, there are a couple of defense strategies that a battery lawyer may use.
They are as follows:
- Battery charges may be dropped if a battery lawyer can prove that their client was acting in self-defense. Of course, the means of self-defense has to be in the form of non-deadly force.
- Charges may also be dismissed if there was consensual contact between the defendant and the alleged victim. This means that both the defendant and the alleged victim knowingly and willingly participated in an activity or event where they knew getting hurt was a possibility.
What’s the Difference Between Simple and Aggravated Battery?
In Miami, a misdemeanor charge can quickly escalate to a more serious aggravated battery charge in the blink of an eye. If a person experiences great bodily harm, then an individual may be subject to aggravated battery charges. Another way that battery charges go from simple to aggravated is if the accused uses a deadly weapon while intentionally touching or striking another person.
When Should a Person with Pending Charges Retain the Services of a Miami Battery Lawyer?
When it comes to filing battery charges in the Miami, FL area, the state prosecutors are only ethically obligated to file charges if they think they can prove the alleged victim’s case beyond a reasonable doubt. This leaves a small window of opportunity for a defendant to retain the services of a battery lawyer. If a defense attorney can provide evidence through their research and investigation and prove to the state prosecutor that their client did not commit battery, then the charges may be dropped.
All assault and battery charges are different, and a quality battery lawyer will investigate and study the particulars of each case to give their client the best chance of having their charges dropped or reduced. If you or someone you know is facing assault and battery charges, whether it is a simple battery or aggravated battery, the best chance you have in the court of law is going to be with a reputable attorney who has extensive experience defending individuals against a battery charge in Florida.
