If you are fighting a battery charge, you need The Law Offices of R. David Williams, P.A., in your corner.
Battery Lawyer in Fort Lauderdale
Some people confuse the legal charges of assault and battery. They are separate charges and have important distinctions and differences. Battery is more serious and can become a felony in some situations.
If you are facing battery charges, you need an experienced lawyer on your side to represent you and fight for your interests. Your Fort Lauderdale battery lawyer can examine the details of the case, evaluate the merit of the charges, and build an effective defense strategy.
How Battery Differs From Assault
An assault charge can come when one person simply threatens another person with violence. Battery occurs when the following takes place:
- One person intentionally touches or strikes another person against his or her will.
- One person causes intentional bodily harm to someone else.
- A person uses a weapon to inflict harm to someone else. In this context, a weapon refers not only to guns, knives, etc., but any object with which a person can cause physical harm.
Schedule a free consultation today with The Law Offices of R. David Williams, P.A. to speak with our Fort Lauderdale battery lawyer and explore your potential defense strategies.
Penalties That Come With A Battery Conviction
Battery is generally a first-degree misdemeanor, though it can increase to a third-degree felony in some situations. If the battery is against a legally protected class, the charges will increase in severity. This group includes health care workers, police officers, emergency responders, school teachers, and corrections staff. A third-degree felony battery carries a maximum prison sentence of five years and a fine of up to $5,000.
Aggravated battery is a second-degree felony, and it naturally carries harsher penalties. If convicted, you can serve as many as 15 years in prison and be fined up to $15,000. The battery will be considered aggravated if you use a deadly weapon or if the victim is pregnant. It can also be aggravated battery if you intend to cause great bodily harm, disfigurement, or disability to the other person.
Defenses That Your Lawyer May Use
An experienced Ft. Lauderdale battery lawyer can help you build an effective defense. There are multiple strategies available to fight for a dismissal of your case, or to help you achieve an acquittal or reduced charge.
Your lawyer may first try to prove that you acted in self-defense. Your lawyer will interview witnesses and gather evidence to build such a defense. You could also have an alibi and prove that you were actually not present when the alleged incident occurred or that you were not the person involved. You could also claim that entrapment played a role or that you were intoxicated at the time.
Don’t put your future in jeopardy by going through your battery case alone. The skill of your Fort Lauderdale battery lawyer will be your biggest asset. Take the first step today and schedule a free consultation.