We're Not Afraid of Going to Trial
Sarasota Assault & Battery Attorney
Defending Clients Accused of Assault & Battery in Sarasota County
Are you facing a charge for assault, battery, or both? If you are arrested or accused of any type of crime, the first thing to do is find a qualified attorney to handle your case. At Law Offices of Eric Reisinger, PA, our Sarasota assault and battery lawyer has over two decades of experience, which includes serving as a state prosecutor, so he knows the process from both sides and uses this unique perspective for our client's advantage.
Have you been arrested or accused for assault & battery? Call the Law Offices of Eric Reisinger, PA, today at (941) 541-5335 or contact us online for a free consultation with our skilled assault and battery defense lawyer in Sarasota.
What Are the Assault & Battery Charges in Florida?
Assault and battery are two separate crimes, although they are frequently charged together. Assault is defined as a threat that results in the victim fearing harm. Battery is unwanted touching or contact that causes physical harm. An individual may be charged with both for situations when there is both a threat and unwanted contact.
In Florida, assault charges include:
- Simple assault
- Aggravated assault
- Felony assault
The law also classifies battery charges by similar types, including simple battery, domestic battery, and aggravated battery. An individual may be facing a charge of aggravated battery when it is determined that the person intended to cause serious bodily injury or a deadly weapon was used. When a defendant has a prior battery conviction, this could elevate the charge to felony assault.
Domestic battery is the intentional infliction of physical harm or unwelcomed physical contact with a family member or household member. Examples of domestic battery include slapping, hitting, shaking, biting, burning, and strangling. In Florida, domestic battery is a first-degree misdemeanor and can lead to up to a year in jail and a $1,000 fine.
What Are the Penalties for Assault & Battery Convictions?
If you are charged with assault, battery, or both, it is important to get a lawyer as soon as possible. The consequences you could be facing for a conviction vary, depending on the exact charges. Simple assault is a misdemeanor that carries a potential penalty of one year in jail or on probation and a $1,000 fine. Aggravated battery can result in up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine.
Whether you are facing a simple assault or battery charge, or more serious charges, it is better to avoid a criminal record whenever possible. A criminal history can have a negative impact on your future educational and career goals. For this reason, don’t wait to get in touch with an experienced criminal defense attorney to ensure that your rights are protected.
Assault & Battery Defense Strategies
There are several possible defense strategies that can be used to defend against assault and battery charges. We listen to your side of the story, discuss possible defense strategies, and get to work immediately to defend your rights and prepare the most effective defense for your case.
Some possible defenses include:
- The contact was accidental
- There was no intent to cause harm
- The physical contact was consensual
- Self-defense
- Defense of another person or property
Contact Our Assault & Battery Lawyer Today
The process begins with a free consultation with our assault and battery lawyer in Sarasota to get legal advice for the specifics of your case. For your convenience, same-day appointments are available, and we are available to meet with our clients after hours and on weekends by appointment only.
Additional Reading:
Contact the Law Offices of Eric Reisinger, PA, today to get started on your defense with our Sarasota assault & battery attorney.
Defenses for Assault & Battery Charges in FL
When individuals are facing criminal charges of assault and battery, they may have various legal defenses available to them. While your defense strategy should be tailored to your case specifics, some of the most common defenses include:
- Self-defense. One of the most common defenses for assault and battery charges is self-defense. Individuals have the right to defend themselves from imminent harm. However, it's important to clarify that the use of force in self-defense must be proportional to the threat faced. This defense can be applicable when an individual reasonably believes that force is necessary to prevent harm to themselves.
- Defense of others. Similar to self-defense, individuals may also use the defense of others to justify their actions in an assault and battery case. This defense applies when a person reasonably believes that they need to use force to protect another person from immediate harm or danger.
- Defense of property. In some cases, individuals may argue that they used force to defend their property. This defense typically applies when there is a reasonable belief that force is necessary to prevent the theft or damage of property. However, it's essential to note that the use of force in defense of property must also be proportionate to the threat faced.
- Consent. Consent can be a valid defense in certain assault and battery cases. If the alleged victim consented to the actions that led to the assault or battery, the defendant may argue that their actions were not unlawful. It's important to emphasize that consent must be given voluntarily and with full knowledge of the nature of the actions involved.
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Over Two Decades of Experience
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Former Prosecutor
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Strong Referral Rate from Other Attorneys
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Trusted Reputation with Judges & Prosecutors
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Phone Is Answered 24/7
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Successful Trial Experience
Trust Our Proven Trial Record
We Fight Fearlessly for Our Clients
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Successful Resolution 2019 CF 1401 - Armed Buglary
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Case Dismissed 2018 MM 000354 – Misdemeanor Battery
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Case Dismissed 2018 CF 000323 – Two Counts Felony Battery on a Person 65 or Older
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Not Guilty Verdict 2016 CF 004875 NC – Life Felony Second Degree Murder
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Case Dropped 2021 CF 000518 AX - Felony Aggravated Assault
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Case Dismissed 2018 MM 016449 NC– Misdemeanor Battery
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