Tampa & Clearwater Assault Lawyer, Battery Attorney

Assault

By Florida law, an assault is an intentional unlawful threat of violence directed at a person by word or action. In order for assault to be assault, the threat must be accompanied by an apparent ability to carry out the threat. Assault is generally a second degree misdemeanor. Aggravated assault is assault with a deadly weapon without the intent to kill or with the intention of committing a felony. Aggravated assault is normally a third degree felony.

Battery

Battery as an offense occurs when a person actually and intentionally touches or strikes another person against the will of the other person or intentionally causes bodily harm to another person. Battery is a first degree misdemeanor except for people who have a prior conviction for any form of battery. If an individual has a prior battery conviction, the charge becomes a third degree felony. Felony Battery is very similar to simple battery except that the intentional contact must cause great bodily harm, permanent disability, or permanent disfigurement. This crime is also considered a third degree felony. Aggravated Battery requires a person to cause, intentionally or knowingly, great bodily harm, permanent disability, or permanent disfigurement through the use of a deadly weapon. Aggravated battery also applies to any situation in which the victim is pregnant and the offender knew or should have known that she was pregnant. Aggravated Battery is a second degree felony.

If you have been charged with assault or battery, contact the Tampa & Clearwater assault lawyers of the Law Offices of Tragos & Sartes, P.L. Their experienced defense team will create a working plan for your defense in order to help to ensure that a conviction for assault or battery does not follow you around for life.