Aggravated Battery
Battery, as defined by Florida law, is the act of “intentionally touching or striking another person, without that person’s consent; or intentionally causing bodily harm to another person.” A battery charge can be elevated to aggravated battery if the offender committed battery with the intent to cause bodily harm, disability, or disfigurement. Use of a deadly weapon during battery or knowingly committing battery against a pregnant woman can also turn the charge into aggravated battery.
Sometimes a gray area exists between battery and aggravated battery, and if your case falls in this gray area the prosecution may attempt to push for the more serious charge. They may try to capitalize on the claim that you committed the crime with intent to harm the victim, when in reality you may have struck a person by accident or in self defense. The experienced West Palm Beach criminal attorneys of Eric N. Klein & Associates, P.A. will fight to set the record straight so that you are not wrongfully accused of a crime you didn’t commit. Contact us today at 561-353-2800 to schedule a free consultation.
Aggravated Battery Penalties
Aggravated battery is a serious crime, classified as a second degree felony, and may be punishable under the minimum sentences law in Florida. If you are convicted of aggravated battery you will be labeled a felon and will likely face the following penalties:
- Up to 15 years in prison
- Up to $10,000 in fines
- More serious penalties for any future crimes committed, as described under Florida’s 3 strikes law
Defending Your Case
The definition of aggravated battery involves a number of loaded words and phrases that could be twisted in court to justify a more severe sentence, such as “intent”, “bodily harm”, and “deadly weapon”. Even a minor act such as throwing an object in a person’s direction to scare them or deter them from coming closer could be misconstrued as aggravated battery, if the person is hit and the object could be considered deadly.
If you have been charged with aggravated battery, you may be facing a wrongful charge. A criminal defense attorney who knows the details of battery law can determine whether the prosecution has a case against you and can aggressively fight to have weak evidence or testimony discounted to help your defense.
Contact Us
If you have been arrested for aggravated battery, the West Palm Beach criminal defense lawyers of Eric N. Klein & Associates, P.A. can help. We are experienced in assault and battery cases and will fight to defend your rights in a court of law. Contact us today at 561-353-2800 for assistance with your case.
