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Aggravated Battery Charges in Florida: Penalties for Causing Serious Injury and Lawyers
|Last Updated on: 3rd November 2023, 07:11 pm
Aggravated Battery Charges in Florida: Penalties for Causing Serious Injury and Lawyers
Being charged with aggravated battery in Florida is serious business. This offense, which involves intentionally causing serious bodily injury to another person, can lead to harsh penalties if convicted. So what exactly constitutes aggravated battery under Florida law, and what are the potential consequences? Let’s break it down.
What is Aggravated Battery in Florida?
Under Florida Statute 784.045, a person commits aggravated battery when they intentionally or knowingly cause great bodily harm, permanent disability or disfigurement to another person. It’s also considered aggravated battery if the person uses a deadly weapon, or knows that the victim is pregnant.
So in other words, aggravated battery is a more serious form of simple battery. It involves intentionally inflicting severe injury on someone – not just offensive touching. The injuries have to be significant, like broken bones, deep cuts requiring stitches, concussions, etc. And if a weapon or the victim’s pregnancy is involved, that automatically makes it aggravated battery.
Penalties for Aggravated Battery in Florida
Aggravated battery is a second-degree felony in Florida, punishable by:
- Up to 15 years in prison
- Up to 15 years probation
- Up to $10,000 in fines
If a firearm is involved, Florida’s “10-20-Life” law comes into play, which imposes mandatory minimum sentences:
- 10 years if defendant possessed a firearm during the battery
- 20 years if defendant discharged a firearm during the battery
- 25 years to life if discharge of a firearm caused death or great bodily harm
As you can see, aggravated battery charges are not something to take lightly. The potential penalties are severe, especially if a weapon was used.
Finding an Aggravated Battery Lawyer in Florida
If you or a loved one are facing aggravated battery charges, it’s critical that you speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney right away. A skilled lawyer can review the details of your case and build the strongest defense to either get the charges reduced or dismissed.
When looking for a lawyer, be sure to choose someone with extensive experience specifically handling aggravated battery cases in Florida. Check client reviews and ask about their track record dealing with these types of allegations. It’s also helpful if they have good relationships with prosecutors in your jurisdiction.
Potential defenses to aggravated battery include:
- Self-defense
- Defense of others
- No intent to cause serious injury
- Object used does not meet “deadly weapon” definition
- Mistaken identity
- False accusations/fabricated allegations
An experienced lawyer will thoroughly investigate the circumstances and build a strong argument incorporating any viable defenses. The goal is to either get the charges dismissed, reduced to a misdemeanor, or win a not guilty verdict at trial.
The Importance of Legal Representation
Don’t take chances with your future and livelihood. Aggravated battery convictions can ruin your life – resulting in years behind bars, a permanent criminal record, and loss of civil rights. An aggressive defense is needed to protect your rights and freedom.
By having a knowledgeable attorney by your side from the start, you give yourself the best chance of beating these allegations and avoiding a devastating conviction. So don’t delay – call a seasoned aggravated battery lawyer in Florida today to get ahead of the charges.