Aggravated Assault / Battery

Aggravated Assault and Battery Charges in Florida

Depending upon the circumstances of the case, an aggravated assault or battery charge can lead to serious consequences, including significant time in jail.  In the state of Florida, the crime of “assault” involves making an intentional and unlawful threat that places another person in reasonable fear of violence or harm.  When an individual assaults another person using a deadly weapon or with the intent to commit a felony, the assault is considered to be an “aggravated assault” which carries far greater fines and penalties than a simple or misdemeanor assault.  

The crime of battery occurs when a person actually and intentionally strikes or touches another individual against the individual’s will or intentionally causes bodily harm to the individual.  If a person uses a deadly weapon or intentionally causes permanent disability, disfigurement or great bodily harm, the battery will be considered an “aggravated battery” which is a felony crime that can lead to much harsher punishments than a simple battery charge.  Additionally, in the state of Florida, both battery charges and assault charges can be reclassified and elevated when the victim falls into certain categories, including firefighters, emergency medical care providers,  law enforcement officials and public transit employees who are victimized while in the course of their official duties.

Florida Assault and Battery Attorney Aggressively Defending Clients in Aggravated Assault and Battery Cases

If you have been accused or charged with aggravated assault or aggravated battery, you need to have a skilled criminal defense attorney who can protect your rights and guide you through the legal system.  Attorney Mitchell Polay has over thirty years of experience defending clients facing all types of felony and misdemeanor charges.  He understands just how overwhelming and frightening the criminal justice system can be and he will provide you with individualized attention and support throughout each phase of your criminal case.  

When you work with Mitch Polay, he will thoroughly review and investigate your charges to identify all possible defenses that may be available to you.  Under Florida’s “Stand Your Ground Law,” individuals have the right to use force to protect themselves, their property and other people from aggressors.  Moreover, unlike earlier self-defense laws, which required an individual to attempt to retreat before using force, the Stand Your Ground Law does not have a retreat requirement and individuals are justified in using deadly force if they have a reasonable belief that such force is necessary to prevent imminent death, great bodily harm or the commission of a forcible felony.   In addition to self-defense under the Florida’s Stand Your Ground Law, other defenses may be available to you, including that the threat was conditional, the fear was unreasonable in an assault case, that the “victim’ consented to the contact or you lacked sufficient intent in a battery case.

Discuss Your Case with an Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you have been charged or arrested for aggravated assault or aggravated battery in Florida, you need to be represented by a skilled criminal lawyer.  Mitch Polay is a first rate criminal defense attorney who has decades of experience fighting for the rights of individuals facing all types of criminal charges.  He knows the ins and outs of criminal law and will do everything he can to protect your freedom and your reputation.