St. Petersburg Assault Lawyer, Assault Attorney Clearwater

The Morris Law Firm can help and has specific knowledge and experience in Assault and/or Battery defense. Melinda Morris, managing partner of The Morris Law Firm, was a State Attorney, and was responsible for prosecuting a range of very serious Assault and/or Battery Offenses from investigation through trial. As well, Ms. Morris received special training on prosecuting Assault and/or Battery cases from the State of Florida. This inside knowledge is of critical importance and can benefit the defense of your case.

Assault and Battery are actually two distinct offenses, and they can be charged as either felonies or misdemeanors. These offenses are found in Section 784 of the Florida Statutes.

An Assault is:
An intentional, unlawful threat by word or act to do violence to the person of another, coupled with an apparent ability to do so, and doing some act which creates a wellfounded fear in such other person that such violence is imminent. The use of a weapon in conjunction with the Assault can enhance the charge to Aggravated Assault which is a felony offense.

The offense of Battery occurs when a person:
1. Actually and intentionally touches or strikes another person against the will of the other; or 2. Intentionally causes bodily harm to another person. If serious bodily injury occurs, a weapon is used, or the victim is pregnant the charge can be enhanced to Aggravated Battery which is a felony offense.

Domestic Violence is a specialized form of Assault or Battery, and may be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony. The penalties are enhanced, and the consequences are far more serious.

YOU HAVE A VERY NARROW WINDOW OF TIME BETWEEN WHEN YOU ARE ARRESTED AND WHEN THE STATE ATTORNEY’S OFFICE MAKES A DECISION TO FILE A CRIMINAL CHARGE AGAINST YOU. HIRING AN ATTORNEY IMMEDIATELY TO NEGOTIATE ON YOUR BEHALF WITH THE STATE ATTORNEY’S OFFICE GIVES YOU THE BEST CHANCE OF AVOIDING CRIMINAL CHARGES.

Act now to consult with a lawyer and find out how to best protect your rights and future opportunities. Assault and Battery consequences can be far reaching, including but not limited to: negatively affecting your employment, military, or academic status; prohibiting you from attending your child’s school or recreational activities; ineligibility to have your record sealed; and a possible lifetime ban on your right to own a firearm.

You May:

Face Jail or prison time
Face probation and/or community control
Face fines including enhanced surcharges for a Battery conviction
Be required to pay restitution
Be required to attend anger management counseling
Be required to attend substance-abuse treatment
Be subject to random drug testing
Be required to perform community service
Have your employment or military service status negatively affected
Have a permanent criminal record

Potential Defenses include:

Self Defense
Defense of Others
Defense of Property
Mistaken Identity
Performance of Duty and Authority
Constitutional Issues

The Morris Law Firm is dedicated to defending Assault and Battery clients throughout Pinellas County and the entire Tampa Bay Area (St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Hillsborough, Pasco, Manatee, Sarasota, Polk).