Choosing a Lawyer if You’re Facing Aggravated Battery Charges in Florida

If you have been arrested or are under investigation for aggravated battery in Florida, you are facing one of the most serious charges in the state’s criminal justice system. The penalties are steep. A conviction can mean prison time, major fines, a permanent criminal record, and a lasting impact on your future.

The first step in fighting your aggravated battery charges is choosing the right lawyer who knows how to approach the courts and give you a more favorable outcome. The attorneys at Morris Law Firm have decades of experience handling serious criminal charges. If you’re looking for an experienced aggravated battery lawyer in St. Petersburg, FL, Morris Law Firm offers free, confidential consultations.

Understanding Aggravated Battery Under Florida Law

Under Florida Statute § 784.045, aggravated battery involves more than just physical contact. It includes a higher level of harm or the use of a weapon. A person can be charged with aggravated battery if they:

• Intentionally touch or strike another person against their will and
• Cause great bodily harm, permanent disability, or permanent disfigurement
• Use a deadly weapon
• Knowingly commit battery against a pregnant victim

This is a more serious offense than simple battery, which is typically a misdemeanor. Aggravated battery is classified as a violent felony. Morris Law Firm's criminal defense lawyers understand your case isn’t just another case but the future of your life and we’ll work to give it back to you.

Is Aggravated Battery a Felony or Misdemeanor in Florida?

Aggravated battery is always a felony in Florida. It is a second-degree felony, which carries the following potential penalties:

• Up to 15 years in Florida state prison
• Up to 15 years of probation
• Up to $10,000 in fines

If a firearm was used, the penalties may increase significantly under Florida’s 10-20-Life statute. The law requires:

• A 10-year mandatory minimum sentence for using a firearm during the commission of a qualifying felony
• A 20-year sentence for firing the firearm
• A 25-year-to-life sentence if the firearm is discharged and causes death or great bodily harm

In these cases, judges have limited discretion, and the law mandates the sentence regardless of the circumstances. If someone was seriously injured or killed, the offense may also be reclassified and carry a potential life sentence. Your attorney will have to approach your defense in a very thorough and attentive way, and that calls for the right professional legal help.

Potential Consequences of an Aggravated Battery Conviction

A conviction for aggravated battery does more than result in a prison sentence or fine. It can create long-term consequences that affect every area of your life.

Criminal Penalties

• Aggravated battery is classified as a second-degree felony in Florida, punishable by up to 15 years in state prison. Sentences typically include a minimum mandatory term of 21 months unless a judge finds grounds for reduction.
• Convicted individuals may face up to 15 years of probation following incarceration.
• Court-ordered restitution to the victim for medical bills, emotional trauma, and other damages is common.
• Fines can reach up to $10,000, with additional court costs and fees.

Criminal Record and Loss of Civil Rights

A felony conviction remains on your criminal record permanently. In Florida, you may also lose:

• The right to vote
• The right to serve on a jury
• The right to own or possess firearms
• Eligibility for sealing or expungement in most cases

Employment and Housing

Many employers run background checks and may refuse to hire individuals with violent felony records. A conviction can also prevent you from holding or renewing professional licenses in fields such as healthcare, education, law, and real estate. Landlords may deny rental applications based on your criminal history.

Immigration Consequences

If you are not a U.S. citizen, a conviction for aggravated battery can lead to serious immigration problems. You may face deportation or be found inadmissible to the United States, even if you are a lawful permanent resident. In the current immigration climate, you may be detained for extended periods of time or outright deported if you aren’t legally prepared.

Domestic Violence Enhancements

If the alleged victim is a spouse, former partner, family member, or someone you live with, the court may classify the incident as domestic violence. This can lead to additional penalties including:

• Mandatory no-contact orders
• Court-mandated counseling programs
• Loss of custody or visitation rights
• Ineligibility for certain plea agreements

What to Do After an Arrest for Aggravated Battery

Your actions immediately after an arrest can have a significant impact on the outcome of your case. If you are arrested or think you are under investigation:

1. Do not speak to police or investigators without a lawyer present.
2. Do not post about the incident on social media or discuss it with friends or family.
3. Write down everything you remember about the incident, including names of witnesses and any potential evidence.
4. Preserve any evidence that may support your defense, such as photos, videos, or text messages.
5. Contact an aggravated battery criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.

The sooner you have legal representation, the better your chance of building an effective defense strategy.

How to Choose the Right Defense Lawyer for Your Case

Not every criminal defense lawyer has the background needed to handle a violent felony like aggravated battery. When choosing a lawyer, look for someone with:

• Specific experience defending aggravated battery cases
• Knowledge of Florida’s sentencing enhancements, such as 10-20-Life
• Familiarity with the local courts, judges, and prosecutors in Pinellas County
• A history of success at trial and in pre-trial negotiations
• The ability to identify and challenge weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence

Consider how well the attorney communicates. You need someone who is clear about your options and explains what to expect at every step.

Important questions to ask include:

• Have you handled aggravated battery cases similar to mine?
• What were the outcomes?
• What defenses do you see based on the facts of my case?
• Will you personally handle my case, or will it be passed to someone else?

Why Choose Morris Law Firm for Aggravated Battery Defense?

At Morris Law Firm, we are dedicated to defending clients charged with serious crimes, including aggravated battery. We bring experience, preparation, and persistence to every case. If you ask us any of the above questions, we will give you a strong answer. We know what it takes to get the favorable outcome our clients deserve and we’ll do everything in our power to secure it. 

We take the time to investigate each case thoroughly. That includes:

• Reviewing all police reports, surveillance footage, and witness statements
• Interviewing defense witnesses
• Consulting forensic experts when necessary
• Identifying potential defenses such as self-defense, defense of others, or mistaken identity
• Filing motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence
• Negotiating to reduce or dismiss charges when possible, but preparing for trial when necessary

We understand that a felony conviction can impact your entire future and even lead to jail time. That’s why we work hard to protect your rights and pursue the best possible outcome. Everyone in Florida deserves to have their day in court with the right legal team, and at Morris Law Firm, we will work hard to defend your rights.

Contact Our St. Petersburg Defense Team Today

If you or a loved one has been arrested for aggravated battery, it’s important to get experienced legal help immediately. Morris Law Firm represents clients in St. Petersburg and throughout Pinellas County who are facing serious violent crime charges.

Contact us today at (727) 592-5885 to schedule a confidential consultation.

The choices you make now can protect your future.