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Battery and Aggravated Battery

When a person is charged with battery in Florida, he or she could face harsh consequence. Violent crimes are some of the most highly prosecuted, and a conviction could seriously tarnish a person’s reputation. In some instances, the charge could be upgraded from a misdemeanor to a felony offense.

No matter the circumstances of a battery charge, the situation should be taken seriously. If you are facing battery charges, it is important to protect your future. A skilled St. Petersburg violent crime defense attorney can help you protect your image.

St. Petersburg Battery Lawyer

If you have been arrested for battery or aggravated battery in the Tampa Bay Area, contact a St. Petersburg battery defense attorney at Morris Law Firm, P.A.. Our legal team has the skill and the experienced needed to help you combat the charges and get a favorable outcome in your case.

Morris Law Firm, P.A. represents clients throughout St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Pinellas County, Tampa, Hillsborough County and other surrounding counties. Contact Morris Law Firm, P.A. at (727) 592-5885 for a free consultation about battery charges.


Information About Battery Charges


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What is Battery?

Battery in Florida can occur if anyone touches or strikes another person against his or her will or intentionally causes them some kind of bodily harm, according to Florida Statutes § 784.03(1)(a). Battery can involve almost any type of physical contact, including:

  • Slapping
  • Punching
  • Kicking
  • Poking
  • Pinching
  • Biting
  • Pushing
  • Touching
  • Striking
  • Any other type of physical action against another person

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Felony Battery and Aggravated Battery

Under Florida Statute § 784.041(1), a person can be charged with felony battery if he or she actually and intentionally touches or strikes another person against his or her will and causes great bodily harm or permanent disability or disfigurement.

Florida Statute § 316.1933(1)(b) defines great or serious bodily harm as any injury to a person that:

  • Creates a substantial risk of death
  • Causes serious disfigurement
  • Results in impairment or the loss of any limb or bodily organ

A person also can be charged with felony battery in Florida if he or she has one prior battery, aggravated battery or felony battery conviction, according to Florida Statute § 784.03(2).

Florida law also states a person could be charged with aggravated battery if he or she causes great bodily harm, permanent disability or disfigurement, uses a deadly weapon during the commission of the offense or commits battery against a woman the alleged offender knew was pregnant at the time of the offense.


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Enhanced Penalties for Certain Battery Charges

Similar to assault, if the battery offense is allegedly committed against certain classes of individuals, the battery charges can be enhanced to the next degree of battery offense. These classes of individuals can include:

  • School employees
  • Elected officials
  • Law enforcement officers
  • Firefighters
  • Corrections officers
  • Public transit operators and employees
  • Parole officers
  • Code inspectors
  • Sports officials
  • Registered nurses
  • Physicians
  • Probation officers
  • Health service personnel
  • Emergency medical services personnel
  • Paramedic
  • People age 65 or older

For example, if a person commits a misdemeanor of the first-degree battery offense against any of the individuals listed above, his or her charges could be increased to a felony of the third-degree battery offense.


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Potential Penalties

Battery offenses in St. Petersburg can result in serious penalties and repercussions. The suggested statutory punishments for battery and aggravated battery offenses can increase depending on a variety of factors.

For instance, if the alleged offender has a previous battery conviction or criminal history, a deadly weapon was present or used during the commission of the offense, the victim falls into a certain class of people or injury caused was serious, the charge could increase.

A conviction for a battery offense can result in a misdemeanor of the first degree, which is punishable by up to one year in jail, a fine of not more than $1,000 or both. This is the least severe punishment for battery offenses.

A conviction for a second or subsequent battery offense or a felony battery offense can result in a felony of the third degree, which is punishable by a prison sentence up to five years, a fine up to $5,000 or both.

If a person is convicted of an aggravated battery offense, he or she could face a felony of the second degree, which is punishable by a prison sentence up to 15 years, a fine up to $10,000 or both.


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Possible Defenses to Battery Charges

Although a battery or aggravated battery conviction in Florida can result in serious punishments and consequences, the prosecutor first must prove the alleged offender committed every element of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt.

This is a very high burden of proof and can be difficult to meet, as there can be a variety of defenses or mitigating factors that may create doubt in the prosecution’s case. A few of these defenses and factors may include:

  • Constitutional violations
  • Defense of others
  • Defense of property
  • Failure to properly give Miranda Warnings by law enforcement
  • Insufficient evidence to prove charges
  • Lack of knowledge or intent to commit the alleged offense
  • Law enforcement procedural violations
  • Mistaken identity
  • Self defense

If you have been accused of committing battery or aggravated battery throughout the Tampa Bay area of Florida, it is important to hire an experienced assault and battery lawyer who will make every effort to create the best legal strategy to refute the allegations against you.


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Finding A Pinellas County Battery Defense Attorney

If you have been arrested for battery or aggravated battery, contact a St. Petersburg violent crime defense lawyer at Morris Law Firm, P.A. to discuss possible defenses and specific strategies that may exist in your case. Morris Law Firm, P.A. has specific knowledge on both sides of the law and can help you protect your freedom. 

Call Morris Law Firm, P.A. at (727) 592-5885 to schedule a free consultation.

Meet The Attorneys Melinda Morris & Seth Shapiro

Why Choose Our Law Firm?

See the Difference Our Service Provides
  • FORMER STATE PROSECUTOR
    Melinda Morris is a former prosecutor and has handled thousands of criminal cases from investigation through sentencing enabling us to identify weaknesses in the State’s case against you.
  • STRATEGICALLY AGGRESSIVE
    We never settle for the easiest outcome or the typical result. We know how to negotiate with the State Attorney and we will work to get you the best possible outcome.
  • TRUSTED & EXPERIENCED
    Melinda Morris has practiced criminal law for over 20 years. Our clients trust advice that comes from experience in nearly every type of criminal case.
  • PERSONAL ATTENTION
    We will know every client’s story because we will take the time to listen and understand. You will work with your attorney one-on-one at every stage of the process.
  • PROMPT COMMUNICATION
    You will have the cell phone number of your attorney. Your attorney will directly return your call, email, or text to answer your pressing questions.
  • SAME DAY REPRESENTATION
    The government is wasting no time in trying to prove your guilt, a proactive defense is imperative. Prompt and decisive action from your defense attorney is of critical importance.

CLient Testimonials

Hear From Real People We've Helped

At Morris Law Firm, P.A., your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.

    "Look no further than Morris Law"
    Seth Shapiro is the most professional, courteous, caring attorneys I’ve dealt with in all of my 70 years. He did a fabulous job representing me defending me and getting charges dropped. I couldn’t have dreamed of better counsel.
    - Stephen on AVVO
    "100% satisfied with Morris Law Group."
    100% satisfied with Morris law group. Melinda was able to resolve my legal issues with no additional expenses other than my original retainer. I highly recommend this firm for professional and competent representation.
    - Peter R. on Yelp
    "Best legal representation"
    If you want the best legal representation, look no further than Morris law firm. Melinda reassured me from the very first time we spoke over the phone. She is very professional and keeps you updated on the progress of your case. I really liked that I didn’t have to reach out to her Everything was smooth, straightforward and she put my mind at ease. You’ll be in good hands with her. Thank you Melinda
    - Hassan on Google
    "Thanks to The Morris Law Firm"
    Mr.Shapiro helped my case by looking at the police body cam diligently which supported my testimony . He presented evidence to the prosecutor .I hired Seth Shapiro to defend me after a domestic battery charge in which I was wrongfully accused and arrested. My case was dismissed thankfully. .Couldn't have asked for a better outcome. This was an extreme difficult time for me. Seth Shapiro was knowledgeable and compassionate in my case. He followed up with my concerns. I would highly recommend this firm.
    - Melody Z.
    "Goes above and beyond"
    Melinda has represented me on numerous cases and the outcome has always been great. Melinda goes above and beyond to defend your rights and get you the best possible outcome. I highly recommend hiring her.
    - Shasta on Google
    "They closed my case in a very short terms, for what I'm very grateful."
    Morris Law Firm is a very professional and responsive. They closed my case in a very short terms, for what I'm very grateful. Strongly recommend them especially Seth Shapiro. He decreased my case from felony to misdemeanor in short terms and during 6 months my case was totally closed.
    - Elina P. on Google