Assault is taken very seriously in the State of Florida. Whether you are facing a Misdemeanor or a Felony charge, you are also facing the potential for jail or prison time and a permanent record as a violent offender. Such a reputation can impact your ability to maintain or secure employment, gain access to educational opportunities, or even your ability to take advantage of constitutional rights to bear arms or vote.
With the help of a criminal defense Attorney from Leifert & Leifert, however, you could rest assured knowing that we will work tirelessly to pursue the most favorable outcome possible in your particular case. If you or a loved one has been charged with simple assault or aggravated assault, you may stand to benefit from the help of a Lake Park assault Lawyer.
Consequences for Assault
In Florida, assault is classified as an individual and separate crime from battery. According to Florida Statutes §784.011, 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,” or creating reasonable fear in the mind of another person that you are about to commit such an act.
According to that same statute, such actions should be charged as second-degree Misdemeanors. If convicted on such a charge, you could face a 60-day jail sentence and fines of up to $500 in value.
Depending on the nature of the assault and the circumstances surrounding the event, assault can be charged as a felonious act and therefore carry more severe penalties. Per Fla. Stat. §784.021, the use of a deadly weapon without the intention to kill the other individual or an assault with the intention to commit a felonious act can be charged as aggravated assault, which is a third-degree Felony.
Aggravated assault can result in imprisonment for up to five years plus fines of up to $5,000 in value. This charge also carries a mandatory minimum prison sentence of three years, making the retention of a qualified Lake Park assault Attorney potentially crucial to your future wellbeing.
How an Attorney Could Help
In many cases, assault arises from events beyond your control. Therefore, there are many possible defenses to an accusation of assault, including but not limited to:
- You acted in self-defense
- You were defending your property
- You were defending a third party from the alleged victim of the assault charge
- There was a miscommunication regarding actual or implied consent
- You did not have the intent to cause harm or fear
- There was no immediate harm stemming from your actions
- The alleged victim provoked you
With these possible circumstances in mind, there are many justifiable reasons for someone responding violently to a situation that are not criminal in nature. A Lake Park assault Lawyer could work tirelessly to help you explain the conditions of the alleged assault and pursue a positive result to your case.
Contact a Lake Park Assault Attorney Today
If you were charged with simple or aggravated assault, you may be concerned about the legal and financial consequences should you be convicted. Reach out to a Lake Park assault Lawyer as soon as possible so our legal team can start investigating the circumstances surrounding your case and get to work devising a strong and effective defense strategy. Call Leifert & Leifert today to schedule your free initial consultation with a member of our team.
