Gainesville Criminal Defense Lawyers
Two college kids getting into a fight outside a bar may not seem like a serious criminal offense. However, in Florida it is called "affray" and can result in a misdemeanor charge. In addition to facing fines, possible jail time and probation, you would end up with a lifetime criminal history if you are convicted. Every time you apply for a job, you would have to disclose the arrest and conviction to your employer.
With consequences like these, you should never plead guilty or not contest to any criminal offense before speaking to an attorney. At the law firm of Schackow Mercadante & Edwards in Gainesville, Florida, we offer a free initial consultation to evaluate your case.
Violent Crimes in Florida
Assault and battery-related offenses can range from misdemeanors to felonies, depending on the extent of physical harm and whether a weapon was used:
- Assault is the threat of violence against another person. You do not have to carry out the threat to be charged.
- Battery is any unwanted touching. Punching someone, shoving someone and flicking someone's ear are all crimes of battery. A third battery is charged as a felony, even if no serious injury was caused.
- A parent who causes physical harm to a child such as bruises or welts can be charged with child abuse.
- Aggravated battery is striking someone with a weapon. Any object from a stick to a beer bottle to a gun can be considered a weapon.
- Domestic battery and domestic assault involves married couples, two family members or two people in a relationship.
Our lawyers defend people charged with murder, manslaughter and vehicular homicide.
Defenses in Assault and Battery Cases
There are many defenses in assault and battery cases. One is that you were defending yourself or another person. Assault and battery cases can also be hard for the state to prove, as many of the people involved, including witnesses, tell different stories.
For many misdemeanor offenses, our lawyers can seek deferred prosecution and pre-trial diversion, which means we can resolve your case without a criminal conviction.
Free attorney consultation: Contact Schackow Mercadante & Edwards in Gainesville, Florida, to talk to a lawyer about your assault and battery case.
