Jacksonville Assault Lawyer

Penalties Exceed Incarceration and Fines

You are probably anxious to get the penalties of assault behind you and resume your life and career. However, you should know that some penalties are not incorporated into the Florida Statutes; they are additional consequences of an assault conviction. 

You could lose your right to own a firearm and vote. If you are looking for an apartment, the rental agent will easily find your conviction and can make a negative decision based on it. If you are looking for a job, a prospective employer can weigh whether a potentially violent crime will affect your job performance and your ability to work with others. If you hold a professional license, you could face suspension or other sanctions, and lenders may deny you a loan due to a conviction.

Why People Choose Our Firm:

• Representation backed by approximately 100 years of combined legal experience
• Award-winning legal counsel
• Free one-hour consultations
  (**Consultation fees may apply to family law consultations.)
• Personalized legal services
• A proven track record of success

Assault can be committed as a crime in and of itself, but is also frequently accompanied by other crimes or aggravating factors such as the presence of a deadly weapon or assault with battery. The penalties and the charges will differ drastically depending on the unique factors present in each case. If you were arrested and are now facing assault charges, speak with a Jacksonville assault attorney from our firm immediately.

Why You Should Choose Our Local Firm

Along with the advantages of experience and a record of successful litigation, our attorneys bring that hometown touch to your defense. We understand what each judge is looking for, and we know our way around Jacksonville courts. We have cordial and respectful relationships with the State’s Attorney and the Assistant State’s Attorneys, which is a clear advantage over any lawyer, no matter how famous, showing up and trying to navigate the local scene.

The Assault Arrest & Court Process in Jacksonville

Once you are arrested for assault and transported to the Duval County Jail, officers will fingerprint and photograph you, search you, relieve you of your personal belongings, including your cell phone, and collect your personal information. If you are carrying a weapon that the police think may have been used to commit the assault, it will be entered into evidence. You will be escorted to a holding cell for up to 24 hours, the time limit for your first appearance before the presiding judge. You may be able to contact your family, and you are entitled to an attorney before you are questioned by officers and before your first appearance at arraignment, where you will enter a plea, and the judge can determine bail.

Discovery, in which the opposing parties seek evidence, is part of pre-trial activity, including hearings to share findings, file motions, and negotiate alternate solutions.

If your case is not dismissed or a plea is not accepted, you will go to trial for a jury to determine your fate. You will be released immediately if the jury finds you not guilty, or face a sentencing hearing within 90 days of the trial.

Common Defenses Against Assault Charges

 Just because you are charged with assault does not mean you have no options. You are entitled to a defense by an experienced and credible assault attorney in Jacksonville. Some effective defenses include:

• You lacked intent to assault the accusing party, who is mistaken
• You did not assault anyone, the accuser is being vindictive
• The accuser is mistaken and you are not the party involved
• You were defending a third party being threatened by your accuser
• Duval County deputies failed to read you your Miranda rights

Never leave your future to chance. The attorneys from the Law Offices of Jason K.S. Porter, P.A., know how to help you.