Jacksonville Battery Attorney
What Battery Is & How It’s Prosecuted in Florida
The crime of battery is one of the most common criminal charges that appears in Florida courts. Knowing how battery is defined and prosecuted in Florida can help you avoid battery charges, or if you're already charged with battery, understand what's in store next for your case.
If you're facing a criminal charge such as battery, you should contact an attorney immediately. At the Law Offices of Jason K.S. Porter, P.A., our Jacksonville battery attorney can help you navigate your case.
Fill out our contact form or give us a call at (904) 701-0591 to schedule your free, one-hour consultation about what the crime of battery is and how we can help.
What's the Difference Between Battery and Assault?
Battery and assault are often conflated, but they're actually separate offenses. Here's an easy way to understand the difference:
- Assault occurs when someone fears they'll suffer immediate harm as the result of a threat.
- Battery occurs when somebody is touched or struck against their will and without their consent.
So, if you threaten to splash boiling water in someone's face, you're committing assault. If you actually follow through with the threat and do pour boiling water on someone, you're committing battery.
Florida distinguishes several different kinds of battery and assault. For example, ordinary assault (a threat which makes someone else fear they're in danger of immediate harm) is a second-degree misdemeanor. In contrast, aggravated assault (which involves a weapon used to enhance the threat of violence) is a third-degree felony. Aggravated assault with a firearm is even more serious than aggravated assault and requires a mandatory three-year prison sentence for the offender.
Is Battery a Felony?
It depends. Simple battery is only a misdemeanor. However, the other types of battery we've covered in this article are all felonies.
Generally, misdemeanors have less harsh penalties than felonies, which often carry mandatory fines and prison sentences as punishment. Misdemeanors are also easier to seal or expunge from a criminal record, which obviously has a lasting effect on how severely an offense will impacts a person's life. It's almost always better to be charged with a misdemeanor than it is to be charged with a felony.
To convict someone of a battery, the prosecution must prove they're guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Attorneys commonly use defenses such as self-defense, use of force in defense of property or others, or stand your grand laws to dispute battery charges.
If you're charged with battery, you need to contact a battery defense lawyer immediately. Our Jacksonville battery attorney will work with you to create a personalized legal strategy for your case that leverages your unique circumstances.
Schedule your free one-hour consultation at the Law Offices of Jason K.S. Porter, P.A. Contact us online or by phone at (904) 701-0591 today! **Consultation fees may apply to family law consultations. Pick Porter!™
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Hear From Our Happy Clients
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I unfortunately experienced a terrible accident and was hurt. I reached out to Jason Porter’s law firm, as he has helped my father in the past and is a trusted attorney in my family.
Unfortunately, the process had a slow start due to many moving pieces. Hildy stepped in and things got moving IMMEDIATELY! She is amazing. So sweet, so understanding, so educated and intelligent regarding her position. Because of her, I felt assured and heard.
Thankful to this firm for their hard work and dedication!
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Mr. Porter and his staff are fantastic. They clearly explained the charges, potential outcomes and estimated timelines. They worked closely with me to tailor their services to my unique situation. The entire team demonstrated extensive knowledge of the law, flexibility, and responsiveness. These qualities helped put my mind at ease until they were able to get all charges against me dropped. I would highly recommend this law firm.- P.B.
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I had contacted Mr. Porter’s office after being in a car accident and having no success on my own with the insurance adjusters. Mr. Porter and his entire staff were all very engaged, expedient and supportive while working on my case. Any questions that I had, I could make a phone call and Hildy or Dani would be on the other end making things make sense to me. Ultimately, they delivered a great outcome that I was happy with. It was a huge weight off my shoulders to have the knowledge and support of Mr. Porter and his staff while navigating through the stress of everything that must be handled after a car accident. In the unfortunate event that I find myself in another similar situation, I won’t hesitate to pick up the phone and give them a call back! Thanks for everything!- D.
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I am exceptionally pleased with the outstanding assistance Mr. Porter and his team have provided. Their expertise, dedication, and commitment to my husband’s case were truly remarkable. They navigated the complexities with ease, offered clear and strategic advice, and demonstrated a genuine concern for my family as well as my husband’s best interests. Mr. Porter and his team of attorneys professionalism, coupled with their exceptional communication skills, made the entire legal process smoother and more comprehensible. I am grateful for their remarkable support, and I wholeheartedly recommend their services.- B.M.
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I have worked with Mr. Lorimier and Ms. Adams and they are both phenomenal. They are professional, knowledgeable, and willing to work hard to get the job done. I highly recommend them both.- M.F.
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Many times when you meet attorneys to represent you, there are thoughts that reside in the back of your head...some good and some bad. "Are these guys REALLY going to help me," or "do they REALLY have my best interest," or "can I really trust them?" Those are the many thoughts, plus more, that I had--it did go away after my first initial visit with one of the attorney's at Jason's Porter's law office. For my case, I worked with two different attorneys which included Jason Porter himself. Both of those guys were with me 100% from the beginning, in court, after court, late in the evening by phone calls, text, and emails, it was a great experience. What was consistent and what I valued most is that I got to know both of them, what they like to do in their personal time with family, which felt like I could communicate openly and honestly. My case was a criminal case and because of them, I do not have to be viewed as a criminal. I want to share and express my gratitude for how they have helped me so others can choose Jason Porter.- JW
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