Key Largo Battery Defense Attorney

Dedicated Battery Lawyers Defending Against Allegations of Unlawful Contact in Key Largo, FL

People who are accused of violent crimes may face multiple types of criminal charges, including assault and battery. While battery charges may be based on accusations that a person took actions that led to injuries to someone else, this offense may also be based on physical contact that did not result in injuries or serious harm. Understanding how to address battery charges and defend against a criminal conviction can be difficult, especially for someone who has been involved in an emotional confrontation, which is why legal representation from a skilled attorney can be essential in these situations.

At Keys Criminal Defense, PLLC, our lawyers work with clients to defend against charges of battery or other violent offenses. We can review what happened during an incident and provide guidance on the ideal defense strategies. By challenging the accusations made against our clients, raising legal defenses, and advocating for their rights, we can help resolve criminal cases while minimizing the effects that they may have on a person and their family.

When a Person May Be Charged With Battery

The offense of battery generally involves intentional actions taken to touch or injure someone else. Allegations of striking, slapping, or touching someone against their will or intentionally causing an injury may lead to charges of battery. The definition of battery is broader than many people may expect, since it does not require an alleged victim to suffer a visible injury, and minor contact without significant force could lead to criminal charges. A punch, a shove, or even poking someone in the chest could be considered battery if the contact was intentional.

A person who is charged with battery for the first time will typically face first-degree misdemeanor charges. If they are convicted, they could be required to serve a sentence of up to one year in jail, as well as a possible fine that may be as high as $1,000. A previous conviction for battery could cause a subsequent offense to be charged as a third-degree felony, and a conviction could lead to penalties that may include a fine as high as $5,000 and a prison sentence lasting as long as five years.

Battery by Strangulation

If a person has allegedly taken actions that could put someone at risk of harm due to choking or disruption of blood flow, they may face more serious charges of battery by strangulation. Putting someone in a chokehold, intentionally strangling them, or taking other actions that prevent them from breathing normally due to pressure on their neck or throat could lead to felony charges. In these cases, battery may be classified as a third-degree felony, even if it is a person's first offense.

Felony Battery

Charges of battery may be classified as felonies if they allegedly led to serious injuries. Striking someone or taking other actions that led to an injury may lead to charges of felony battery if the victim allegedly suffered great bodily harm or was permanently disabled or disfigured. This offense is a third-degree felony, and it may apply if a person intended to touch or strike someone, and their actions allegedly led to great bodily injuries.

Aggravated Battery

While felony battery generally involves intentional contact without the intent to cause a serious injury, a person who intentionally inflicted great bodily harm on someone else could be charged with aggravated battery. This offense may also apply if a person allegedly used a deadly weapon while committing battery. Aggravated battery is typically charged as a second-degree felony, and the penalties for a conviction may include a sentence of up to 15 years in prison and fines that may be as high as $10,000.

Defense Strategies for Battery Charges

Our attorneys can help clients determine their best options for defending against battery, felony battery, or aggravated battery charges. The strategies we may use include:

• Self-Defense: A person is allowed to use a reasonable level of force to protect themselves against harm due to the actions of another person. While a person may be accused of making contact or injuring someone else, they may have done so in response to that person's aggressive or threatening behavior. Our lawyers will take steps to show that the level of force our client used was reasonable and proportionate to the threat they faced.
• Challenging the Severity of Injuries: In felony battery or aggravated battery cases, our attorneys can take steps to show that our client did not cause great bodily harm or that the alleged victim did not suffer a permanent disability or disfigurement. We can review medical records, photographs, and expert testimony and argue that an alleged injury does not meet the requirements for felony charges.
• Mistaken Identity: Some charges of battery may be based on incorrect identification of suspects. When a fight took place in a crowded setting like a bar, a concert, a party, or a public event, witnesses may identify the wrong person as the aggressor. Our lawyers will gather evidence that can be used to show that our client did not commit battery, such as security camera footage or videos captured on witnesses' phones.
• Challenging Intent: Battery charges must be based on intentional actions. Our attorneys may argue that contact was unintentional or that our client had no intent to inflict injuries or cause any other form of harm.

Contact Our Key Largo, Florida Battery Lawyers

Depending on what happened during a specific incident, battery charges could range from misdemeanors to serious felonies. At Keys Criminal Defense, PLLC, our lawyers can review the evidence in a case and determine which defenses may be available. We will build a strong defense on our client's behalf as we work to prevent a conviction for battery and minimize the consequences that could affect their life. Contact our Key Largo, FL battery defense attorneys at 305-324-7888 to arrange a free consultation.