Charged With Assault or Battery? Get an Orlando Assault & Battery Lawyer Who Makes Sure Your Side Is Heard.

It depends on whether the charge is a misdemeanor or a felony, how complex the evidence is and whether the case goes to trial. Your first consultation is free and confidential, and we'll explain our fee in writing before you decide anything.

Assault (Florida Statute § 784.011) is an intentional, unlawful threat of violence that creates a well-founded fear of imminent harm — no physical contact is required. Battery (§ 784.03) is actually and intentionally touching or striking someone against their will, or intentionally causing bodily harm. You can be charged with assault without touching anyone, and with battery without saying a word.

Often, yes — though no attorney can promise it. Charges can be dropped or reduced when the evidence shows self-defense, when video or witnesses contradict the accuser, when a Stand Your Ground immunity motion is granted, or when the State simply can't prove every element. The earlier you hire an attorney, the more options you have.

Aggravated battery (§ 784.045) is a second-degree felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison, 15 years of probation and a $10,000 fine. If a firearm was involved, Florida's 10-20-Life law (§ 775.087) requires a 10-year minimum for possessing it, 20 years for firing it, and 25 years to life if the shot causes death or great bodily harm. A guilty or no-contest plea to aggravated battery can't be sealed or expunged, even with adjudication withheld.

Yes. Florida law (§ 776.012) lets you use reasonable force when you reasonably believe it's necessary to defend yourself or another person against imminent unlawful force. If you're somewhere you have a legal right to be and not engaged in criminal activity, you have no duty to retreat. Self-defense can be raised at a pretrial immunity hearing and again at trial.

Stand Your Ground (§§ 776.012, 776.013 and 776.032) removes the duty to retreat and makes a person who lawfully uses or threatens force immune from prosecution. Your attorney can ask a judge to decide immunity before trial. Once you make a prima facie showing, the State must prove by clear and convincing evidence that you aren't immune. If the judge grants immunity, the charges are dismissed.

Simple battery carries up to 1 year in jail, but many first-time cases resolve without jail through pretrial diversion, a reduced charge, probation or a dismissal. The outcome depends on the facts, any injuries, your history and the strength of your defense. We'll give you an honest assessment once we've reviewed the evidence.

Yes. Even a second-degree misdemeanor creates a criminal record that shows up on background checks and can affect jobs, housing, professional licenses and immigration status. An attorney can often negotiate a dismissal, diversion or a withhold of adjudication that keeps a conviction off your record — outcomes that are much harder to get on your own.