Assault and Battery
in Palm Beach County
Hire an Experienced Violent Crimes Lawyer in Palm Beach County, FL Kevin has been involved with thousands of cases in Florida.
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Assault and Battery Learn the difference between assault and battery and how to find a trusted assault lawyer in Palm Beach County.
If you’ve been charged with assault or battery, gaining a thorough understanding of the meaning behind your charges as well as the potential consequences is crucial. Learn the details of your charges and the importance of hiring a qualified battery lawyer in Palm Beach County.
Assault and Battery: What’s the Difference?
While the term “assault and battery” is so common the two words may appear to mean the same thing, these two descriptors constitute completely separate charges. The differentiator between assault and battery is physical contact. Assault does not involve physical contact but instead means intentionally threatening harm to another person. This can take place verbally or through physical gestures, but does not involve physical contact.
On the other hand, battery does involve physical contact. While assault causes a well-founded fear that violence may soon occur, battery means someone has touched or stricken someone else without their consent. In some cases, someone may be charged with both assault and battery, if they both threatened and physically harmed another person. Battery is treated as a more serious offense, even when the action itself (like spitting on someone) may not seem as serious.
Potential Charges and Punishments
Assault
If you’ve been charged with assault in Florida, it’s important to understand the different potential charges and punishments you may face and to find a qualified assault lawyer in Palm Beach County to help guide you through the tricky and important legal process.
In Florida, assault is a second-degree misdemeanor. This means being convicted of assault can result in 60 days of jail time as well as a fine of $500 and the possibility of probation. In many cases, the judge will also order anger management or similar counseling. However, in some situations, punishments for assault can be more severe. For example, if the victim of the assault is a school employee, police officer, or similar official, the assault becomes a first-degree misdemeanor and can carry a sentence of up to one year in jail.
In cases of aggravated assault, punishments are greater. Aggravated assault occurs when someone brandishes a deadly weapon while threatening or as a threat to someone. As long as the prosecution can prove the victim was in fear of an attack and that the offender had a weapon, this constitutes aggravated assault. Aggravated assault is a third-degree felony and can mean up to five years in state prison.
Battery
At baseline, battery is a first-degree misdemeanor. If someone has intentionally struck another person against the other’s will or intentionally caused any bodily harm, this is a battery. A first-degree misdemeanor can come with a penalty of up to a year in jail along with other consequences.
As with assault, certain situations escalate the severity of a battery charge. For example, if the offender has previous convictions for battery, the maximum penalty increases. This means that conviction can come with incarceration for up to five years.
Aggravated battery occurs when the offender causes substantial bodily harm or permanent injury or disfigurement. Using a deadly weapon or knowingly attacking a pregnant person also constitutes aggravated battery. In Florida, aggravated battery is a second degree felony, meaning it can result in up to 15 years in prison.
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Kevin Peterford is a former prosecutor and has been on the other side of the courtroom. He has handled hundreds of DUI cases and tried over 30 trials to verdict.
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Peterford Law Top Google-Rated DUI & Criminal Defense Attorney in Palm Beach County
Kevin Peterford is a former prosecutor and has been on the other side of the courtroom. He has handled hundreds of criminal cases and tried over 30 trials to verdict. With his extensive experience in criminal and DUI prosecution, Kevin presents a winning argument every time.
30+ Jury Trials
Kevin has tried over 30 cases to verdict. In 2018 he was recognized for handling the most trials in Palm Beach County.
3+ Years Former Prosecutor
Extensive knowledge of the court system which helps provide clients with the best defense possible.
2000+ Cases Handled
As a former prosecutor and now defense attorney, Kevin has been involved with hundreds of cases in Florida.
Kevin Peterford
If you’ve been charged with a domestic violence crime in Florida, you need solid representation from an experienced criminal defense lawyer. Kevin Peterford can help fight your case, protect your rights, and ensure the best outcome for you.
Finding a Qualified Battery Lawyer in Palm Beach County
With such nuance between charges and the fact that over a decade of jail time could be at stake in addition to fees and other penalties, facing an assault or battery charge is simply too important to leave up to chance. It’s crucial to find an assault and battery lawyer in Palm Beach County to face the court process with as much information and support as possible.
Peterford Law has the expertise and compassion to do the utmost to protect your rights. A Florida lawyer for years and three years as a former prosecutor, Peterford Law has experience from both sides of the courtroom. This experience allows him an inside view into all aspects of the trial process and leaves him well-equipped to support you in your case. With over 1,000 cases handled and the skill and determination to help others protect their rights, Peterford Law is ready to take on your case.
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With more than 30 jury trials and 1,000 cases handled, Peterford Law has the skill, compassion and experience necessary to take on sensitive and difficult situations such as domestic violence charges. Peterford Law is prepared with deep expertise from both sides of the courtroom, and he is fully committed to the needs of each and every client he represents.
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*Results may vary
Contact an Attorney
Kevin Peterford is a former prosecutor and has been on the other side of the courtroom. He has handled hundreds of DUI cases and tried over 30 trials to verdict.