Aggravated Battery Defense Attorney in Pensacola, Florida

According to statistics from the Crime in Florida Report, there were 25,848 total arrests for aggravated assault statewide in 2021. In Florida, a person may be arrested and charged with aggravated battery for deliberately causing a severe injury, permanent disfigurement, or disability to another person. Unfortunately, a criminal conviction for aggravated battery may subject the defendant to lengthy imprisonment, massive fines, a criminal record, and other far-reaching, life-altering consequences.  

If you're facing aggravated battery charges or under investigation for committing battery with a deadly weapon, hiring a highly-skilled Florida criminal defense attorney is crucial to help build your case. Panhandle Defense Firm has the resources to fight for your rights when you are charged with aggravated battery. Attorney Tom McGuire can analyze every surrounding detail of your case and strategize a strong defense to help fight your charges and keep your record as clean as possible.  

Panhandle Defense Firm is proud to represent clients across Pensacola, Florida, and surrounding areas throughout Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties, including Fort Walton Beach, Crestview, and Milton.  

Aggravated Battery in Florida

An aggravated battery is a very serious type of battery. It often involves intentional physical contact with another person, which leaves the victim with serious injuries. In some cases, the crime may be perpetrated using a deadly weapon.  

According to Florida law – Florida Statute Section 784.045 – A person commits aggravated battery if they: 

• knowingly or intentionally causes great bodily harm, permanent disfigurement, or permanent disability, or  

• uses a deadly weapon.  

Also, if a person commits the offense of battery against a victim who was pregnant – and knew or should have known that the person was pregnant – the crime will be charged as aggravated assault. 

Battery Defined Under Florida Law

According to Florida law, battery occurs when a person intentionally touches or strikes another person against that person's will or causes bodily harm to another person. Thus, if the battery offense was committed with a deadly weapon or the victim suffered a serious physical injury, the defendant would be charged with aggravated battery. 

Penalties for Aggravated Assault

In Florida, aggravated battery remains a serious crime that usually attracts harsh punishments. A defendant convicted of the offense may face any of the penalties and consequences below: 

• Massive fines and court fees  

• Lengthy imprisonment (ranging from months, years, or even decades)  

• Restitution to the victim  

• A criminal record  

• Mandatory anger management classes  

• Loss of your rights to own, carry or possess a firearm or gun  

• Increased difficulty in getting a job, accommodation, or public assistance  

• Difficulties in getting certain financial loans  

• Loss of voting rights  

• Loss of scholarships and university admission  

• Increased difficulty in traveling abroad  

If you or someone close to you has recently been arrested and charged with aggravated battery, you need to get in touch with a reliable criminal defense lawyer. Your attorney can outline a solid defense to help you avoid or mitigate any of the severe punishments and long-term ramifications of a criminal conviction. 

Possible Defenses to Aggravated Battery

When facing aggravated battery allegations in Florida, your attorney may attempt to fight your charges using any of the following legal defenses: 

• Falsely accused

• Self-defense  

• Defense of property  

• Stand your ground (You didn't do it)  

• Defense of others  

• Mutual fighting  

• Error during the investigation  

• Lack of intent to touch  

• The instrument used wasn't a deadly weapon.  

• Inconsistencies in the evidence  

A skilled Florida aggravated battery defense attorney can identify the best defense for your case in pursuit of the most favorable outcome for your unique circumstances. 

How Legal Counsel Can Help

Trying to defend your aggravated battery accusations without experienced guidance or representation is never advisable and may result in getting convicted. Unfortunately, a criminal conviction or record can jeopardize your freedom, personal reputation, quality of life, career, and future opportunities. When charged with aggravated battery, you need to speak with a highly-experienced and aggressive criminal defense attorney for clear direction and to help strategize your defense.  

Attorney Tom McGuire enjoys protecting clients facing aggravated battery charges from the worst possible situation. Tom can investigate all of the surrounding facts of the case and help refute the allegations against you with factual evidence. In addition, Attorney Tom McGuire can help you navigate the Florida criminal justice system, fight vigorously on your side, and make sure those accusations don't ruin your life.