Ocala Assault and Battery Lawyer
Zealously Standing Up For Your Rights
The police can arrest on probable cause while conviction requires proof “beyond a reasonable doubt.” Unfortunately, all too often people charged with crimes that may fall into these categories fail to secure a lawyer and enter pleas of guilty out of ignorance or fear. If you have been charged with physical violence, it is important that you have an experienced Ocala assault and battery attorney to protect your rights and make sure that you make informed decisions about your case.
At the Law Offices of Jorge Luis Colón, P.A., we have built a reputation for aggressive, high-quality criminal defense representation. We regularly appear in criminal courts throughout the area. We know the law, the procedure and the people involved in criminal cases. We can provide the strong defense you need.
Assault Charges
Assault does not mean that you hit someone, but rather that you threatened, either physically or verbally, to harm someone and that you had the ability to carry out the threat. To convict you of assault, the state must prove the following three elements beyond a reasonable doubt:
- You intentionally and unlawfully threatened, either by word or act, to do violence to someone else.
- At the time, you appeared to have the ability to carry out your threat.
- You created in the other person’s mind a well-founded fear that the violence was about to take place.
Aggravated assault includes the use of a potentially deadly weapon and the fully formed, conscious intent to commit the crime.
Battery Charges
A battery is the unauthorized touching of another person. It is important to note that for a battery charge to be proven, the defendant must have had an intent to touch or strike the person. A battery can be a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the situation.
To prove the crime of battery, the state must prove one of the following elements beyond a reasonable doubt:
- You intentionally touched or struck the other person against his or her will; or
- You intentionally caused bodily harm to the other person.
In Florida, the charge of battery can be aggravated if certain facts are proven, like the fact that the victim was pregnant, the battery was with a weapon or the battery caused harm to the victim.
Contact a Gainesville Violent Crimes Attorney
If you have been charged with any form of assault or battery, the consequences can be severe and life-changing. Contact our office immediately to schedule a free confidential consultation about your situation. Call the Law Offices of Jorge Luis Colón, P.A., at 352-484-1845 or toll free at 888-459-5051, or send us an e-mail.