If you have been charged with aggravated assault then you may have a defense. Self-defense, conditional threat, idle threat and unreasonable fear are all defenses that can be presented when fighting an aggravated assault case. Attorney Williams can also have your case dismissed at a “Stand your Ground” hearing. Even if you don’t think you have a defense, you should always speak to an attorney to make sure you have a full understanding of how the law applies specifically to your case. If you want to know more about these defenses, or if you want to speak to a lawyer about how to beat your aggravated assault case in Florida, contact Matthew Williams now for a free consultation.
Aggravated assault in Florida is defined under Florida Statute 784.021. A person commits an aggravated assault when they intentionally and unlawfully threaten another person while in the commission of a felony, which creates a reasonable fear that violence or harm is imminent.
Aggravated assault is a third-degree felony, meaning it is punishable by up to five years in prison, or up to five years of probation and up to $5,000 in fines (you can also get a jail or prison sentence followed by probation, but the total length of the punishment cannot exceed five years). In addition to facing prison time, if you are adjudicated guilty of aggravated assault then you will lose a number of constitutional rights and you will never be able to remove the felony conviction from your permanent record.
*If the victim in an aggravated assault case is a law enforcement officer, firefighter or EMT, then the charge will be reclassified from a third-degree felony to a second-degree felony, meaning it will be punishable by up to 15 years. There is also a three-year mandatory minimum sentence for anyone convicted of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, firefighter or EMT.
Criminal convictions, especially convictions for violent charges, carry severe consequences and can never be removed from your criminal record. If you are convicted of a felony you will lose your right to vote, your right to own firearms, and your ability to maintain certain business licenses. You can also lose your ability to receive financial aid, your ability to live in certain places and your ability to obtain a passport.
If you need an attorney who will advise you, fight for your rights, and do everything possible to protect your future, or if someone you know has been charged with aggravated assault in Florida then, contact Matthew Williams now for a free consultation.