If you have been charged with aggravated battery on a pregnant victim then you may have a defense. “Stand your Ground,” self-defense, defense of others, lack of intent and lack of knowledge that the alleged victim was pregnant are all defenses that are oftentimes successful when fighting an aggravated battery on a pregnant victim case. 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 how to beat your aggravated battery on a pregnant victim case in Florida, contact Matthew Williams now for a free consultation.
In Florida, aggravated battery on a pregnant victim is defined under Florida Statute 784.045(2)(b): A person commits an aggravated battery on a pregnant victim in Florida when they:
- Intentionally and knowingly touch or strike a pregnant victim against their will;
If you simply touch someone you know is pregnant against their will then you can be found guilty of aggravated battery on a pregnant victim and sentenced to a mandatory prison sentence, even if the person was never injured.
Aggravated battery on a pregnant victim is a second-degree felony, meaning it is punishable by up to 15 years in prison, or up to 15 years of probation and up to $10,000 in fines (you can also get a jail or prison sentence followed by probation, but the total length of the punishment cannot exceed 15 years). In addition to facing jail time, if you are adjudicated guilty of aggravated battery on a pregnant victim, then you will never be able to remove the conviction from your permanent record.
Felony convictions carry severe consequences and the collateral consequences are far-reaching. 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.