If you have been charged with battery on a law enforcement officer in Florida then you may have a defense. “Not on the job,” “excessive force,” and “unknown status as a Firefighter or EMT” are all defenses that are oftentimes successful when fighting battery on a law enforcement 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 the “not on the job,” “excessive force” and “unknown status” defenses, or if you want to talk about how to beat your battery on a law enforcement case in Florida, then contact Matthew Williams now for a free consultation.
In Florida, battery on a law enforcement officer is defined under Florida Statute 784.07(2)(b). A person commits the crime of battery on a law enforcement officer when they touch or strike a law enforcement officer against their will, or when they intentionally cause a law enforcement officer bodily harm.
Battery on a law enforcement officer is a third-degree felony, meaning it is punishable by up to five years in prison, or up 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 battery on a law enforcement officer then you will lose constitutional rights and you’ll have to deal with many other collateral consequences.
Criminal convictions, especially convictions for battery-related charges that involve law enforcement victims, 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 battery on a law enforcement officer in Florida and they need effective representation, then contact Matthew Williams now for a free consultation.